According to a BMW Group announcement on June 3rd, the BMW M2 equipped with the M xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system will officially launch this summer.
Like the existing rear-wheel-drive M2 model, the new M2 M xDrive all-wheel-drive model will be produced at the San Luis Potosí plant in Mexico, with production scheduled to begin in August. BMW stated that the most important markets for the new car include the United States, Germany, and China.
The M2 features an all-wheel-drive system for the first time, but rear-wheel drive remains the primary mode for everyday driving.
The new M2 all-wheel-drive model also features the S58 M TwinPower Turbo 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder turbocharged engine, producing a maximum output of 353 kW/480 hp.
The newly introduced M xDrive all-wheel-drive system can distribute engine power to the front and rear axles according to actual driving conditions. Simultaneously, the active M differential also engages, enabling fully variable drive force distribution between the left and right rear wheels as needed, thereby maximizing traction.
Compared to the existing M2 rear-wheel-drive model, the all-wheel-drive version boasts improved acceleration: its 0-100 km/h time is 3.7 seconds, 0.3 seconds faster than the rear-wheel-drive M2. (The time is 3.4 seconds using the one-foot rollout test method.)
For 0-200 km/h acceleration, the new M2 all-wheel-drive model takes 12.8 seconds (12.5 seconds using the one-foot rollout test method). The 80-120 km/h acceleration time is 3.7 seconds.
The new car has an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h; with the optional M Driver’s Package, the top speed can be increased to 285 km/h.
BMW states that the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system uses an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch within the transfer case to ensure fully variable and highly smooth power distribution between the front and rear wheels—in normal driving, all power is transferred to the rear wheels. M xDrive only engages the front wheels when the rear wheels cannot transfer more power to the road.
The M xDrive system also works in conjunction with the active M differential, M-specific traction control system, and DSC dynamic stability control system. These multiple systems work together to precisely adjust the vehicle’s response based on actual driving conditions, resulting in a highly dynamic driving experience and significantly improved directional stability and traction.
The new vehicle’s transfer case features a model-specific control unit with integrated wheel slip limiting, compensating for speed differences between the front and rear wheels. Since this process doesn’t require intervention from the central DSC system, the response is extremely fast, further enhancing the stability, composure, and controllability inherent in M models during highly dynamic driving scenarios.
Drivers can also configure the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system’s response via the M Setup menu, adjusting transmission characteristics and performance attributes according to the current driving scenario and personal preferences. Specifically, drivers can choose to activate the 2WD rear-wheel-drive mode with DSC disabled, in which case torque is transmitted only to the rear wheels, resulting in a purer driving experience.
Meanwhile, the engine of the new M2 AWD model retains the performance characteristics consistent with M high-performance models, including immediate response and continuous, linear power delivery across the high-rev range. It also retains its emotionally engaging engine sound.
For track enthusiasts, the fuel efficiency benefits of BMW M Ignite technology under high-load conditions will be particularly direct, as it means the vehicle can complete longer track driving sessions with the same amount of fuel.
In terms of the drivetrain, the new M2 AWD model comes standard with an M Steptronic 8-speed automatic transmission with Drivelogic, ensuring that engine power is released with maximum dynamic performance. The new car also comes standard with M light-alloy wheels, 19 inches on the front axle and 20 inches on the rear axle, with track tires available as an option.
In conclusion:
The M2 is BMW M’s best-selling high-performance model by 2025. The addition of the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system doesn’t change its fundamental driving character, but rather, while retaining the M2’s strong, direct, and uncompromising personality, it gives it stronger traction, faster acceleration, and more composed dynamic performance in different weather and road conditions.
As BMW says, the new M2 all-wheel-drive model remains a truly driver-centric vehicle. This time, however, it takes the high-performance capabilities of a compact M model to a new level.
