The BMW M series has a rich history of iconic internal combustion engines, but stricter emission regulations indicate a shift toward electrification.
In an interview with the German publication BimmerToday, BMW M CEO Frank van Meel confirmed that the upcoming two-door M2 coupe will be the last M model without any form of electrification.
“We will see an increase in electrification in other vehicles, of course in different forms, starting with the 48-volt electrical system and plug-in hybrids up to fully electric units,” explained Mr. van Meel when translated from German to English. “From this point of view, the M2 will be the last M with a pure combustion engine and also without electrification, such as a 48-volt onboard network.”
The first of these electrified high-performance BMW M models is the upcoming plug-in hybrid SUV (PHEV) XM, set to debut in late 2022. Initially presented as the Concept XM in November 2021, the production BMW XM will feature a “newly developed” gasoline V8 engine coupled with an electric motor, boasting claimed system outputs of 480 kW of power and 800 Nm of torque.
BMW also claims it will have an electric range of up to 80 km in WLTP tests.
Other electric vehicles offered by BMW M include the fully electric four-door i4 M50 coupe, the iX M60 SUV, and the large i7 M70 sedan. However, these are geared more towards regular performance than high-performance offerings.
Rumors suggest that the next-generation BMW M5 will also receive some form of hybrid powertrain.
BMW M has now reached the midpoint of its 50th-anniversary celebrations, and the M2 is expected to be part of these plans.
Countless prototypes have been spied, and recently, an uncamouflaged photo of the two-door coupe’s rear was leaked.
Reportedly, the M2 will have more power than the previous M2 Competition, which produced 302 kW and 550 Nm with its 3.0-liter inline-six twin-turbo engine.
The standard M2, last seen in 2018, generates 272 kW and 465 Nm.
It will be offered with both manual and automatic transmissions. Van Meel indicated that over 50% of U.S. buyers and over 20% of European buyers will opt for the manual transmission.
The new M2 Competition is rumored to increase its power to 335 kW or even 365 kW, and a six-speed manual transmission is expected to continue.
This power level in the new Competition model puts the larger M3 and M4 in the M2’s sights. Both emit 353 kW and 550 Nm in base, manual mode, with Competition models pumping out 375 kW.
As part of its anniversary celebrations, BMW M has already revealed several new vehicles, including the BMW M4 CSL, M3, and M4 50 Jahre special editions, which are lighter and more powerful, among others.
BMW has confirmed plans to unveil the M3 Touring at the 2022 Goodwood Festival of Speed in June.
Other new BMW M vehicles expected to be revealed this year include the M3 CS sedan and an M4 GT/H with a manual transmission.
