2027 BMW M2 adds AWD option, in Australia later this year

BMW Australia has confirmed the M2 Coupe will add an all-paw xDrive variation with quicker acceleration and new ignition tech to comply with incoming Euro 7 emissions standards.

The 2027 BMW M2 Coupe M xDrive is available to order now ahead of deliveries scheduled for the fourth quarter of this year (October-December), priced from $133,100 plus on-road costs – or $5000 more than the existing rear-wheel drive version.

Power comes from the same 3.0-litre 'S58' turbocharged inline-six producing 353kW of power and 600Nm of torque. The xDrive exclusively offers an eight-speed 'M Steptronic' automatic transmission, and quotes a 0-100km/h time of just 3.7 seconds – or 0.3s quicker than the rear-wheel drive model.

M xDrive uses an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch to variably distribute the M2's torque between the front and rear axles to optimise traction and performance, though in keeping with BMW M's ethos it's claimed to maintain a "pronounced rear-wheel-drive character.".

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BMW says the M2 Coupe M xDrive actually spends most of its time in RWD mode "under normal driving conditions", with the front axle only engaging "when additional traction is required". Further, drivers can tailor the M xDrive system through the M Setup menu.

The other headline act is the M2's new M Ignite Technology, which is BMW's patented pre-chamber ignition system "designed to increase combustion efficiency and support compliance with forthcoming European EU7 emissions standards".

A dedicated pre-chamber with its own spark plug initiates combustion at higher engine speeds and "greater performance loads", which is claimed to accelerate combustion, improve efficiency and help to prevent uncontrolled combustion known as "knocking".

BMW says the end result is that drivers can "maintain performance for longer while consuming less fuel", particularly under sustained high-performance driving such as track use.

The M Ignite system is augmented by further enhancements to the M2's powertrain, including a higher compression ratio and variable turbine geometry for the turbochargers, which BMW claims improves responsiveness by broadening the M2's torque curve and reducing turbo lag.

Beyond the technical and mechanical changes to commence production from August 2026 at BMW's San Luis Potosí plant in Mexico, the BMW M2 range will offer an expanded range of exterior paint finishes.

Headlining the widened palette is the pictured BMW Individual Borusan Turkish Blue, which forms one of six BMW Individual paint options for the M2 Coupe, bolstered by five standard metallic paint finishes and a further three solid colour options.

The M2 Coupe M xDrive effectively carries over the standard M2's spec sheet, headlined by adaptive M suspension, M Compound braking system, M Drive Professional and M Sport seats.

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