BMW's electrification plans are getting exciting. The German automaker recently revealed US specifications for its upcoming i4 Gran Coupe and iX Sports Activity Vehicle, but even more intriguing news is yet to come. BMW is rumored to be working on an all-electric version of its popular M2 Coupe, dubbed the iM2. This EV sports car is rumored to produce over 1,300 horsepower, making it one of the most anticipated vehicles in BMW's future portfolio. Judging by a recent trademark filing from BMW, the iM2 will be joined by a more affordable model.

We already knew BMW secured the rights to the names "i1" through "i9" for upcoming EVs. Brands often trademark names even if they don't plan to use them. They then typically hone in on specific products on a market-by-market basis. BMW recently filed to use the name "i2" in Costa Rica, suggesting such a model could be in the works.

We were surprised to see this trademark filed in Costa Rica rather than a larger market like the US, Germany, or China. The application covers the goods and services category for "vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles apparatus for locomotion by land, machines for land vehicles, engines for land vehicles, parts and accessories for vehicles." Though it uses BMW's lower case "i" nomenclature for EVs, the filing makes no mention of electrification. The trademark was filed on May 19, 2021.

This filing could be linked to reports that BMW has canceled its upcoming i1 hatchback. The company will instead build an i2 sedan based on the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe. Such a model would prove more popular in markets like the US, where sedans greatly outsell hatchbacks. The i2 would act as a spiritual successor to the i3 as a more affordable EV in BMW's lineup. No concrete details about the i2 have emerged from BMW, but we will keep an eye out for any leaks or official announcements.