2023 BMW M2 teased, Mexican production confirmed

The 2023 BMW M2 performance coupe has been teased in Mexico gearing up for production.

Set for reveal before the end of 2022, production of the next-generation M2 will shift from Germany to join the 2 Series and 3 Series at BMW’s plant in San Luis Potosí, Mexico.

The facility started operations in 2019, initially building North American versions of the 3 Series sedan, before expanding to manufacture the new-generation 2 Series for the global market in 2021.

UPDATE, June 2022: BMW M2 prototype review

We've now driven the new M2 on track! It's still camouflaged, and technically a prototype, but this is your best insight yet on what's to come.

"Specify this new M2 with the no-extra-cost manual, and you have a fairly-priced instant classic with no waiting list. A no-brainer, really."

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A second production shift and 800 additional employees will be added by the year's end to meet demand, with production increasing by nearly 25 per cent last year.

“We are very excited to be part of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of M, now that our Mexican plant will build M vehicles for the whole world,” said Harald Gottsche, president and CEO of the plant.

“The high capacity of human talent in San Luis Potosí is once again demonstrated and our commitment to the growth and development of the state is renewed.”

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Australian deliveries of the rear-wheel-drive M2 are likely to commence in 2023.

It is expected to feature a detuned version of BMW M’s latest 3.0-litre ‘S58’ twin-turbocharged inline-six, sourced from the M3 and M4.

The model differentiates from the regular, second-generation 2 Series with aggressive front and rear bumpers, flared wheel arches and quad tailpipes.

More angular front styling inspired by the Z4 and M8 will also feature, with little influence from the controversially big-grilled M3 and M4.

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As reported by Wheels in September, the updated engine is expected to produce at least 317kW of power and 560Nm of torque in standard form, beating the 310kW/500Nm turbocharged four-cylinder found in the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S.

This is an increase of 15kW over the similarly configured S55 engine underneath the outgoing M2 Competition, allowing for similar off-the-line performance in spite of the added heft of the new-generation model.

With the 2 Series and M2 based around the brand’s latest Cluster Architecture – also underpinning the 3 Series, Z4 and Toyota GR Supra among others – the mechanical layout remains identical to its predecessor, but adds the ability for BMW to add 48-volt electrification in the future.

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Above: 2022 BMW M240i

The addition of a mild-hybrid system would assist with acceleration and efficiency, however, the M2 is tipped to initially launch without any electric assistance.

An eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission, replacing the previous seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, will be joined by a six-speed manual.

The 2023 BMW M2 is expected to debut in the coming months, ahead of its Australian launch in 2023.