Want a BMW M2 with xDrive? You're not alone
While BMW toys with the idea of an all-wheel-drive M2, two British firms show us what the future might look like
BMW isn't half funny when it comes to all-wheel drive. Back when certain M cars would really have benefitted from the tech - we’re thinking first turbocharged M3, M4, M5, M6 - there wasn’t an xDrive option. Then, having really got its act together with two-wheel drive traction to make AWD unnecessary, BMW introduced xDrive. And it’s proved so popular that there isn’t a rear-drive M3 on sale now. If the rumours are to be believed, the same seems likely to happen with the M2 as well, given there’s probably more profit in xDrive and the rear-drive setting will remain to keep everyone happy. But with that not official yet two British companies have beaten BMW to it with this: the 'world’s first' xDrive M2.
The work of R44 Performance and Tom Wrigley, this M2 is being prepped as a 1,500hp drag monster - hence the all-wheel drive. The additional driven axle has been installed but so far no other modifications have been made (apart from the orange wrap), so it makes for an intriguing demonstration of what could come. The xDrive version launches to 62mph a second faster than stock in R44’s testing, posting 3.23 seconds against 4.33. The advantage on a circuit (admittedly a tight, twisty kart track that prioritises low-speed traction) was even greater, the xDrive lapping five seconds ahead of an unmodified M2, with 45.61 seconds playing 50.67. Remember the two-wheel drive settings turn off any traction control assist.
As with the larger M3 and M4, then, xDrive makes a very faster M car significantly more so with the 2 Series. It’s a fairly involved conversion by the sounds of it, too, so little surprise to find R44 and Tom Wrigley shouting about it. In addition to new front suspension arms, drive shafts, dampers and hubs, plus the big stuff like a front diff, this car needed a load of steering parts bespoke to the xDrive models on this platform: rack, column, track rod ends and so on. Plus new arch liners (to make space for the driveshafts) and the sensors.
As for the transmission, that should have been the easy part - attach a transfer case to the ZF HP76 used in all the M2/3/4 installations and away you go. But apparently the design of the drive flange is different between the two configurations, which means either modifying the RWD flange or wholesale swapping the AWD transmission setup. The latter option was chosen here, with an xDrive wiring loom as well to get it all talking to each other.
Clearly a lot of work, then, though the benefit of using all OEM BMW bits is that this xDrive M2 from the aftermarket offers all the functionality of a factory product. The 4WD Sport and rear-drive settings that make xDrive M BMWs so engaging are part of the package here. Indeed R44 Performance suggests this is ‘exactly how a G87 xDrive would roll off the production line’ - the Papaya Orange wrap almost looks like M3 GTS Fire Orange - so don’t be surprised if we see the real thing soon.
Just think how it went for the larger M4, with a wild CSL bidding farewell to RWD before the range went xDrive only. Including a very good CS. Let’s hope for more of the same from the M2. These M cars are getting heavier and more complex, sure, but they aren’t half good as well - xDrive most certainly included.
It was late January with very cold temperatures and slushy rain, and we took both cats on the same route back to back.
The M2 was itching to fire us off the road and had almost no traction.
The M3 touring was incredibly sure footed and the performance felt impossible in the conditions.
The M2 x drive would be an incredible car.
Tom Wrigley has been making massive power BMW’s for ages, sure he has an X drive M140 also making some silly bhp. Already lots of TW tuned M3’s running very quick 1/4 miles.
Amazingly the aftermarket splitters and stuff looks more OEM than BMW's own kit lol
1.500hp and 0 to 62 mph in 3.23 sec with AWD?
can't say I'm impressed with that.
impressed with the built ok.
There are several threads complaining how modern performance cars are so fast and capable and thus not much fun. I'm surprised there is much demand for an awd M2.
1.500hp and 0 to 62 mph in 3.23 sec with AWD?
can't say I'm impressed with that.
impressed with the built ok.
1.500hp and 0 to 62 mph in 3.23 sec with AWD?
can't say I'm impressed with that.
impressed with the built ok.
hm, then I wait what its then does, guess in the 2 something sec.
1.500hp and 0 to 62 mph in 3.23 sec with AWD?
can't say I'm impressed with that.
impressed with the built ok.
hm, then I wait what its then does, guess in the 2 something sec.
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