A few years back, someone at BMW thought it would be fun to place the magical name game. Instead of the 1 Series being sold as a coupe, convertible, three-door, or five-door, BMW decided to take the coupe and convertible models and call them the 2 Series. It was a little confusing at first, but a lot of good came out of it. The 2 Series coupe is larger than the model it replaced and came complete with a four-cylinder that was more powerful and offered better fuel efficiency compared to the V-6 in the old 1 Series coupe. And, of course, don’t forget that we were also blessed with the gorgeous BMW M2. Come the 2018 model year, and the entire 2 Series lineup is due for an update. BMW’s PR talk would leave you to believe that we’re talking about a new generational model, but truth be told, the changes are quite thin for 2018. Exterior changes are limited to new lighting units, while the interior gets a mildly revised dash and updated iDrive infotainment system. As far as motivation goes, you’ll have your choice of three-, four-, and six-cylinder mills (depending on market) that deliver between 136 and 340 horsepower.

Just to be clear, BMW says the 2018 2 Series is a new-gen model, but all evidence points to the contrary. Changes are minimal, and the 2 Series has really only been around since 2014, so it wouldn’t make sense for a new-gen model to be ushered in so quickly. With that said, let’s take a closer look at what the 2018 model will offer when it goes on sale in July of 2017.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2018 BMW 2 Series Coupe.

2018 BMW 2 Series Coupe

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2018 BMW 2 Series Coupe
  • Engine/Motor: inline-3
  • Horsepower: 136 @ 4400
  • Torque: 162 @ 1250
  • Transmission: six-speed manual
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

If you read through BMW’s press release, it would lead you to believe that the exterior was getting some significant updates – things like a large grille, for instance – but the truth is, there’s really no significant change to the exterior. Up front, you’ll notice the same hood, grilles, and while there are some changes to the front fascia, it’s largely the same. The notable differences here is that the corner vents have changed a bit. They are now thinner, and a bit longer, and feature a new insert that is unique compared to the mesh in the center of the air dam.

The same general design of the fascia carries over, including the corner design and design surrounding those corner vents. The only other notable change here is the headlights, which are the same shape and size, and even have the same eyelid look, but now have more angular LED’s around the bulb projectors. It’s a fresher look in comparison to the headlights on the current model, but I wouldn’t recommend popping the cork on that champagne bottle to celebrate.

As is the usual case with BMW facelifts, there’s absolutely no change to the side profile. The same mirror units and body lines carry over untouched. This includes the sharp line below the beltline, the curved line on the door between the wheel arches, and the shaping of the side skirts. From the look of things the M240i you see here is wearing the same wheel design that we’ve already seen on the current model as well. Around back, it’s more of the same, with the same decklid and rear fascia carrying over. The insert on the bottom of the fascia is the same as well. The only difference here is the new lens layout for the taillights which offers up a slightly different matrix layout that also moves the reverse lights to the lower inside corner. Those reverse light sections are also longer and sleeker, for what that’s worth.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I think the 2 Series is a beautiful car for what it is, so I don’t believe it really needed a lot of change after just three years on the market. So, while I would have liked to see at least a new front and rear fascia, and maybe a better design for the new taillights, this isn’t that bad of an update, really.

2018 BMW 2 Series Vs. 2017 BMW 2 Series

2018 BMW 2 Series headlights

2018 BMW 2 Series taillights

2017 BMW 2 Series headlights

2017 BMW 2 Series taillights


Exterior Dimensions

Wheelbase (Inches)

105.90

Length (Inches)

174.48

Width (Inches)

69.84

Height (Inches)

55.82

Track front/rear (Inches)

59.88/61.25


Interior

At first glance, you can’t really notice much in terms of change between the 2018 model and the current model. But, with a trained eye, you can make out some changes. The most noticeable change is the redesigned dash. Where the dash on the current model is angular and well defined, the dash for the 2018 model is more curved and eloquently presented. The instrument cluster is practically the same, but the gauges now have a gloss black face. A new trim insert now surrounds the central HVAC vents and extends across the passenger side of the dash, replacing the endcap insert on the current model. The corner HVAC vents are practically the same, but now feature a gloss black surround that is accented by L-shaped silver trim.

