The BMW M2 is one of the last true rear-wheel-drive fun machines. Compact, playful, and just a little bit wild. But things have changed, and now we have the M2 AWD available in the market. So, what made the German brand add its xDrive system to the M2?
According to BMW M Boss Frank van Meel, buyers in regions like the northeastern United States and the Midwest—where there is a lot of snow—simply wanted more traction. In many cases, running a high-powered rear-wheel-drive coupe on all-season tires just wasn’t cutting it.
The same story plays out in places like Switzerland, where weather conditions demand confidence in all seasons. This led to a more accessible, more usable M2 for a wider audience.
And yes, it’s quicker too. The M2 xDrive drops the 0–60 mph sprint to just 3.6 seconds, or an even sharper 3.3 seconds with rollout. That’s a noticeable step up from the rear-driven version.
Under the hood, nothing changes. The familiar 3.0-litre twin-turbo S58 straight-six still delivers 473 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque.
Enthusiasts needn’t worry, though. Rear-wheel drive and a manual gearbox still exist. But for many, this new M2 AWD might just be the more “practical” option.
Source: Bimmer Today
