We recently published our reviews of the brand-new 2023 BMW M2 last night. They are available here and here. Even though we brought out the G87 M2’s lack of an xDrive all-wheel drive, there is still some uncertainty around the matter. So, let me tell you what happened. There are no plans to provide the G87 BMW M2 with all-wheel drive, according to BMW engineers and management. That holds true for both the 2023 model set for debut and all following models through M2’s lifecycle’s conclusion.
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The last non-electric vehicle that BMW M will introduce, the second-generation M2, is almost set to be revealed. There will be rear-wheel drive and manual and automatic transmissions available, as well as all-wheel drive, according to an unconfirmed report.
An internal paper that describes the xDrive all-wheel-drive technology in the G87-generation M2 was published by a user going by the name of Tag in a post on the enthusiast forum Bimmerpost. The system’s parts are listed, including a chain-driven transfer case that, under normal driving conditions, distributes the engine’s torque equally between the front and rear axles but has the ability to send up to 100% of the power to either axle in an emergency.
The legitimacy of the document has not been established, and BMW has not responded to the report. However, the thought of an all-wheel-drive M2 is not entirely absurd. The basic shell of the new 2022 2 Series is already set up to accept additional components, including as a front axle, as it is available with xDrive all-wheel drive. Additionally, for the first time, all-wheel drive is offered on the Competition versions of the most recent M3 and M4 vehicles.
Power and torque will come from a variation of the 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged straight-six engine that powers the aforementioned M3 and M4, whether they are sent to two wheels or all four. Unofficial estimates place the six’s horsepower rating at around 450, a significant increase above the original M2’s 365 horsepower. BMW promised the model would provide performance on par with the M2 CS.
BMW will provide all of our answers when it debuts the upcoming M2 (seen in the image) in October 2022. Beginning in April 2023, deliveries will begin.
Gallery: First Drive of the 2023 BMW M2 Prototype
The highest transmissible torque of the BMW AWD system, according to the leaked document, is 959 pound-feet (1,300 Newton-meters). The fact that this figure is significantly higher than what is anticipated for the new M2 in stock form will likely please the tuning businesses. Or, to put it another way, once the model goes on sale, there will be adequate room for performance enhancements.
The M xDrive on the new M2, code-named G87, will feature five distinct driving modes spanning a wide range of driving circumstances, much like on the M4 according to the paper. Only when the rear wheels are unable to maintain enough traction and more tensile force is needed, does the mechanism engage the front axle. According to BMW, the car “behaves predictably” in all situations, including when driven aggressively.
Do you like the concept of an all-wheel-drive M2? Let us know in the comments section below. However, keep in mind that this leaked paper is not necessarily a proof that the new M2 is coming with an AWD before you get into the “I will never buy an M2 with xDrive” or “the M2 xDrive is the only one I’d buy” discussion. Although it is a strong hint, nothing is certain as of yet. As a last point, let us remind you that BMW offers a six-speed manual transmission as standard equipment and an optional eight-speed automatic transmission with the sports vehicle.
The Technical Information System lists the BMW M2 with M xDrive AWD.
Since forever, the M2 has been rear-wheel drive. However, a high-performance version of the Bavarian coupe may appear with xDrive by 2023.
M xDrive has three settings that allow for individual personalization when dynamic stability control is disabled. Rear-wheel drive is the most thrilling of the group, even if it may appear foolish to some people.
Why does BMW allow me to choose an AWD with RWD mode while pure RWD is lighter and therefore more maneuverable? These folks undoubtedly drive home the point, but on the other hand, all-wheel drive is in extremely high demand worldwide, including in the US.
We couldn’t have imagined a Camry or an Altima with all-wheel drive a few years ago, yet here we are! Along with dual-motor electric vehicles, the rising demand for crossover utility vehicles also has to be noted.
The development code for the second generation, M2 and G87, are stated explicitly on the first page of the publication. Don’t, though, get your hopes up. In the words of Bimmerpost member Tag, “I would discourage everyone from believing this is a definite thing.” Given that the M4 Competition with M xDrive has 503 horsepower, there is certainly room for BMW to add M xDrive to the M2. Naturally, the Munich-based Bavarian automaker would tweak the 3.0-liter twin-turbo straight-six engine for this use.
The force-fed lump would be coupled to an eight-speed automatic for this purpose and would be given the codename S58 due to its B58 foundation. The M4 Competition only comes with the ZF 8HP when ordered with M xDrive.
The rear-drive M2, which is expected to have 450 horsepower, will make its debut in due course with a reliable manual transmission. The 2 Series Coupe and all variations will be constructed at Plant San Luis Potosi in Mexico (nee G42).
