When it debuted at the 2016 Detroit Auto Show, BMW positioned the M2 as a smaller, more agile alternative to the M3 and M4. It was the M car for people who wanted a pure, connected-to-the-road driving experience without the extra weight, complexity, or cost that all-wheel drive brings.
It was a hit.
When wraps were pulled off the M2 on that cold January day at the Detroit Auto Show, it received immediate praise from industry insiders, journalists, and the general public alike. Part of the appeal was how the M2 delivered a driving experience closer to that of the M3 and M4 but at a price that was easier to justify. Despite its lighter package, the M2 looked nimble enough for lonely back roads yet capable enough for the track.
Waitlists in the United States soon stretched beyond a year for the M2 following its debut, a sign of how hungry enthusiasts were for a compact M car from the German marque. Fast forward about a decade, and the M2 was the top-selling high-performance model from BMW M GmbH in 2025.
Today, BMW is making available its M xDrive technology for the M2, expanding the lineup without replacing the rear-wheel drive model that started it all. The new M2 with M xDrive goes on sale in late summer 2026, with a base MSRP of $74,950, including destination.
- Base Trim Engine
-
3L I6 ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
-
6-speed manual
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Rear-Wheel Drive
All-wheel drive with a rear-wheel drive soul
Drivers can configure the system
M xDrive is BMW’s proprietary all-wheel-drive system, which uses an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch in the transfer case to distribute power between the front and rear axles. The system is rear-biased by design, holding true to the M2’s original character.
During normal driving, power goes exclusively to the rear wheels, with the front wheels only coming into play when the rears can no longer put power to the road.
QuizBMW M2 trivia
Read on and test your knowledge
From engine specs to lap records, how well do you know BMW’s smallest M car?
PerformanceHistoryDesignEngineRivals
In which year did the first-generation BMW M2 (F87) go on sale?
That’s right! The F87 BMW M2 went on sale in 2016, filling the gap left by the beloved 1M Coupe. It was an instant hit with driving enthusiasts who wanted a focused, rear-wheel-drive sports car.
Not quite. The first-generation BMW M2 (F87) launched in 2016, not earlier. It was positioned as a more accessible entry point into the M lineup compared to the M3 and M4.
What engine powered the original BMW M2 Competition (F87)?
Spot on! The M2 Competition used the S55 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline-six sourced directly from the M3 and M4. This engine upgrade over the base M2’s N55 unit gave the Competition significantly more power and sharper throttle response.
Close, but not quite. The M2 Competition used the S55 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline-six taken straight from the M3 and M4, rather than a unique unit. This was a major upgrade over the base M2’s N55 engine.
How much power does the second-generation BMW M2 (G87) produce?
Correct! The G87 BMW M2 produces 430 hp from its S58 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline-six engine. This is the same engine family used in the M3 and M4, tuned specifically for the lighter M2 platform.
Not quite. The second-generation G87 BMW M2 puts out 430 hp from its S58 engine. That figure places it in genuinely serious performance car territory, giving it a strong edge over many rivals in its class.
The second-generation BMW M2 (G87) is based on which platform?
Excellent! The G87 M2 is built on BMW’s CLAR (Cluster Architecture) platform, which it shares with the G80 M3 and G82 M4. This gave BMW engineers a strong, modern foundation to build a stiff, well-balanced sports car.
That’s not right. The G87 M2 uses BMW’s CLAR platform, shared with the larger M3 and M4. This modern architecture provided significant improvements in rigidity and weight distribution compared to the previous generation.
Which limited-edition variant of the F87 M2 was produced in 2019 with a manual gearbox as standard?
Correct! The M2 CS was revealed in 2019 as the ultimate version of the F87 generation. It featured a standard six-speed manual, carbon fibre body panels, and a power bump to 444 hp, making it one of the most sought-after modern BMWs.
Not quite. The limited-edition model was the M2 CS, revealed in 2019 with a manual gearbox as standard and 444 hp. It also featured lightweight carbon components and became one of the most collectible versions of the F87 generation.
Which car is considered the BMW M2’s most direct rival in the performance coupe segment?
Great answer! The Porsche 718 Cayman GTS is widely regarded as the BMW M2’s closest rival, offering a similarly focused driving experience with mid-engine balance and sharp handling. Both cars are frequently pitted against each other in automotive press tests.
