With a new BMW 2-Series expected towards the latter half of 2021, we expect the unveiling of the high-performance M2 the following year. Earlier, our spies snapped what we believe to be an M2 prototype undergoing winter testing. A similarly spec’d M2 has now been spotted testing on the streets of Munich, as well as hooning around an ice track in Sweden.
The BMW M2 Coupe is set to continue the
tradition of being an enthusiast-focused sports car with power to match. Unlike
the 2-Series Gran Coupe, this car will not be front-wheel drive. Instead, based
on the CLAR platform, the 2-Series Coupe and M2 Coupe will feature
longitudinally-mounted engines available in rear-wheel drive and perhaps even
an AWD option. The latter may be expected for the M2, with a mode to send all
power to the back wheels. A manual gearbox has previously been suggested to
feature in some markets as well.
Those of you who have been left
underwhelmed with the industries’ pivot towards four-cylinder sports cars may
be pleasantly surprised with the M2. While we expect lower rung 2-series cars
to sport four-bangers, there’s a strong likelihood that the M2 will feature an
inline straight-six. The expectation will be that the M2 carries a de-tuned
rendition of the current generation M3’s 3-liter straight-six turbo.
Design is still kept under wraps, but
leaked images of a 2-series coupe last year suggest that the production model
will sport smaller grilles than what we’ve become accustomed to on
new BMWs. And, judging by the disguise, the M2 is likely to avoid the
buck-toothed look of the M3 and M4. Other subtle styling cues observed on the
prototype are wider haunches than the earlier-spied 2-Series, a quad-exhaust
layout, and different external mirrors.