Overview
The 2023 BMW M2, which has rear-wheel drive and a manual transmission that is an option, is anticipated to maintain the enjoyable driving characteristics of its predecessor. While the latest M2 is built on the same platform as the standard BMW 2-series, it is once again designed to deliver optimum performance. It will not only feature a more unique design and a chassis that has been particularly calibrated, but its twin-turbocharged inline-six engine should produce more horsepower than the outgoing M2 Competition’s 405 horsepower. The 2023 M2 will come with both a manual and an eight-speed automatic transmission. What other information is there regarding the two-door coupe? We’ll just have to wait till BMW makes them public.
BMW M240i Demonstrates All-Wheel Drive’s Strength to M2 Competition
Most likely, you’ll be considering the M2 if you want the 2-Series model that is most geared for drivers. However, the new M240i xDrive might be the best option if you want a 2-Series that you can sprint between the lights in.
YouTuber Sam CarLegion put the new M240i xDrive and an M2 Competition through a series of tests to see which one is better for red-light drag racing. The two appear to line up very well on paper.
A 3.0-liter inline-six turbocharged engine with 382 horsepower and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque powers the M240i xDrive. It’s significant that this engine only works with an eight-speed automatic transmission and the xDrive all-wheel drive system. The vehicle weighs 3,671 pounds on the curb (1,690 kg).
The M2 Competition, which is located in the opposite corner, has a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine and produces 405 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque (550 Nm). The test vehicle had the optional dual-clutch transmission and a curb weight of roughly 3,600 lbs (1,632 kg). Despite its advantages in weight and power, rear-wheel drive makes it more challenging to accelerate.
The driver of the M240i xDrive in the first race receives a significantly better launch, driving off into the distance and leaving the M2 for dead. The second race is significantly more competitive because the driver of the M2 Competition accelerated from the starting line exactly as rapidly as the M240i did and started to pull away as the speeds rose.
The next event is a pair of rolling races between the two. The gearbox of the M2 Competition was able to kick down significantly more swiftly in the first race when the transmissions were left in their automatic modes, giving it an easy victory.
Future BMW M2 is too fat for AWD in 2023
The BMW M2 of 2023 is here. In reality, the M2 was already being teased by the German luxury automaker while it underwent demanding track testing at Salzburgring in Austria. The M2 is expected to debut in October and reach showrooms by April 2023. This made us wonder if the M2, like the M3 and M4, would benefit from the brand’s M xDrive all-wheel drive (AWD) technology, but sadly, that won’t be the case.
When questioned by BMW Blog if an M2 with M xDrive was in the works, engineers and corporate executives replied that such a configuration for the M2 is not in the works. There won’t be an AWD M2 for the G87 generation, so don’t anticipate it to come at any time in the M2’s lifespan either.
Weight is the only factor holding back the availability of AWD for the planned 2023 M2. The new M2 is likely to add a little weight when it transitions to the brand’s CLAR (Cluster Architecture) platform, which already supports the M3, M4, M5, and numerous other rear-wheel drive (RWD) BMWs.
The BMW M240i weighs 3,519 pounds, and the xDrive model increases that weight to 3,871 pounds. The M240i wouldn’t have any trouble with the extra weight because it’s a M Performance car that nevertheless prioritizes usability and comfort in daily driving.
The Porsche 718 Cayman and other lightweight two-door coupes and sports cars will go head-to-head with the BMW M2, a true M car that is primarily intended to be a track weapon. Every pound counts in this market, so even while the M2 can be driven every day, it must still live up to the expectation of being the best two-door sports car (or coupe) available.
Buyers who live in snowy climates will undoubtedly be turned off by the lack of AWD, but the weight penalty of adding AWD will hurt the M2’s target market much more. And let’s face it, the RWD layout and balanced handling of the M2 already make it the ideal vehicle for providing thrills on the racetrack.
With xDrive AWD technology, the BMW M2 will have higher traction in even sporty mode.
The BMW M2 and its larger sibling, the M4, will share an engine, brake system, and xDrive technology.
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A rear spoiler on the trunk lid and a long front overhand are added to the BMW M2. (Image: BMWM/Instagram)
A new M2, which BMW is developing, will reportedly debut in October of this year and go on sale in April of 2023. According to a report by Bimmerpost, the new generation BMW M2 will have the automaker’s xDrive technology, which will distribute power to all four wheels. The BMW M2 will share a number of components with its larger brother M4 sportscar, including the engine and brakes. The BMW M4’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system will be used.
For the first time, the BMW M2 will be equipped with xDrive. This information, according to the report, was obtained via a stolen technical paper from BMW. It will be the exact same technology that is offered in the BMW M4 Coupe xDrive. According to the study, this will offer exceptional traction and significantly enhance driving dynamics.