Upcoming BMW M2 poised to offer xDrive AWD?

The upcoming new BMW M2 coupe (chassis code G87) is poised to Bavarian brand’s xDrive all-wheel-drive (AWD) setup as an option. This comes following a supposed internal technical memo that has leaked online which details the system, its hardware, and its capabilities.

Though this remains unverified for the moment, the promise of AWD in the next M2 sees it somewhat replicate the performance drivetrain formula seen in its bigger siblings, both the M3 and M4 Competition, to some extent. Furthermore, the base G42 2 Series is already offered with an AWD driveline option too, thus making this idea not seem too far-fetched.

Said leaked memo goes on to detail the driveline’s hardware, which includes a chain-driven transfer case that evenly splits the engine's torque between the front and rear axles under normal driving conditions. It’s also able to send up to 100% of the available output to either axle, if needed.

Regardless of which wheels are driven, what’s certain is that the upcoming G82 M2 will harness a version of the twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six mill derived from the M3 and M4, albeit with a lower state of tune – it will almost certainly offer more than the previous M2’s 365 hp output.

What’s also certain is that a traditional rear-wheel-drive (RWD) setup will be a standard feature, and BMW will ready the choice between automatic and manual transmissions too. Expect more details, as well as confirmation of this xDrive AWD setup’s availability as an option, as we get closer to the new M2’s October launch.