The ultimate M2 and, thus, 2-Series has arrived. A more track-ready, tire burning sports car, the 2019 BMW M2 Competition is powered by the S55 twin-turbo 6-cylinder engine from the BMW M3 and M4.

The M2 Competition’s turbo six has been tuned to pump out 405 hp between 5,230 and 7,000 rpm and 406 lb-ft. of torque between 2,350 rpm and 5,230 rpm, which is an extra 40 horsepower and 63 lb-ft. over the standard M2. It can be paired with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, allowing the M2 Competition reach 60 mph (96 k/h) from a standstill in 4.2 – and 4.0 seconds, respectively.

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Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph (249.50 km/h), though it can be raised to 174 mph (280 km/h) with the optional M Driver’s Package.

Other performance goodies include a dual exhaust system with electronic flap control that helps deliver the distinctive M sound, the BMW M3 and M4’s CFRP high-precision strut, and larger disc brakes. The electromechanical power steering, Active M Differential, and Dynamic Steering and Stability Control systems have all been enhanced.

Inside, the BMW M2 Competition comes equipped with new M Sport seats with a very supportive, bucket-style shape that borrows heavily from motorsport, while the headrests are integrated into the seat back rest. The backrest features an illuminated M2 logo, and the black leather upholstery boasts design perforations (available in either blue or orange) in the seat and backrest.

The center console houses selector switches that allow instant control of settings for the engine, steering and Drivelogic functions. The driver can combine the various configurations in whichever way he prefers and stored for easy access using the M1 and M2 buttons on the steering wheel.

The BMW M2 Competition goes on sale in summer 2018.

BMW is the latest premium automaker to offer a subscription service for its vehicles. Like “Care by Volvo” and “Book by Cadillac” service, the German automaker’s “Access by BMW” gives you free access to a wide selection of vehicles for a flat monthly rate.

BMW’s subscriptions service is available at a two tiers — Legend and M — that provide members with unlimited access to a diverse range of cars and cover all maintenance, insurance, BMW Roadside Assistance costs, and vehicle depreciation. The base “Legend” tier commands a 2,000 monthly rate and lets your choose from BMW’s standard vehicles, including plug-in hybrid models and even the M2, while the more premium, $3,700 per month “M” tier serves the rest of the M lineup, including the new M5, the X5M and X6M, on a silver platter. There’s no limit to how often you can switch cars.

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Members use an app to book a car, after which a concierge personally delivers it most closely matching the member’s convenience. Cars arrive freshly detailed and fully-fueled, with personal preferences already pre-set.

Ian Smith, CEO of BMW Group Financial Services USA and Region Americas, stated:

“As customers continue to explore the growing mobility market, service-related offerings are becoming more in demand. With Access by BMW, our members will enjoy the freedom of personal mobility with access across a broad range of our highly emotional vehicles” said “Subscription-based services are of emerging interest for our customers, and we’re excited to be offering a mobility service to meet their individual and evolving needs.”

BMW is testing the program with a pilot in Nashville, Tennessee. If successful, Access by BMW will be expanded to the company’s dealers nationwide and additional tiers allowing access to even more models will be added.

BMW has been a household name in the executive car market for decades, and the BMW 5-Series is a major reason why. Now in its seventh-generation, BMW’s mid-sizer is better than ever.

Available in both saloon and touring guise, the latest 5 series adopts a clean design that many consider on evolution of the previous model’s, making an understated yet stately statement wherever it goes. It’s a handsome vehicle, but one that probably won’t turn heads.

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The interior, like the exterior, has a clean and simple design that gets the job, offering superlative build quality, refinement and sophistication for the segment and everything else you could possibly want it in a car. High points include BMW’s new gesture control system that premiered in the 7 Series, a 10.25-inch high-resolution infotainment screen with an touchpad controller for the class-leading iDrive system, a self-parking system, passive entry, Apple Carplay, glorious-sounding premium audio systems and a massage function for both front and rear passengers.

While the overall design of the 5 Series will leave some prospective buyers wanting more, it’s driving dynamics definitely won’t. It feels sportier than the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Audi A6 with which it competes. It doesn’t roll in the corners as much as the other two and delivers sharper, more responsive steering.

With the optional adaptive dampers equipped, it handles very well, but not at the sacrifice of handling. In fact, I dare say it handles better and is more comfortable than the Merc, which is an impressive feat of engineering.

The M550i xDrive ups the ante, bridging the gap between the regular 5 Series and the performance-tuned M5 by delivering better performance — power and acceleration, notably — than the previous generation M5.

And then there is the new M5, a car that’s faster than many modern supercars and arguably the current king of the performance saloons,. Enough said…

Blake Wilkinson from for one is senamoured with the latest 5, stating:

“The 5 Series really is the best the saloon market has to offer, it combines powerful and efficient engines with luxury and technology usually found in cars far more expensive than this. It’s the kind of car that’s suited to every lifestyle.”

And we can’t help but to agree. As a premium executive saloon, the seventh-generation BMW 5 Series does seem to offer everything — a stately design, sophisticaed interior and amentities and unmatched overall performance. Do the E-Class and A6 really have anything substantial on it?