BMW’s M division is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and with that, we are waiting for not just the G87 M2 but also the first M-powered SUV, the XM. tAlso, an M-powered wagon is waiting to join the line-up later in June 2022, the M3 Touring. So, while we are eagerly waiting for the full-fat M2, BMW teased us with many camouflaged photos of the prototype in Salzburgring, a 2.6-mile racetrack in Austria. Additionally, they have revealed a lot of specs for the upcoming M2, which we will discuss thoroughly.

The exterior design of the M2 will be very similar to the M2 lite, or the M240i launched back in 2021, with a lot of aggressive bodywork borrowed from the M3 and the M4. That is good news because the M2 will cancel out the weird-looking massive kidney grilles from its elder brothers but will have a broader intake grille, side vents, and a front bumper spoiler. In addition, the prototype shows that the body of the M2 will be sportier and wider-looking than the current M240i. The M division’s engineering VP, Dirk Hacker, has confirmed that the dimensions of the 2023 M2 will be bigger than the M2 lite.

The same S58 engine from the M3 and M4 will be part of the upcoming M2. However, the 3.0-liter twin-turbo straight-six will pack more power and torque than the outgoing M2. As a result, we can expect about 420 horsepower output, with two transmission options; a six-speed manual or an eight-speed DCT. But there is a catch. Unlike the M3 and M4, which can be optioned with the xDrive AWD system, the upcoming M2 will be only a rear-wheel-drive car. Also, the brakes and the 19-inch wheels are borrowed from M3, and the M4, as seen in the teased images. However, BMW will not offer optional carbon-ceramic brakes with the coupe.

The interior features are next to note. The new M2 will be the first M performance coupe with curved displays and modern graphics. So there will be a 12.3-inch driver information display and a 14.9-inch infotainment display, just like the new 3 Series. In addition, the prototype displays the dashboard design, and we like it. Following the M2 launch, BMW will hopefully bring updates to the existing M3 and M4 with some cabin tweaks, especially the dashboard. As for the seats, the new M2’s cabin will come fitted to the standard M Sport seats, like its elder brothers, but will also be offered optionally with the M carbon seats.

We feel that the upcoming BMW M2 will be an instant hit, not because it will pack more punchy performance, but also for the improved driveability on both the road and track. So is this the ultimate M2 of all times? Let us know in the comments below.