BMW M2 2026: AWD coupe confirmed for Australia with more traction to rival Audi RS3 and Mercedes-AMG A45 S

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BMW Australia has announced its M2 cult car will soon offer xDrive all-wheel drive, making an already formidable track-day champion grippier, easier to control, and hopefully, faster. 

The xDrive M2 should arrive by the end of the year, with initial deliveries penned for this year’s fourth quarter. It will debut at a $5000 premium to the base model M2, starting from $133,100 before on-road costs with GST and LCT added. 

The prospect of all-wheel drive is already offered by M2’s closest German rivals — the $104,800 Audi RS3 and $124,000 Mercedes-AMG A45 S. Prices shown are before on-road costs.

Introducing xDrive should add to the M2’s dynamic handling characteristics, control, and exceptional track performance by providing more traction. 

The forthcoming M2 AWD will share an identical equipment list to its rear-driven siblings, though it forgoes the option of a six-speed manual transmission. The base model M2 continues to start from $128,100, regardless of transmission type. 

The wilder, more powerful 390kW / 650Nm M2 CS incurs a $39,800 premium over the M2 xDrive, starting from $172,900 before on-road costs. It remains rear-drive only.

The M2 xDrive employs a 353kW/600Nm twin-turbocharged ‘S58’ three-litre ‘six, which sends power to all four wheels via an eight-speed Steptronic automatic and ‘Active M Differential’ – an electronically controlled diff which uses a clutch pack to modulate power between axles.

BMW claims the all-wheel drive M2 retains a rear-bias driving character, with power being sent to the front axle via an active differential only when more traction is required. 

Sprinting from 0-100km/hr takes 3.7 seconds – 0.3 seconds faster than the M2 rear-driver – with a limited top speed of 250km/hr. 

The M2 xDrive also debuts ‘M Ignite Technology’ – a pre-chamber ignition system said to increase combustion efficiency, reduce emissions, and decrease the risk of pre-detonation. 

Standard equipment on the 2026 BMW M2 xDrive includes:

• Blue-painted Compound brakes
• Adaptive LED headlights
• Rear spoiler
• Adaptive suspension
• Anthracite headliner
• Leather ‘Vernasca’ upholstery
• Carbon Fibre’ interior trim
• ‘M’-style seat belts
• Electronic-adjusting heated front sport seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Harman/kardon surround sound system
• Tyre pressure monitoring
• Wireless device charger
• Active cruise control

The all-wheel driven M2 xDrive is expected to make its Australian debut in Q4, 2026. 

BMW M2 2026: prices in Australia

All prices listed are before on-road costs and include GST and LCT.

• Rear-drive manual: $128,100
• Rear-drive automatic: $128,100
• ‘xDrive’ all-wheel drive automatic: $133,100
• CS rear-drive automatic: $172,900