The new BMW M2 with M xDrive.

Munich. With its combination of extremely agile handling, M-typical performance and compact dimensions, the BMW M2 embodies unadulterated driving pleasure in its ultimate expression. The new BMW M2 with M xDrive (fuel consumption, combined: 10.4 – 10.3 l/100 km; CO₂ emissions, combined: 235 – 233 g/km according to WLTP)* sees BMW M GmbH expanding the breadth of the M2 model line-up. Here, the all-wheel-drive system M xDrive will be available for the compact high-performance sports car for the first time. M xDrive splits the power developed by the 353 kW six-cylinder in-line engine with BMW M TwinPower Turbo technology between the front and rear axles according to the situation at hand. Also in play is the Active M Differential, which distributes drive fully variably between the rear wheels as required, maximising traction and delivering the driving dynamics normally associated with a rear-wheel drive model.

These enhanced traction levels increase the car’s agility, dynamism and directional stability once again – and further improve its acceleration figures. The new BMW M2 with M xDrive therefore offers drivers the inimitable M feeling through all four seasons of the year, in almost any road conditions and in all weathers – without any trade-off in performance. The car showcases its optimised traction (which is also the product of specially developed chassis tuning) with sublime assurance in fluctuating grip conditions, as well as on the track. The South African market launch of the BMW M2 with M xDrive will start in the fourth quarter of 2026. The final specification for South Africa-bound vehicles will be determined closer to the market introduction date.  

Superior traction and further enhanced dynamics thanks to M xDrive and Active M Differential.

The M xDrive all-wheel-drive system employs an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch in the transfer case to ensure fully variable and super-smooth division of the engine’s power between the front and rear wheels of the new BMW M2 with M xDrive. The system’s rear-wheel bias fits the familiar M blueprint. In normal driving, power is sent exclusively to the rear wheels. Only when they cannot feed any more power to the road does the all-wheel-drive system bring the front wheels into play.

M xDrive links up with the Active M Differential including M-specific traction control and DSC (Dynamic Stability Control). Together, they adapt the car’s responses precisely to the situation in order to deliver a driving experience of unsurpassed dynamism with a noticeable increase in directional stability and traction.

The transfer case features a model-specific control unit and integrated wheel slip limitation. This allows it to compensate for any differences in rotational speed between the front and rear wheels. It can do this without having to involve the central DSC management, which makes the process extremely quick and further intensifies the M-typical sense of unshakable poise in highly dynamic driving situations.  

The M xDrive system’s responses can be configured via the M Setup menu. This means the driver can adapt the characteristics and performance attributes of the all-wheel drive system to both the driving situation at hand and their personal preferences. One of the options the driver can select is 2WD mode with DSC deactivated, whereby torque is sent to the rear wheels only. This unlocks a driving experience of remarkable purity.

A development with roots in racing car design: pre-chamber combustion.

The 3.0-litre straight-six engine powering the new BMW M2 with M xDrive uses BMW M Ignite technology – a new pre-chamber combustion process patented by BMW. This innovation is an example of the successful transfer of technology from racing cars to production models and will be introduced into all straight-six engines from BMW M as of mid-2026 production. The pre-chamber combustion process significantly reduces fuel consumption under high loads. At the same time, this new engine technology helps to meet the requirements of the EU7 standard. As before, the engine in the BMW M2 with M xDrive offers the performance characteristics for which M models are renowned, such as instantaneous response and linear power development into the higher reaches of the rev range. And this spirited power delivery is accompanied by an emotionally stirring soundtrack. The lower fuel consumption under high loads brought about by BMW M Ignite technology will be particularly appreciated by customers who like to use their car on track days, allowing them to keep lapping for longer with the same amount of fuel.

The BMW M2 with M xDrive is fitted as standard with an M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic, which ensures the engine’s power is harnessed to maximum dynamic effect. Standard-fit M light-alloy wheels (19-inch at the front axle, 20-inch at the rear) transfer the power onto the road surface. Track tyres can be specified as an option.

Optimum stopping power on road and track is provided by M Compound brakes with six-piston fixed callipers at the front and single-piston callipers at the rear.

The combination of the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system and Active M Differential gives the new BMW M2 with M xDrive further improved sprinting power. Indeed, it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds, 0.3 seconds faster than its sister model with pure rear-wheel drive. The figure recorded using the “one-foot rollout” method¹ is 3.4 seconds. The BMW M2 with M xDrive reaches the 200 km/h mark from rest in 12.8 seconds – or 12.5 seconds with the “one-foot rollout” method. The sprint from 80 to 120 km/h is covered in 3.7 seconds. The M2 with M xDrive has a limited top speed of 250 km/h, rising to 285 km/h if the optional M Driver’s Package is specified.

BMW Individual Borusan Turkish Blue is available for a BMW M2 model for the first time.

The selection of exterior colours customers can choose from includes five metallic and three solid variants, plus six options from the BMW Individual range. For example, the BMW Individual Borusan Turkish Blue special paint finish will be available for a M2 for the first time, accentuating the visually expressive exterior design of the BMW M2 with M xDrive to particularly striking effect. 

The BMW M2: a successful model, built in Mexico.

The BMW M2 Coupé (fuel consumption, combined: 10.2 – 9.7 l/100 km, CO₂ emissions, combined: 230 – 221 g/km according to WLTP)* was the biggest-selling high-performance model from BMW M GmbH in 2025. The new BMW M2 with M xDrive – like the other M2 models – will be built at BMW Group Plant San Luis Potosí in Mexico. Production will begin in August 2026. 

Alexander Karajlovic, Vice President for Development at BMW M GmbH, says: “The new BMW M2 with M xDrive opens the next chapter in the story of an icon. It breaks new ground in blending the strong, uncompromising character of the BMW M2 compact high-performance sports car with the superior traction and precision of M xDrive for the first time. This fundamentally upgraded car lays down the performance generated by its straight-six engine with even greater poise and assurance, and adds maximum control, stability and acceleration in any conditions to its dynamic repertoire. Like its stablemates, the BMW M2 with M xDrive is therefore very much a driver’s car, but it also elevates its high-performance abilities to a new level and redefines sporting prowess in the compact M segment.”