The BMW M2 gains all-wheel drive for the very first time with the second-generation (G87) model – the regular G42 2 Series is already offered with AWD. Set to go on sale in late summer 2026, the new M2 with M xDrive follows in the footsteps of its larger siblings – the M3, M4 and M5 – that have already gained AWD previously. According to BMW, the M xDrive system features an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch in the transfer case to split power between the front and rear wheels. The system is fully variable and rear-biased by default, with power sent exclusively to the rear wheels in normal driving. However, when the system detects that the rear wheels are overwhelmed, it brings the front wheels into play. Of course, drivers can enter the M Setup menu to force the car into 2WD mode, at which point DSC is deactivated and the system becomes purely rear-wheel drive. Also part of the driveline is an Active M Differential, which distributes drive fully variably between the rear wheels so you can pull off impressive drifts. The AWD and Active M Differential are linked to a standard M Steptronic eight-speed automatic transmission. This is paired with a S58 3.0 litre twin-turbo inline-six petrol engine rated at 480 PS (473 hp or 353 kW) and 600 Nm of torque, which are figures as per the M2’s update for the 2025 model year. The German carmaker says the S58 gets BMW M Ignite technology, which is a new pre-chamber combustion process that it patented. This will be rolled out to all inline-six engines from BMW M from mid-2026 (basically now) and helps reduce fuel consumption under high loads as well as ensuring the engine meets the EU7 standard. “The lower fuel consumption under high loads brought about by BMW M Ignite technology will be particularly appreciated by customers who like to use their car on track days, allowing them to keep lapping for longer with the same amount of fuel,” the company said in its release. The improved efficiency doesn’t come at the expense of performance, as the M2 with M xDrive will accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds, which is 0.3 seconds faster than the RWD-only variant. Similarly, the run from 0-200 km/h is 0.1 seconds faster at 12.8 seconds. Top speeds are identical though as 250 km/h, or 285 km/h with the optional M Driver’s Package. BMW didn’t talk about the design of the M2 with M xDrive much, likely because there’s really not much to it. The new car looks identical to the RWD-only version outside and inside, although the latter does have the aforementioned M Setup menu with M xDrive modes. The company did say that the M2 is now available in five metallic and three solid colours, including a hue called that BMW Individual Borusan Turkish Blue that is being offered for the model for the first time. Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro. Use the promo code 'PAULTAN' when you checkout for 10% discount!