Rumour: BMW evaluating possible launch of the M2 and 330i

Thank you to the Team-BHP fan (he prefers to remain anonymous) who sent this information in. Heartfelt gratitude for sharing it with other enthusiasts!

BMW is evaluating the possibility of launching the M2 in India. Frank Schloeder, the new President of BMW Group India, is known to be a proper enthusiast. So, there is a high possibility of this turning into a reality.

The M2 is a 2-door coupe that is powered by a 3.0-litre, 6-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that puts out 365 BHP and 465 Nm of torque. The engine comes with an Overboost function that helps it produce an extra 35 Nm of torque. Transmission duties are handled by a 7-speed, double-clutch automatic gearbox. BMW claims that the M2 can accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in 4.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 250 kph. The car will be brought to India via the CBU route. Hence, it will not take much of an effort to launch it.

The 328i sedan will now be called the 330i. BMW is also likely to launch the car in India this year. It comes with a 2-0-litre, 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that develops 248 BHP and 350 Nm of torque. The engine is coupled to an 8-speed automatic transmission.

The automobile market in India has swung towards petrol engines over the past months, thanks to the diminishing difference in the prices of petrol and diesel and the ban on the registration of cars with large diesel engines in the National Capital Region. BMW, who had pulled out most of its petrol cars from the market, reintroduced the petrol version of the 3-Series sedan earlier this month. The petrol version of the 5-Series (520i) is also likely to be launched soon.