Not the best match. While the Audi TT RS and AMG A45 S are quick cars, the Porsche 718 Cayman GTS is most commonly cited as the M2’s direct rival due to its similar price point, driver-focused ethos, and comparable performance credentials.
What is the official 0–62 mph (0–100 km/h) time for the second-generation BMW M2 (G87)?
That’s right! BMW officially quotes 4.1 seconds for the G87 M2’s 0–62 mph sprint. That time is achieved using the optional eight-speed automatic gearbox, with the manual version taking marginally longer.
Not quite. The G87 M2 officially hits 62 mph from rest in 4.1 seconds with the automatic gearbox. It’s an impressive figure for a car that prioritises driver engagement over outright straight-line speed.
What is the distinctive exterior design element that caused controversy when the G87 M2 was first revealed?
Exactly right! The G87 M2’s large vertical kidney grilles sparked significant debate among BMW enthusiasts when the car was revealed. Many fans felt the oversized grilles were too polarising, though others appreciated the bold, aggressive styling statement.
Not quite. It was the large vertical kidney grilles that generated the most controversy when the G87 M2 debuted. The design divided opinion sharply online, continuing BMW’s trend of bold grille styling that began with the G80 M3 and G82 M4.
Your Score
/ 8
Thanks for playing!
M xDrive works in tandem with the Active M Differential, which handles power distribution between the two rear wheels. The transfer case has its own dedicated control unit with integrated wheel-slip limitation, allowing it to compensate for rotational-speed differences between the front and rear wheels, separate from the main Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system. BMW says this makes the process faster and keeps the M2 more composed during high-speed or dynamic driving situations.
Drivers can configure the system through the M Setup menu. Options include a 2WD mode with DSC deactivated, which sends torque to the rear wheels only, giving drivers the same experience as the standard M2. The 2WD mode is available on demand, meaning owners can switch between all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive as they wish.
The 2026 BMW M240i Proves You Don’t Need an M2 to Have Fun
The 2026 BMW M240i delivers thrilling performance, sharp handling, and everyday comfort—all without the M2’s hefty price tag.
M TwinPower Turbo technology
M Driver’s Package increases top speed
The M2 with M xDrive can hit 60 mph in 3.6 seconds, which is 0.3 seconds quicker than the rear-wheel drive version (using the one-foot rollout method brings that down to 3.3 seconds). Top speed is limited to 155 mph, or 177 mph with the optional M Driver’s Package.
Under the hood of the M2 is 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with BMW’s M TwinPower Turbo technology. The engine, connected to an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic, produces 473 horsepower and 443 lb-ft. of torque.
The M2 with M xDrive has a curb weight of 3,988 lbs. (power-to-weight ratio of 8.4), whereas the rear-wheel drive M2 has a curb weight of 3,867 lbs. The extra 121 lbs. reflects the added hardware of the M xDrive system, including the transfer case, multi-plate clutch, and front axle drive components.
- Radar Band Detection
-
X, K, Ka
- Companion App
-
Drive Smarter
The Escort MAX 360c MKII is the follow-up to the standard MAX 360c radar detector. This enhanced version features longer-range detection with its updated dual-antenna platform and increased false alert filtering through Blackfin DSP integration.
Adaptive M suspension and braking systems
Tuned specifically for the M2
Every M2 with M xDrive is standard with BMW’s Adaptive M suspension, tuned specifically for the M2 and its all-wheel drive system. At the front, the setup consists of an aluminum double-joint spring-strut axle, while the rear comprises an aluminum-and-steel five-link axle.
Meanwhile, the braking system consists of BMW’s M Compound brakes with six-piston fixed calipers up front and single-piston floating calipers in the rear. Wheels are 19-inch up front and 20-inch at the rear, with optional track tires available.
Production and color palette
The M2 with M xDrive will be built at BMW’s San Luis Potosí facility, alongside the rest of the M2 lineup, with production starting in August 2026.
Available exterior colors include five metallic and three solid variants, plus six options from the BMW Individual range, including a new Borusan Turkish Blue.
For fans weighing their options, the BMW M3 and BMW M4 both offer M xDrive, but neither comes close to the M2’s price point or its compact footprint. Starting at about $75,000 (including destination), the M2 with M xDrive makes a case for itself as the most accessible entry point into BMW’s all-wheel drive performance lineup, one that doesn’t ask drivers to choose between on-road capability and sporty character.
Stephan is the sports journalist for the Maple Grove Report.
