The next-generation BMW 2 Series cannot be too far away, considering we've already spied it testing with heavy camouflage. We've even spotted the next-generation M2 out testing in the snow, looking like a nice evolution of the baby M car. Now our spy photographers have captured what appears to be a new M2 prototype wearing no camo, though it's using the body from the current M2 to fool us.

This may look like a run-of-the-mill M2 test mule, but it's anything but. Take a look around the back of this prototype, and you'll notice that there are no exhaust pipes. That's because this M2 doesn't have an internal combustion engine under the hood. This could be our first look at an M-branded electric sports car.

Before we speculate too much, it's a bit too early to tell what BMW is working on here. While this prototype is clearly electric, it doesn't have the typical "Electric Test Vehicle" stickers that we normally see. That might explain why this car was spotted within BMW's testing facility rather than on public roads. It's entirely possible that BMW could introduce an electric M2 variant in the next-generation, but the M2 body could also be a trick to distract from what's really in development here.

This prototype has some clear differences compared to a stock M2. For starters, the hood features some aggressive vents, and the rear spoiler looks different. Those wheels are different than what's on any current M2 and this car is clearly built with performance in mind since it has carbon-ceramic M brakes.

We expect the next-generation M2 to receive a detuned version of the S58 inline-six engine used in the latest M3 and M4, producing more than the current 2021 BMW M2 Competition's 405 horsepower. As evidenced by the new i4 and its 523-hp electric motors, BMW can easily extract M2 levels of power without an internal combustion engine. The idea of a tiny M car with potent electric motors sounds pretty cool, but we'll have to wait to see BMW's plans.