The new BMW M3 and M4 have only just launched, but the next-generation M2 is just around the corner. Last year, we got our first look at the next-generation BMW 2 Series, and now the redesigned M2 has been spied for the first time sliding in the snow. Since the M3 is larger and no longer offered as a coupe, the M2 fills the role of BMW's benchmark sports coupe and is lighter than the M4 Coupe.

The current-generation M2 bowed out with the highly praised M2 CS, arguably one of the best BMW M driver's cars in a long time, but now the time has come for a redesign.

Thick layers of camouflage disguise the details, but the M2 still sports the familiar design cues we've come to expect from BMW's M cars such as flared wheel arches and a quad-tip exhaust system. Like the new 2 Series, the new M2 has a new power bulge on the hood and redesigned headlights and taillights. Unfortunately, the camouflage does a good job of covering up the grille.

Mercifully, leaked photos of the next-generation 2 Series confirmed the coupe will be spared the big grille treatment that's plaguing new models like the M3 and M4, so there's hope the new M2's grille won't cause any offense.

And yes, the M2 will retain the current car's rear-wheel-drive layout, which allowed the test driver to get the car sideways in the snow. Under the hood, the M2 will be powered by a detuned version of the M3's 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six engine, which is expected to produce around 420 hp in the base model, up from 365 hp in the current M2.

A more powerful Competition variant will likely come later with an increased output of around 450 hp, followed by a range-topping CS variant with more power and less weight. The next-generation BMW 2 Series is expected to debut this year and go on sale as a 2022 model, so the new M2 will likely arrive next year.