The BMW M division confirmed the intention to release exactly one more production car with an internal combustion engine, then switch to EVs and hybrids.
Speaking in an interview with Bimmer Today, BMW M CEO Franciscus van Meel said the new M2 Coupe would be that car. Motor1 adds it is scheduled to debut later this year.
Returning to van Meel, he pointed out that the M2 was primarily targeted towards driver’s car enthusiasts. To that end, it had to receive an inline six-cylinder engine, a manual gearbox and rear-wheel drive for its next generation. Of course, it is too early to talk about the specifics.
The automaker hinted at the possible release of a new M2 Coupe in 2022 in its teaser video released this spring, which announced the celebration of 50 years of the BMW M. The video hinted that a special M2 would be a part of that celebration.
All future M cars will be electrified. The easiest way to do so is by adding a 48-volt starter-generator to the system. On the other hand, the new M5 sedan may wind up with a plug-in hybrid system for its next iteration. The same applies to the XM SUV.