What you’re looking at is a BMW M2 test mule with no visible exhaust pipes that was spotted driving around a test track in Sweden. The mystery test mule looks like it’s hiding a full battery-electric powertrain, something that’s further reinforced by the sticker on the bootlid, indicating that BMW is working on a high-performance EV that could even become the first electric M model.
There’s really no information about what
BMW is testing here, but the high-performance nature of the pictured test car
is betrayed by those massive carbon-ceramic brakes. The mule also features a
different bonnet with no less than three rows of louvers and a trunk with a
bigger and more pronounced integrated spoiler.
The belly of the test mule also appears to
be completely flat and extended, leading up to the rear diffuser that’s devoid
of the quad exhaust pipes an M2 would usually feature. BMW is using the current
M2’s body to hide the true nature of the model, but there’s no doubt that
whatever is under there is going to be fast. Speaking of fast and M2s, the
popular M model is set to return with a new generation, with camouflaged
prototypes spotted during testing on a few occasions, demonstrating their rear-wheel
drive platforms.
The next M2 is probably going to borrow
the M3/M4’s turbocharged inline-six engine again, most likely tuned for less
power so as to not disturb the balance within the BMW M lineup. The new model
will be offered with both a manual and an automatic transmission. So far
prototypes of the M2 show that they won’t share the beaver-teeth grille of its
bigger brother, but the jury is still out on its design.
