The next-generation BMW M2 has been shedding more of its camouflage ahead of its expected reveal later in 2022.
Based on the new, second-generation 2 Series coupe, the BMW M2 instantly sets itself apart from the regular model with its swollen wheel arches and more aggressive front and rear ends.
In standard guise, it will reportedly have more power than the current M2 Competition, which produces 302kW and 550Nm from its 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline six-cylinder engine.
The outgoing regular M2, last seen here in 2018, puts out 272kW and 465Nm.
The new M2 Competition is rumoured to see its output increased to 335kW or even 365kW, with a six-speed manual transmission also expected to continue.
This level of power in the new Competition puts the larger M3 and M4 in the M2’s crosshairs. They both put out 353kW and 550Nm in base, manual guise, with the Competition models pumping out 375kW.
Unlike the M240i xDrive that’ll head the local 2 Series range, the M2 is expected to remain rear-wheel drive.
From the front the grille shown on this M2 prototype has less camouflage on it. Its slimmer, almost rectangular twin grilles are an integral BMW design cue, and we can see the M2 has been spared from the polarising kidney grille found on the M3 and M4.
Below the grille is a wide air intake, with side air intakes flanking it. These were all previously covered in camouflage on previous prototypes.
The headlights are still partially obscured by camouflage but they look like production-ready units.
Behind this prototype’s wheels are cross-drilled brake rotors and blue-painted brake calipers while, down back, there are a set of quad exhaust outlets with a concealed rear diffuser, as well as a discreet rear lip spoiler.
The tail lights on this M2 prototype are still covered in camouflage and it’s unclear if these are fake prototype units or production-ready ones.
We’ve previously seen that the M2 will receive a “curved dash” like the i4 and iX, which feature a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch touchscreen in one housing.
BMW will offer regular Australian-spec 2 Series models on the other hand with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
Pictured: Previous M2 prototype
Prototypes of the M2 Competition have been previously spied and can be distinguished by their carbon bucket seats, as well as a different wheel design and slightly larger exhaust outlets.
The regular 2022 BMW 2 Series coupe range was revealed in July 2021 and the first Australian examples were said to have touched down in January 2022.
The Australian range kicks off with the rear-wheel drive 220i which costs $59,990 before on-road costs.
Above this in the current two car line-up is the all-wheel drive M240i xDrive which starts at $89,990 and features a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six petrol engine producing 285kW of power and 500Nm of torque.
The M2, like the 2 Series, shares a version of the 3 Series and 4 Series model’s CLAR platform.
At the moment the M2 has no direct rivals. Mercedes-Benz doesn’t have a two-door coupe this small, while the Mercedes-AMG CLA45 features four-door coupe styling but all-wheel drive.
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MORE: Everything BMW M2
