It has been confirmed that the upcoming BMW M2 will be the last pure combustion-engined M vehicle.
Head of BMW M, Frank van Meel, confirmed in an interview with Bimmer Today that the new M2 will be “the last M with a pure combustion engine drive.”
![Rear of BMW M2 driving around track](https://www.autocar.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/P90468017_highRes_the-all-new-bmw-m2-u-1024x683.jpg)
In what is essentially a last hurrah for the traditional BMW M formula, the new M2 will feature a twin-turbocharged straight-six feeding power through the choice of a six-speed manual transmission or eight-speed automatic.
The manual gearbox is a welcome addition to the new M2 for many die-hard BMW fans but with electrification now on the horizon for M cars it could be another goodbye to an iconic part of the M brand.
![Manual gearbox shift lever in BMW M2](https://www.autocar.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/P90468079_highRes_the-all-new-bmw-m2-u-1-1024x683.jpg)
Final testing of the new M2 has also begun, giving us a glimpse of the updated styling.
Aside from staunch new fenders, the front end looks to have received some drastic styling changes compared with its M240i sibling, including square- to oblong-shaped kidney grilles, different headlights, and boxy-looking lower intakes.
![BMW M2 on track front end view](https://www.autocar.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/P90467962_highRes_the-all-new-bmw-m2-u-1024x683.jpg)
One significant change found at the rear is the addition of a quad-pipe exhaust system in between angular shaped cutaways in the rear bumper.
![BMW M2 on track rear end view](https://www.autocar.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/P90468024_highRes_the-all-new-bmw-m2-u-1024x683.jpg)
As to the interior, a large screen-like digital display replaces the traditional gauge cluster and infotainment unit, combining the two into one.
![Interior of BMW M2](https://www.autocar.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/P90468072_highRes_the-all-new-bmw-m2-u-1024x683.jpg)
The world premiere of the new BMW M2 will be in October this year, followed by the market launch in April 2023.