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One of BMW’s Most Cherished Enthusiast’s Models Just Got Better By Two-Fold

Double the grip, but you can still choose the “more fun option” if you really want it.

Front view of a gray BMW M2 with a German license plate parked on a cobblestone surface.BMW USA
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By Chris Chin

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The BMW M2 almost just lost its exclusive use of rear-wheel-drive and the availability of a six-speed manual. The Munich-based automaker was set to launch a new M2 variant with xDrive all-wheel drive later this year.

Some thought that spelled the end of the rear-drive model. But now, we’re learning from AutoCar that BMW will sell the variant alongside the conventional M2.

Rumors originally suggested BMW M was going to replace the rear-wheel-drive-only M2 with an xDrive variant. That rumor, however, appears to be false.

A choice of poison to pick from

Light blue BMW M2 coupe driving on a winding mountain road under a clear blue sky.
The BMW M2 is set to gain an all-wheel xDrive variant.
BMW USA

As newer BMW models launched over the past several years, growing bigger and more luxurious than ever, purists, sports car enthusiasts and brand aficionados all flocked to the M2. That’s because fans perceive the M2 as the closest thing to BMW’s original “ultimate driving machine” ethos.

To that end, its proponents consider it to be the closest modern equivalent to some of BMW’s past greatest hits. Many liken the M2 to the original E36 and E46 M3 because of its smallish proportions and potent six-cylinder power.

BMW M series manual gear shift knob with carbon fiber center console and control buttons.
Don’t worry, you’ll still be able to get a manual-equipped M2, but only in rear-wheel-drive form.
BMW USA

Most notably, the M2 is the only car available in BMW M’s portfolio with an optional manual transmission. It’s also the only BMW left in the entire lineup exclusively available in rear-wheel drive.

So, when fans got wind of a potential new xDrive variant, they obviously voiced a huge uproar. Mainly, out of fears that the xDrive model could replace the rear-drive one. But such is not the case.

Silver BMW coupe driving on a two-lane road with mountainous landscape in the background.
The incoming M2 xDrive will sell simultaneously next to the rear-drive version as an option.
BMW USA

The new, inbound M2 xDrive variant will arrive in dealers globally, including the US, later this year. It will sell as an optional choice, alongside the rear-drive car.

But the all-wheel version comes with a big catch.

No third pedal with the all-paw variant

Gray BMW M2 coupe parked on a cobblestone driveway near a modern concrete building with green trees in the background.
BMW purists like the M2 to being the closest thing to some of M’s past greatest hits.
BMW USA

Sadly, like many other all-wheel-drive variants, if you were hoping to score a three-pedal M2 xDrive, you’ll be sorely disappointed. The all-wheel M2 will be strictly available with a ZF eight-speed automatic only.

So, if you want a manual-equipped M2, you’ll have to opt for the rear-drive model. Which, isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

Light blue BMW M2 coupe parked on a road with mountains and a large cactus under a cloudy sky.
Because of its smallish size, rear-wheel drive six-cylinder power and optional manual, fans liken the M2 to being a modern E36 or E46 M3.
BMW USA

Although BMW didn’t yet specify the reasons for the M2 xDrive, it’s likely to make it appeal to a broader audience. Giving the M2 xDrive not only adds all-weather capabilities, it can also improve performance.

Despite adding gear, which also increases weight, the main benefit to all-wheel-drive is better traction. Especially in acceleration and handling, and those performance benefits could outweigh (no pun intended) the slight increase in mass.

White BMW M4 coupe with gold wheels driving on a lit racetrack at night.
Rumors say the new M2 xDrive will get a power boost to the M2 CS’s level to compensate for the extra weight.
BMW USA

To compensate for the extra mass, however, reports suggest the new M2 xDrive could see a slight bump in output. The 3.0-liter turbocharged “S58” inline-six will remain largely the same, though output could see an increase to 523 horsepower.

That’s the same output as the more extreme M2 CS, which is considerably more than the current car’s 473-pony figure.

About the Author: Chris Chin is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, trucks and anything else with four wheels. He has over a decade of experience writing news and reviews but considers himself an enthusiast first, with a passion for classics and European cars. His daily driver is a 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL with nearly 250,000 miles (87,000 are his).

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