Revealed: the new 2022 BMW M2 (artist’s impression by Avavarii)
The new BMW M2 will launch in autumn 2022
► New 2022 BMW M2 revealed► 3.0-litre turbo six, rear-drive
► On sale September from £60k
2002’s simplicity, a straight-six engine, rear-wheel drive… You can see it as a pumped-up version of the new M240i, or a junior M4 – and now we’ve got more pictures of the M2, including snaps of it in Performance trim.
The new pictures show the M2 with less camo than before, and also reveal a good amount of styling details. It seems Munich has gone all out for its latest M-model, with both an altered front spoiler and headlights setting the M2 apart from the 2-series.
As you’d expect, Munich has also pumped up the entire car, with a wider track and wheels giving the M2 a little more presence than the standard car.
What about the M2 Performance?
However, it’s the M2 Performance that really has our attention. At the rear you’ll find a curious pyramid stack of exhaust, as well as a rear wing that has more than a whiff of CSL Hommage concept car about it. Or Max Power.
More camo means there’s less to see at the front, but if the rear’s anything to go by, we’re expecting something on the more extreme side.
You can read more about the forthcoming BMW M2 below.
Next BMW M2: everything you need to know
It shares its chassis with the M240i xDrive, which is in essence a downscaled 4-series coupe. The extended wheelbase improves stability compared to the previous 2-series, while 20-inch wheels and M Sport suspension will make a tangible difference to grip and handling.
Expect a vocal quad-tipped exhaust, bulging arches, a more ground-hugging stance than the M240i and a generous rear diffuser. Our artist’s impressions, by Andrei Avavarii, are based upon intel from spy photos and sources within M division at Garching outside Munich.
New BMW M2: rear-drive or xDrive AWD
The M2 will leave the factory in Mexico with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard but a Steptronic eight-speed auto will once again be offered. Entry-level cars are rear-wheel drive (and the multi-stage DSC includes the popular drift analyser) but, like the M3 and M4, it’s expected to be available with xDrive all-wheel drive later.
We hear the new M2 matches the 444bhp CS version of the Mk1 M2 for power and torque. At an estimated 1715kg it’s no lightweight, but it is 85kg lighter than the base M4, so its unofficial target 0-62mph time of 3.9sec is right on the money.
Prices are likely to start around £60k. Extra money buys lightweight seats and a smaller suede-wrapped steering wheel. A track pack, bringing carbon-ceramic brakes, is likely to be an extra.
What about a successor to the M2 Competition and CS?
Harder-core BMW M2 derivatives exist in the plan, but insiders don’t expect the Competition much before 2024. If the CS, likely to follow a year later, adopts the 473bhp engine of the least potent M4, it can retain the clutch pedal. But if it plumps for the 503bhp version of the 3.0-litre straight-six, all-wheel drive and the eight-speed self-shifter are a must.
CAR understands there’ll be an all-electric version of the M2, called the iM2. You can read more about the iM2 here.
Keyword: New BMW M2: fresh pictures of fast, furious junior M4