Coming Soon: 2022 BMW M2

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The next BMW M2 will be powered by a circa 300kW version of the 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine shared with the M3 and M4

An all-new BMW M2 coupe is currently in development at the brand’s M Division. The new model will be the second generation of BMW’s compact performance coupe and our image shows how it could look.

Along with an aggressive redesign, the new M2 is likely to get a less powerful version of the same 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine used in the latest M3 saloon and M4 Coupe. It’ll also get a host of mechanical tweaks and upgrades over the regular 2 Series, including a wider track (the distance between the left and right wheels) and adaptive dampers to improve the handling.

The new car will be unveiled in 2022 with an expected price over $100,000. Direct rivals will include the Alpine A110, Porsche 718 Cayman, Audi RS 3 and Mercedes-AMG A 45.

While BMW has given the latest M3 and M4 an oversized kidney grille design, it’s thought the M2 will retain a smaller version. The front of the car will still be significantly different to separate it from the regular 2 Series; expect a more angular nose with a muscular front bumper and deeper, chiselled air vents. The wheel arches will be flared to accommodate the car’s extra width and there will be vents on the front wings wearing the M badge. At the back, the signature ‘M car’ quad exhaust system will feature alongside a new rear diffuser.

Unlike some rivals, BMW will not be downsizing the M2’s engine; it will almost certainly be powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder petrol engine. This is already used in the X3 M and X4 M SUVs, as well as the latest M3 saloon and M4 coupe.

The M2 will get a less powerful version of this engine to avoid overlap with the more expensive M models. The base M2 model will have around 300kW, with a more potent M2 Competition getting around 320kW. As per recent form from BMW Australia, only the flagship Competition spec is likely to be sold locally.

To help separate it from the M240i xDrive, it’ll retain the rear-wheel-drive layout of the old car and will be offered with a choice of a six-speed manual gearbox or an eight-speed automatic.

To enhance its handling, BMW’s M Division will give the new flagship model a wider track and stiffer suspension. An M Sport rear differential will improve traction and adaptive M Sport dampers will be on the options list.

The interior is likely to benefit from a substantial upgrade over the regular 2 Series coupe in the form of BMW’s new dual-display iDrive infotainment system. This setup houses the digital dial cluster and main screen in a curved housing, joining them together as one ultra-wide seamless display.

The M2 will get the latest M Division design cues, with the two-tone bucket seat design already seen in the latest M3 and M4. An M-specific steering wheel will house a pair of red M mode buttons, which can be linked to customised vehicle mode settings allowing the driver to switch between different driving modes at the touch of a button.

Ben Hodges

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