BMW M2 Gets All-Wheel Drive for Faster 0-60 Sprint

Wouter Smit · 2026-06-02

BMW just dropped some exciting news for performance car fans. The beloved M2 coupe is getting a new all-wheel-drive option called M xDrive. This isn't just about adding grip for bad weather. It's about making one of the most fun cars on the market even quicker off the line. Let's break down what this means for the M2 and why it matters to anyone who loves driving. ### What's New Under the Hood? The core of the M2 remains its twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine. It still pumps out a healthy 473 horsepower. That's the same power you get in the rear-wheel-drive version. But the big change is how that power gets to the pavement. With the new M xDrive system, the front wheels now get a slice of the action. This isn't a full-time all-wheel-drive setup. BMW designed it to be rear-biased. That means it feels like a rear-wheel-drive car most of the time. The front wheels only kick in when you need extra traction, like when you're launching hard or pushing through a corner. - Engine: 3.0L Twin-Turbo Inline-6 - Horsepower: 473 hp (same as RWD model) - Drivetrain: M xDrive (rear-biased AWD) - 0-60 mph: 3.8 seconds (estimated) The result? The M2 with M xDrive shaves three-tenths of a second off its sprint to 60 mph. That brings the time down to an estimated 3.8 seconds. That's seriously quick for a compact coupe.  ### Why This Matters for Drivers You might be thinking, "Isn't the M2 supposed to be a pure driver's car?" And you're right to ask. The rear-wheel-drive M2 is legendary for its playful, tail-happy character. It's a car that rewards skill and makes you feel like a hero. But BMW isn't killing that car. They're just adding an option. Think of it like this: > "The M xDrive gives you the best of both worlds. You get the stability and launch grip of all-wheel drive when you want it, but the car still rotates and feels like a rear-drive machine when you're having fun." For daily driving in places with rain or snow, this is a game-changer. You don't have to swap tires or worry about losing grip. Plus, on a track, the extra traction means you can get on the power earlier and carry more speed out of corners. ### How It Compares to the Competition The M2 with M xDrive now sits in a sweet spot. It competes directly with cars like the Audi RS3 and Mercedes-AMG CLA45, which are all-wheel-drive by default. But the M2 has something they don't: that classic BMW rear-drive feel when you want it. Here's a quick look at how it stacks up: - **Audi RS3:** 401 hp, 0-60 in 3.6 seconds. Great grip, but feels more clinical. - **Mercedes-AMG CLA45:** 382 hp, 0-60 in 4.0 seconds. Wild engine, but less engaging chassis. - **BMW M2 (RWD):** 473 hp, 0-60 in 4.1 seconds. Pure fun, but less launch grip. - **BMW M2 (M xDrive):** 473 hp, 0-60 in 3.8 seconds. Best of both worlds. The M2 still has the biggest engine and the most horsepower in this group. With the all-wheel-drive option, it now has the launch performance to match. ### What This Means for Resale and Ownership If you're thinking about buying a used M2 in a few years, this new model could affect prices. The rear-wheel-drive version will likely become a collector's item for purists. But the M xDrive model will be the more practical daily driver. Either way, the M2 remains a fantastic car. It's compact, powerful, and built for driving enjoyment. The addition of all-wheel drive just makes it more versatile. It's no longer a fair-weather friend. It's a car you can drive year-round without compromise. ### Final Thoughts BMW made a smart move here. They didn't water down the M2's character. They just gave buyers more choice. Whether you want the pure rear-wheel-drive experience or the extra traction of M xDrive, there's an M2 for you. The 0-60 time drop from 4.1 to 3.8 seconds might not sound huge on paper. But in real-world driving, that's the difference between getting left at a stoplight and leaving everyone in your rearview mirror. For a car that already felt special, this is a welcome upgrade.