BMW M2 Test Mule Spied with Wider Track and Aggressive Bodywork
Spy shots reveal the first clear look at BMW’s upcoming M2, showing a camouflaged prototype with wider arches, quad exhausts and a more muscular stance.
BMW’s next compact performance coupe, the M2, has been caught testing in public, giving the clearest indication yet of how the top-tier 2-Series will look ahead of its expected launch in 2015.
Aggressive styling and M division cues
The prototype, heavily camouflaged at the rear and along the sills, features a noticeably wider rear track and flared arches, both clear hallmarks of BMW’s M division. The car’s quad exhaust setup, visible beneath the rear bumper, further marks it out as a true M model rather than a standard 2-Series variant. Camouflage cladding on the lower bodywork attempts to conceal deeper side skirts and a more pronounced rear valance.
Despite these modifications, the test mule’s front bumper remains largely unchanged from the standard 2-Series coupe, suggesting the final production car will receive a bespoke front end design closer to launch. The prototype’s wheels also appear larger and wider than those fitted to regular models, filling the arches more completely and hinting at the upgraded chassis hardware underneath.
Engine and performance expectations
BMW has not confirmed technical details for the M2, but sources close to the project expect the coupe to use a 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder engine. Power output is estimated at around 380hp, placing the M2 above the M235i and below the larger M4 in BMW’s performance line-up. The engine is likely to be a development of the straight-six found in other M Performance models, paired with a choice of manual or dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Final performance figures and full technical specifications remain under wraps, but the M2’s wider track, uprated brakes and suspension, and distinctive bodywork all point to a sharper, more focused driving experience than any previous 2-Series variant.
Launch timing and rivals
BMW is expected to unveil the production M2 in 2015, with market launch following soon after. When it arrives, the M2 will compete directly with the likes of the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 and Audi RS3, offering buyers a compact coupe with genuine M division pedigree. Its combination of rear-wheel drive and a high-output six-cylinder engine will set it apart from many all-wheel-drive rivals in the segment.
The M2’s development follows the pattern seen with previous M cars, with early test mules revealing only partial details ahead of a more comprehensive reveal. For more on BMW’s upcoming performance models, seeBMW M4 Coupe Spied.
