Photo: CarPix
The second generation of the BMW M2 is about a year away from its official unveiling, and various pre-production prototypes have been spotted testing all over the world.
Set to be powered by a detuned version of the S58B30T0 inline-six engine found under the hoods of the current M3/M4 and X3 M/X4 M, the new BMW M2 should be like a 2002 Turbo redux if all the rumors are true.
Today, we are not here to talk about the 2023 BMW M2, though, but one of the most peculiar BMW mules we have seen in recent years.
For some unknown reason, BMW currently cold-weather tests a compact electric car hidden inside the body of a current-generation M2.
The mule is even more peculiar as it is the first time being spotted in the open, and its development seems to have started in the cold wilderness that is Lapland, of all places.
It’s not even a standard BMW M2 or M3 CS, as the rear seats seem to have been replaced with a motorsport-derived roll-cage. Furthermore, the quad exhaust system has made room for an aerodynamic diffuser, while the strangely shaped trunk lid reminds of the one found on the E46 BMW M3 CSL.
There are also some strange vents in the hood that seem to serve a purpose as mysterious as the rest of the car.
In other words, we are just as confused as you are, as the strange vehicle is a full-electric mule for a model that is yet to be announced by BMW. It was also spied driving within a BMW test facility and not on public roads.
Technically, the Bavarians are already preparing electric versions for each of their core models, a move spearheaded by the iX3 and the recently unveiled i4, soon to be followed by an i7, an iX1, and an i5.
Our best guess is that BMW is simply testing the powertrain and batteries for a future electric model with a similar footprint as the current-generation M2, from the wheelbase to the widened track.
Today, we are not here to talk about the 2023 BMW M2, though, but one of the most peculiar BMW mules we have seen in recent years.
For some unknown reason, BMW currently cold-weather tests a compact electric car hidden inside the body of a current-generation M2.
The mule is even more peculiar as it is the first time being spotted in the open, and its development seems to have started in the cold wilderness that is Lapland, of all places.
It’s not even a standard BMW M2 or M3 CS, as the rear seats seem to have been replaced with a motorsport-derived roll-cage. Furthermore, the quad exhaust system has made room for an aerodynamic diffuser, while the strangely shaped trunk lid reminds of the one found on the E46 BMW M3 CSL.
There are also some strange vents in the hood that seem to serve a purpose as mysterious as the rest of the car.
In other words, we are just as confused as you are, as the strange vehicle is a full-electric mule for a model that is yet to be announced by BMW. It was also spied driving within a BMW test facility and not on public roads.
Technically, the Bavarians are already preparing electric versions for each of their core models, a move spearheaded by the iX3 and the recently unveiled i4, soon to be followed by an i7, an iX1, and an i5.
Our best guess is that BMW is simply testing the powertrain and batteries for a future electric model with a similar footprint as the current-generation M2, from the wheelbase to the widened track.
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