BMW->ke178 has already begun revitalizing its lineup with the future 3 Series->ke290 Coupe and Convertible getting tagged under the 4 Series->ke3834 line. This treatment is also spilling over to the 1 Series->ke313, as the three- and five-door models will remain under the 1 Series name, but starting in 2014, the coupe and convertible models become the new 2 Series lineup.

When compared to the 1 Series Coupe -- the model it replaces -- the new 2 Series Coupe is larger, giving increased interior room for the front and rear passengers. Additionally, the U.S.-spec 2 Series loses the six-cylinder engine used in the 1 Series Coupe and makes use of a new four-cylinder engine that is more powerful and easier on fuel.

BMW will display the new 2 Series Coupe at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show->ke222, but it has revealed most of the information ahead of its public showing.

It will hit showrooms in the first quarter of 2014 at a base price of $33,025. Upon initial release, there will only be two variants available in the U.S.: 228i and M235i. You can see the full review for the high-performance, 2014 BMW M235i here.

Updated 12/16/2013: The BMW 2 Series' ordering guide has leaked onto the Internet, showing all of the intricate pricing details, including a $500 premium for metallic paints, a $1,450 premium for Dakota leather and all of the optional packages. You can see the guide, after the jump.

Updated 05/30/2014: A leaked ordering guide document revealed prices for the 2015 2 Series. As expected things will remain pretty much unchanged, with the RWD 228i and M235i being priced from $32,100 and $43,100 respectively. AWD option will add another $1,800. New for 2015 model year is the Track Package priced at $2,200. (carscoops)

Click past the jump to read more about the BMW 2 Series Coupe.

2014 - 2015 BMW 2 Series Coupe

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 - 2015 BMW 2 Series Coupe
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 240 @ 5000
  • Torque: 258 @ 1250
  • Transmission: Six-Speed Manual
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Update History

Updated 06/25/2013: Bimmertoday reports that the new BMW 2 Series Coupe will make its world debut at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show in September, with the convertible version to follow a few months later. There will also be a M235i variant prepared for a 2014 launch.

Updated 10/09/2013: An online configurator accidentally placed on the BMW's official South African site revealed the full official specs of the upcoming BMW 2-series. Of course the configurator is not there anymore, but a few moments were enough to learn that the 220i version will be powered by a 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine that produces 181 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque. This version will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 7 seconds and up to a top speed of 146 mph. The 220d version will get a 2.0-liter diesel unit with an output of 181 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The 0 to 60 mph sprint will be made in 7.1 seconds and the top speed is also 146 mph. On the South African market the 220i is priced at $37k and the 220d at $39k. (2addicts)

Updated 10/25/2013: This review was updated with the official details, images and specs.

Leaked Ordering Guide

Exterior

The new 2 Series Coupe features the usual design elements we have seen in all the coupe models from BMW: a three-box body with clearly defined boot and low-slung silhouette, a long bonnet, doors with frameless windows and a dynamically stretched roofline flowing smoothly into the rear end.

Up front, the new 2 Series Coupe gets the standard BMW kidney grille that features a three-dimensional design with 11 vertical bars and is separated from the headlights by narrow strips on either side -- an odd move, considering Bimmer recent movement to the to-the-grille headlight design . The lower air intake is divided into three sections, with the two outer ones featuring the same shape as the headlights.

The headlights feature a modified contour and BMW offers them with a standard accent strip or an optional LED accent light when buyers check the optional bi-xenon light box.

The taillights have the typical BMW L-shape, while the trunk lid features specially designed lines and the rear apron gets additional diffuser element.

Customers can choose between two non-metallic and 10 metallic paints, with a special Estoril Blue metallic offered as part of the M Sport package.

When moving up to the M235i, the 2 Series gains a more aggressive front apron with large air inlets and a mean-looking splitter; side skirts to add some extra detail from a side view; a more stylish trunk lid that has an integrated spoiler; and a rear apron that includes a plastic, diffusor-like insert and some extra creases for better styling.

228i Vs. M235i - Front Styling


228i Vs. M235i - Profile Styling


228i Vs. M235i - Rear Styling


M Sport Package Includes

-Large front air intakes

-Striking side skirts

-Diffuser for the rear apron

-Special design for the BMW kidney grille

-Exhaust tailpipe embellisher in high-gloss chrome

-Bespoke suspension tuning (including a 10-millimetre drop in ride height and 17-inch M light-alloy wheels in double-spoke design)

Exterior Dimensions

Length

174.5 inches

Width

69.8 inches

Height

55.82 inches

Wheelbase

105.9 inches

Front track

59.9 inches

Rear track

61.3 inches


Interior

Just like with any other BMW model, the interior of the 2 Series Coupe is defined by the same driver-focused design of the cockpit, contemporary functionality and high-quality materials.

