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Coming with an exciting new engine and a plethora of carbon fiber components, the upcoming BMW M2 is one of the most anticipated sports cars of 2022.

The first-generation BMW M2 has been in production since 2016 and received a facelift in 2019. It's been one of the most celebrated and well-received BMW sports cars in a long time, yet BMW hasn't updated the model for the past two years. This is why it's such a piece of exciting news that BMW is releasing an updated and revamped version of this in-demand sports car. The second-generation BMW M2 is bound to borrow features from the current generation M3 and M4, making it an excellent option for most drivers.

Unlike other European sports cars opting for 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines, BMW has stuck with its legendary S58 engine to provide more power and reliability. If you’re not yet convinced about the BMW M2, read on to know why it will be the coolest European sports car of 2022.

The second-generation M2 will retail between the M240i xDrive’s $48,550 and M3’s $72,800 starting price. It will also be cheaper than the M2 CS, which had a retail price of $84,595. This means that drivers can enjoy the S58 engine without paying the full price of the M3 or M4.

Even though the engine will be slightly detuned from the M3 and M4, the M2 will offer better performance than the M240i xDrive. It will also feature some optional extras such as carbon bucket seats and a carbon roof.

The M2 will feature BMW's new curved display. This display combines intuitive touch operations with a screen grouping of a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch control display. This display will help take the interaction between the driver and vehicle to a new level.

It will offer a natural dialogue-based user experience with functions tailored to the needs and preferences of the driver. The screens will run the latest iDrive 8 infotainment system and offer some M-specific graphics for a better driving experience.

Related: BMW Reveals All-New iDrive With 5G And A Personal Assistant

Like the new M3 and M4, the second generation M2 will have two transmission options; a 6-speed manual with BMW’s gear shift assistant for intelligent downshifts and an 8-speed M Sport automatic. Unlike its bigger siblings, the power output will remain the same in both transmission options.

Therefore, the manual option will be for drivers who want maximum engagement from their M2, while the automatic option will be ideal for anyone who wants flexibility since divers will get some steering-mounted paddle shifters.

The new M2 will also feature a set of staggered wheels with 19 inches in the front and 20 inches in the rear. These wheels will be wrapped with 275/35R-19 tires on the front and 285/30R-20 in the rear. The staggered wheels help provide the M2 with more traction in the rear.

This setup also helps reduce oversteer while offering more acceleration grip. Besides having staggered wheels, the M2 will also feature increased compression, a higher front spring rate, and a lower rear spring rate compared to the M4. This will help make it playful, especially since it's shorter than the M4.

Related: 2020 BMW M3 Is Getting A 'Pure' Rear Wheel Drive Option With 454 HP

As standard, the M2 will feature the braking system from the M3 and M4. This is a set of M Compound Brakes with two six-piston calipers at the front. These calipers have specially designed performance pads that help hug the drilled rotors and bring the car to a halt.

Unlike conventional rotors, the M2 will have lighter cast iron rotors that offer a great friction surface. Unfortunately, M2 owners won't have the option for carbon ceramics such as the M3 and M4. However, M compound brakes will be enough to stop the car quickly on the road and track.

Like in the new BMW M3 and M4 models, the second generation M2 will have a carbon roof available as an option. This is a huge step-up, considering the previous M2 models never got such an option from the factory. The carbon-fiber roof on the M2 will help shed a lot of weight and enhance the car’s performance.

The roof will also help lower the center of gravity, thus improving handling and stability. It will also enhance the M2’s appearance, giving it a race-inspired look.

Related: 10 Things Gearheads Should Know About The 2022 BMW M4

Drivers who want the epitome of racing feeling in the new M2 will be glad to opt for M carbon bucket seats. These seats offer a perfect fit and help save weight in the new M2. Like in the M3 and M4, these seats will be available in leather merino in four colors: Black, Silverstone/Black, Kyalami Orange/Black, and Yas Marina Blue/Black.

These seats provide the best support, especially for track-oriented drivers. As standard, the M2 will have the M Sport seat, similar to the one available in the M240i xDrive. The seat is also comfortable, but the option for the carbon bucket seats is a plus for the M2.

Besides having the standard Road, Sport, and Track modes, the second-generation M2 will feature the M Modes available in M3, M4, and M5 models. The option will help deliver a better-customized driving experience. That’s by allowing drivers to set up the M1 and M2 buttons to their liking.

When setting up these steering-mounted buttons, the driver can adjust the brakes, suspension damping, steering, transmission, and engine settings. Therefore, drivers can set a comfortable yet aggressive mode for the M1 button and a track-oriented setup for the M2 button.

Related: Here's What Makes The BMW M3 Competition The Best Sports Sedan

The adaptive M suspension offers the best comfort and performance. It adapts to your driving style, giving the best safety and experience. This suspension allows the driver to electronically control the shock absorbers for better damping and less wheel and body movement.

The M2 will have this suspension, thus allowing drivers to control the vehicle to the limit. It will work like other BMW vehicles where the driver can choose between Road, Sport, and Track modes. The drive is relaxed and fast in Road mode since the dampers will iron out uneven road surfaces. Additionally, the dampers will be tangibly tauter in either Sport or Track modes to help offer more direct road surface contact and reduce wheel movement.

The new M2 will feature the fabulous S58 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine from the M3 and M4. This engine has plenty of character and performance with 503 hp in M3 and M4 competition models. However, the engine will be slightly detuned to offer less power, but the new M2 will match the performance of the outgoing M2 CS.

This means that the M2 will be quick, considering the outgoing CS had 444 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The outgoing CS was a fast car capable of a 3.8 second 0 to 60 mph time. This also means tuners will have fun trying to get more power out of the S58 engine.

Brian is a husband, father and freelance writer. He's also a tech and automotive junkie passionate about cars and motorcycles. Brian is also an F1 fan - team Mercedes (LH). When he's not writing, Brian goes for impromptu drives and walks.