As enthusiasts eagerly await the arrival of the new BMW M2, the boss of the M division has confirmed that it will be the final M model without some form of electrification.
It is widely expected that the new M2 will follow in the footsteps of the previous-generation M2 CS in using the same powertrain as the M3. That means a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged straight-six that pumps out around 450 hp which should be offered with a choice of either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive.
While speaking with Bimmer Today, the boss of BMW’s M division, Frank van Meel, was asked if the M2 would be the final M model that doesn’t go down the electrification route. He confirmed that will indeed be the case.
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“The BMW M2 will definitely be a purist driving machine with its straight-six and rear-wheel drive,” van Meel said. “We will see increasing electrification in other vehicles, of course in different forms, starting with the 480-volt electrical system and plug-in hybrids to fully electric drives. From this point of view, the M2 will be the last M with a pure combustion engine and also without electrification scope such as a 48-volt on-board network, yes.”
This news doesn’t come as much of a surprise considering the automaker’s ongoing focus on electrifying its line-up, including vehicles from the M division. Indeed, BMW is also building its first two all-electric M models in the form of the i4 M50i and iX M60i and is also working on its outlandish XM SUV, a powerful hybrid that is set to churn out well over 700 hp, making it the carmaker’s most powerful production model.
An official launch date has not been set for the 2023 M2, but considering that a photo reportedly showing the car without any camouflage has leaked online, we suspect its premiere isn’t far off.
