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BMW to introduce new AWD variant of the M2

The M2 is the only M car that’s fully RWD right now, but that will change soon.
2 min read3 Mar '26
Viraaj BhatnagarViraaj Bhatnagar
6K+ views
bmw m2 on road

BMW is set to offer its xDrive all-wheel-drive system with the M2 Coupe. The entry-level M car is currently the only one in the line-up to offer a rear-wheel-drive setup, as the M3, M4 and M5 are all equipped with AWD as standard.

  1. M2 AWD could be 50hp more powerful than the RWD version
  2. It will be offered solely with an 8-speed automatic gearbox
  3. 0-100kph time is expected to drop below 4 seconds

BMW M2 AWD powertrain and performance

Will be sold alongside the RWD model

BMW to introduce new AWD variant of the M2

The M2 xDrive was recently referenced on the BMW US website as a separate variant from the existing RWD version. Expectedly, the M2 xDrive will be powered by the same 3.0-litre twin-turbo petrol straight-six as the RWD model, though a 50hp bump to 530hp – the same as the 2025 M2 CS – is possible to offset the added mass of the front transaxle, which could result in a kerb weight of around 1,800kg.

No manual gearbox option for M2 AWD

While the M2 RWD is available with an 8-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual – yet another distinction from the rest of the M stable – the performance coupe’s AWD counterpart will come only with AT.

Rear-biased AWD

Like the M3, M4 and M5, the M2’s xDrive system is likely to be biased towards the rear axle. Configurable drive modes will be on offer, along with a setting that diverts all power to the rear wheels. In standard AWD mode, expect a quicker 0-100kph time than the existing M2 automatic, which does the same in a claimed 4 seconds.

BMW M2 AWD launch timeline

Could go on sale globally in H2 2026

BMW to introduce new AWD variant of the M2

BMW will commence production of the M2 xDrive at its San Luis Potosi plant in Mexico by mid-2026, with a global launch likely in the second half of the year. Given that the standard M2 is already on sale in India, the xDrive version could launch here too, sporting a price tag slightly north of the Rs 1.03 crore the RWD model costs.

All prices are ex-showroom, India.

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