As standard, the 2 Series offers cloth seating, but buyers can opt for a Dakota leather trim. Also standard is matte Satin Silver trimming, but as an option there is also brushed aluminum trim or Fineline Stream wood.

The model also offers an Easy Entry function that makes accessing the rear seats less of a strain -- a common complaint in coupes. When compared to the previous 1 Series Coupe, the new 2 Series Coupe offers an increased legroom by about 21 mm (0.82 inches).

When the customer will opt for the optional navigation system or the BMW Professional radio, the model will also be equipped with a BMW iDrive operating system.

M Sport Package Includes

-Sports seats for the driver and front passenger

-Aluminum Hexagon interior trim strips with an accent strip in Estoril Blue

-Special dial design for the instrument cluster,

-Ambient lighting

-M driver’s footrest

Drivetrain

For the U.S. market, the only version available will be the 228i Coupe, aside from the M235i.

The 228i is powered by a 2.0-liter, in-line four-cylinder engine that delivers a total of 240 horsepower between 5,000 and 6,500 rpm, and peak torque of 258 pound-feet delivered between 1,250 and 4,500 rpm. The new coupe comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, but an eight-speed manual is available.

The 228i can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds and up to a top speed of 130 mph. Despite these impressive performance figures, the 228i Coupe delivers a fuel economy of 23 mpg city, 35 mpg highway and 27 mpg combined when equipped with the 8-speed sport automatic gearbox. With the six-speed manual, the 228i delivers 22 mpg city, 34 mpg highway and 26 mpg combined.

The 228i's optional eight-speed, automatic gearbox features gearshift paddles on the steering wheel and a "Launch Control" function that enables traction-optimized, dynamically maximized acceleration off the line.

The model is also equipped with a standard "Driving Experience Control" switch with four driving modes: COMFORT, SPORT, SPORT + and ECO PRO.

The M235i comes in with a turbocharged 3.0-liter, in-line six-cylinder engine that cranks out a stout 322 horsepower between 5,800 and 6,000 rpm, and 332 pound-feet of torque between 1,300 and 4,500 rpm.

Standard on the M235i is an eight-speed auto box that combines with teh powerful six-pot to sprint the coupe to 60 mph in only 4.8 seconds (with launch control activated).

For those that like to row their own boat, the M235i also has a no-cost optional six-speed, manual gearbox. This manual box raises the sprint time to 5 seconds.

Drivetrain Specifications

Model

228i

M235i

Engine

2.0-Liter, Four-Cylinder

3.0-Liter, I-6

Engine Technology

BMW TwinPower Turbo technology with twin-scroll turbocharger, High Precision Direct Injection, fully variable valve control (VALVETRONIC) and double-VANOS variable camshaft control

BMW TwinPower Turbo technology with twin-scroll turbocharger, High Precision Direct Injection, fully variable valve control (VALVETRONIC) and double-VANOS variable camshaft control

Output (HP @ RPM)

240 @ 5,000 - 6,500

322 @ 5,800 - 6,000

Torque (LB-FT @ RPM)

258 @ 1,250 - 4,500

332 @ 1,3200 - 4,500

Acceleration (0–60 mph)

5.4 seconds

4.8 Seconds (W/ Launch Control

Top Speed

130 MPH

(155 MPH W/ M Sport or Sport Line Package) 155 MPH

Fuel Economy (City/Highway/Combined)

Automatic: 23 MPG / 35 MPG / 27 MPG Manual: 22 MPG / 34 MPG / 26 MPG

Automatic: 22 MPG / 32 MPG / 25 MPG Manual: 19 MPG / 28 MPG / 22 MPG


Suspension and Brakes

The new 2 Series Coupe features a double-joint front suspension with spring struts and anti-roll bars, and a five-link rear suspension. The chassis makes use of lots of aluminum to help lower the center of gravity and create perfect 50:50 weight distribution.

Customers can equip their 2 Series with an Adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled shock absorbers, and an M Sport suspension with extra-stiff spring and shock absorber settings.

