We know from the recent spy shots that BMW is hard at work applying the finishing touches to the upcoming M2. Test mules have been spotted around Munich but also dashing through the snow in Sweden, which means a debut should happen by the end of 2021. Here’s what the new BMW M2 might have in store for us.
2022 M2 - Engine and drivetrain
Purists can rejoice because the M2 will remain rear-wheel-driven, despite that fact that the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe can now be had in a more affordable front-wheel-drive flavor.
BMW has been coy on details about electrified versions of the M2, but rumors say a 48V mild-hybrid variant could be offered later in the model’s lifetime. As for an all-electric BMW M2, well, it’s simply too early to jump to speculation. One thing’s for sure, though: the new M2 will be the last of its kind, and a future generation will inevitably harness the power of electrons in one way or another.
The current M2 can be had with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and until further notice from BMW, we believe the new car will also offer both. With the mention that the automatic will get an extra gear, for better sync with the M3/M4-borrowed powerplant.
2022 M2 - Design
That said, there’s not much to talk about in the design department but having a closer look at these pictures we can see how the next M2 is going to be longer, lower, and a bit more streamlined than the previous generation.
There’s also stuff we can’t see: the Hofmeister kink, the grille, or the headlights’ shape. Speaking of the grille, we’re betting on a normal-size, non-bucktooth design as seen in the M3 and M4 for a simple reason: the compact frame of the M2 will simply be in too much contrast with a large grille, basically offsetting the whole balance of proportions. Then again, we never know what design surprises BMW might have in store.
Price and availability
The new BMW M2 could make a debut this year with a market launch set for early 2022. In the US, the 2021 BMW M2 Competition starts at $58,900, but the new model is likely to demand a tad more, probably around $60,000-$62,000. Pricing would then go up as BMW churns out lighter, more powerful versions.