If you feel like the BMW M3 and M4 have gotten too large or polarising for your tastes, the upcoming 2022 BMW M2 may be just the ticket.
While other BMW 2 Series models have shifted to a front/all-wheel drive platform, the coupe is staying rear-wheel drive and an M2 will continue to top the range.
The coupes are expected to use a shortened version of the CLAR platform underpinning, among other vehicles, the BMW 3 Series.
A reveal is likely for the regular 2 Series coupe this year.
We’ve seen spy photos of the 2 Series coupe before but this is our first look at the M2, which stands out with its more aggressively flared guards and quad exhaust outlets.
As the manual transmission lives on in the M3 and M4, we expect the M2 to continue to offer one.
Whether BMW will continue to offer a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic is unclear, particularly as BMW moves away from DCTs.
The M3 and M4, for example, now use an eight-speed torque-converter automatic.
Under the bonnet, the M2 will likely continue to offer a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine.
It’s rumoured to see its output increased to 335kW, or 4kW more than the M2 CS that currently sits atop the range.
It still gives the M3 and M4 some breathing room, however, with those models producing 353kW of power from their twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six in base guise and 375kW in Competition models.
While it’s a different beast underneath, the 2 Series will feature a very similar interior design to the front/all-wheel drive 2 Series Gran Coupe and related 1 Series hatchback.
Expect the M2’s cabin to differ from the regular 2 Series pictured above through the use of sportier front seats and greater use of Alcantara and carbon fibre.
It seems likely the production models will resemble the leaked photographers published last year, which revealed rather handsome front and rear end styling.
The M2 appears to be mercifully free of the 4 Series, M3 and M4 models’ plunging grille that’s more double coffin than double kidney.
MORE: BMW M2 news and reviews