Standard features on the new 228i include: DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), DTC (Dynamic Traction Control), Cornering Brake Control (CBC) and Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), Brake Assist, Fading Compensation, the Brake Drying function and Start-Off Assistant.

The M235i comes with a specially configured suspension that allows fpr more precise handling. Additionally, the M model gets a standard Sport Braking system, variable sport steering and 18-inch M light-alloy wheels. These wheels comes wrapped in 225/40R18 Michelin Pilot Super Sport rubber up front and 245/35R18 Michelin rubber out back.

Prices

The new BMW 2 Series Coupe will be unveiled at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show and will be put on sale in the first quarter of 2014. Prices will start from $33,025 for the 228i and $44,025 for the M235i.

Pricing Details

Model

Model

MSRP (Including Destination Charge)

$33,025

2014 BMW 228i

$44,025


2014 BMW M235i

Package Pricing Details

Package

Includes

MSRP (228i / M235i)


- Heated Steering Wheel

- Heated Front Seats

- Retractable Headlight Washers

$700 / $550

Cold Weather Package


- Rearview camera

- Park Distance Control

$950 / $950

Driver Assistance Package


- Active Driver Assistant

- Speed Limit Info

$700 / $700

Driver Assistance Plus


- M Sport Brakes

- Adaptive M Suspension

- Variable Sport Steering

$1,400 / N/A

Dynamic Handling Package


- Xenon Headlights

- Adaptive Light Control

$900 / N/A

Lighting Package


- Universal Garage Door Opener

- Comfort Access keyless entry

- Moonroof

- Auto-dimming interior and exterior mirrors

- Auto-dimming rearview mirror

- Power front seats w/ driver memory

- Lumbar support

- Ambiance lighting

- Satellite radio w/ 1-year subscription

- Dakota leather

$4,050 / $2,300

Premium Package


- Navigation system w/ touchpad

- BMW Online and BMW Apps

- Advanced Real-Time Traffic

- Remote Services

- Enhanced USB and Bluetooth smartphone integration

- Instrument cluster w/ extended content

$2,150 / $2,150


2015 BMW 2 Series Prices

Model

Price

BMW 228i RWD

$32,100

BMW M235i RWD

$43,100

BMW 228i AWD

$33,900

BMW M235i AWD

$44,900


Competition

Audi TT

There was always a battle between German makers, and the only real competitor from Germany for the 2 Series to date is the Audi TT -- we're that'll change soon enough. The 2014 TT is powered by a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine that makes 211 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It's total output may be a little lower than the 228i, but that quattro all-wheel drive makes a huge impact on its performance, hence its 5.3-second 0-to-60 mph time.

The current TT starts out at $39,000, so it is significantly pricier than the 228i, but it also comes with a better-equipped cabin as standard.

Keep in mind, however, that Audi is working on a new-generation TT that we expect to see sometime next year.

Scion FR-S

The FR-S is no luxury coupe, but it is the perfect option for buyers looking for a cheaper option to the 228i. It is powered by a 2.0-liter, boxer-four engine that delivers a total of 200 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. Sure, it is significantly slower than the 228i, but its $24,930 base price may change your mind, and its one of the most fun cars to drive at that price.

History

The "2 Series" is all-new to the BMW lineup, but is comes in to replace the 1 Series Coupe. If you are wondering why BMW made this decision, well the answer is quite simple: it wants to further differentiate the models it offers.

The 1 Series was launched in 2004, but a coupe version didn't arrived until late in 2007 for Europe and 2008 for the U.S.

The 1 Series shares more than 60 percent of its technology with the 3 Series, including the 230-horsepower, 3.0-liter, in-line six-cylinder engine initially offered for the American market.

The 1 Series Coupe version received its first update in 2011 when BMW offered a new exterior and interior look and replaced the N54 twin-turbo engine with the N55 engine.

For the North American market, the 1 Series Coupe is offered with a choice of two engines: a 3.0-liter, in-line six-cylinder with 230 horsepower for the 128i version and a 3.0-liter, in-line six-cylinder with TwinPower Turbo technology and 300 horsepower for the 135i version.

Conclusion

The new BMW 2 Series Coupe is a nice addition to the company's lineup. It looks sportier and a little bit more aggressive than the 1 Series Coupe it replaces. To sweeten the pot little, it is also more powerful and more fuel efficient than its predecessor. Too bad that BMW decided to only bring one version for the American market, but that will likely change through the years.