Next-Gen M2 Coupe To Stick With Rear-Wheel Drive, Says BMW Product Manager

Rumors about the next-generation 2-Series Coupe and its range-topping M2 variant sticking to rear-wheel drive have been circulating online for the past few months but now we got confirmation from BMW’s 2-Series product manager Gernot Stuhl.

Speaking to Autocar, Stuhl said that unlike the recently revealed UKL-based FWD 2-Series Gran Coupe, the next-generation Coupe models will retain their rear-drive configuration.

Related: BMW Has No Plans For FWD Hot Hatch, Believes Customers Would Go For The M2 Anyway

The BMW manager also added that while most 1-Series buyers didn’t choose their model because of its drivetrain, it was a big deciding factor for buyers of the 2-Series Coupe, helping the case of the popular BMW model.

The new BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe was revealed as a Mercedes CLA rival, based on the same front-drive platform with the 1-Series. Its range-topping M235 M Performance version is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 301 HP, sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

2020 BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe

According to Stuhl, BMW won’t produce a full M variant of the 2-Series Gran Coupe; if you want an M2 -which you should-, you’ll have to pick the rear-drive Coupe. The executive didn’t reveal any technical details, but we expect the next M2 to retain a turbocharged straight-six engine with slightly more power than the current M2 Competition’s 405 HP.

The different platforms and drivetrain between the Coupe and Gran Coupe variants of the 2-Series will create the most diverse model lineup in the BMW range; the 2-Series nameplate also includes the Active Tourer MPV, which is set to be replaced in 2020.