Images and speculation about the upcoming BMW M2 have been doing the rounds online for ages. BMW fans have been talking about this car since almost before the current 2 Series range even broke cover. Now BMW gives us the best look yet of the new M2. The company even confirms that the latest M2 will debut in October of this year. Expect it to arrive in SA around the middle of 2023.

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Birthday presents

Performance fans will probably know that BMW’s M division turns 50 this year. As a result the company has created a few special models. Some of these have already been shown, such as the recently launched BMW M4 CSL and the standalone BMW XM. While others such as the BMW M4 Touring will be be unveiled in the very near future. The upcoming BMW M2 is just the latest of the birthday presents that the automaker is producing for petrolheads. 

Click here to read our BMW M240i xDrive driving review.

What we know

We know that the upcoming BMW M2 will feature the same twin-turbocharged inline six as used in the M3/4. However, don’t expect the same power output. Current speculation from some specialist BMW websites are in the 335 kW region. The rear axle will be solely responsible for power transfer to the ground. There will be no xDrive all-wheel-drive system. 

Check out the wild new BMW endurance racer that will compete from 2023 by clicking here.

BMW confirms two transmission types for this model. These are a six-speed manual (as pictured above) and an eight-speed torque converter automatic. Other standard items will include adaptive M dampers and the brake system comes from the M3/M4. Those anchors should be pretty effective in the smaller car.

The upcoming BMW M2 will boast a number of special options over its siblings. For example, a carbon-fibre roof and M carbon bucket seats for the driver and passenger.

Track tested

BMW’s press material says: The new production car boasts a similar performance level to the BMW M2 CS, the exclusive, special-edition sports car from BMW M GmbH. It allows the driver to experience that pure racetrack feeling in any conditions – even at the limit.

Click here to read out BMW M2 CS track driving review.

The images you see here were captured at Salzburgring in Austria. This is just one of the racetracks BMW engineers are using to hone the sports coupe to deliver on the promise of excellent driving dynamics.