The BMW M2, a performance-oriented compact coupe, is poised to enter a new era with the introduction of an xDrive all-wheel-drive variant. While BMW has yet to officially confirm this development, strong indications point to its imminent arrival.
Leaked internal documents referencing a development code for both standard and xDrive versions of the M2, coupled with information about an automatic transfer case sourced from Magna Powertrain, have fueled speculation. Anticipated to debut in late 2026 as a 2027 model, the M2 xDrive is expected to leverage the same potent powertrain as the M3 and M4, likely delivering a significant performance boost.
However, enthusiasts hoping for a manual transmission will be disappointed, as the complexity of all-wheel-drive systems typically necessitates an automatic gearbox. With this move, BMW aims to expand the M2’s appeal while pushing the boundaries of its performance capabilities.
The future of the manual transmission in BMW’s M2 is looking increasingly bleak. BMW’s development chief has sounded the alarm for enthusiasts, urging them to secure a manual-equipped M car while they still can. The M2 has bucked the trend, with over half of buyers choosing the manual gearbox compared to the significantly lower adoption rate in the M3 and M4.
However, the writing is on the wall; tightening emissions regulations and the efficiency advantages of automatic transmissions are likely to spell the end for the manual option. To add insult to injury for purists, rumors suggest an ultra-high-performance M2 CS is on the horizon, packing a rumored 525 horsepower.
This would not only eclipse the output of the M3 Competition xDrive but also, according to reports, be exclusively paired with an automatic transmission. Such a development would mark a significant blow to those who cherish the visceral experience of rowing their gears.