The door time panels and other trim elements inside carry over unchanged, but the window buttons on the doors get chrome accents while the glove box door now sits flush with the lower end of the dash. The trim around the HVAC and CD changer controls are not in gloss black while the cupholders in the center console now get a sliding access door. Finally, BMW is now offering a new leather upholstery option and two new cloth upholstery options. In terms of technology, Bluetooth and USB connectivity comes standard as does an updated iDrive infotainment system with a fresh user interface. This system includes a touch-screen display if you opt for the Navigation Professional package, which a touch controller and intelligent voice control system is standard equipment.

Other little goodies include a wireless induction charging tray for your mobile devices, Apple CarPlay connectivity, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The latter of which comes standard with an integrated SIM card to offer up full connectivity and access to various BMW services without the need to link your phone. The updated 2 Series also offers up Microsoft Office 365 connection via a secure server for working on the go if you so desire. Some driver assistance features like active cruise control and lane departure warning are available, but they are optional and will set you back a little extra cheddar.

Drivetrain

BMW hasn’t gone into too many specifics as far as the drivetrain department is concerned. However, we do know that, depending on the market, there will be three-, four-, and six-cylinder engines available for the taking. Power output will range anywhere between 136 horsepower to as much as 340 horsepower with the inline-six in the range-topping M240i models. Diesel-drinking variants all have new turbocharger technology and “enhanced common-rail direct injection systems.”

Gasoline Engines

BMW 218i Coupe

BMW 220i Coupe

BMW 230i Coupe

BMW M240i Coupe

Engine

1.5-liter inline-3

2.0-liter inline-4

2.0-liter inline-4

3.0-liter inline-6

Horsepower

136 HP @ 4,400 RPM

184 HP @ 5,000 RPM

252 HP @ 5,200 RPM

340 HP @ 5,500 RPM

Torque

162 LB-FT @ 1,250 - 4,300 RPM

199 LB-FT @ 1,350-4,600 RPM

258 LB-FT @ 1,450-4,800 RPM

368 LB-FT @ 1,520-4,500 RPM

Transmission

6-speed manual

8-speed Steptronic

8-speed Steptronic

6-speed manual

0 to 100 km/h (62 mph)

8.8 seconds

7.2 seconds

5.6 seconds

4.8 seconds

Top Speed

130 mph

143 mph

155 mph

155 mph

Weight

2,965 Lbs

3,097 Lbs

3,152 Lbs

3,251 Lbs


Diesel Engines

BMW 218d Coupe

BMW 220d Coupe

BMW 225d Coupe

Engine

2.0-liter inline-4 diesel

2.0-liter inline-4 diesel

2.0-liter inline-4 diesel

Engine

150 HP @ 4,000 RPM

190 HP @ 4,000 RPM

224 @ 4,400 RPM

Torque

236 LB-FT @ 1,500 - 3,000 RPM

295 LB-FT @ 1,750-2,500 RPM

331 Lb-FT @ 1,500-3,000 RPM

Transmission

6-speed manual

6-speed manual

8-speed Steptronic Sport

0 to 100 km/h (62 mph)

8.4 seconds

7.1 seconds

6.2 seconds

Top Speed

132 mph

143 mph

151 mph

Weight

3,042 Lbs

3,075 Lbs

3,152 Lbs


Transmission options include an eight-speed automatic or a six-speed manual. The automatic is standard on 220i, 230i, 225d and M240i. The latter two, however, get a “sport” version of the eight-speed auto which includes a manual-shift function via paddle shifters on the steering wheel. It appears as if most engine variants will get a minor bump in power, but the only engine we know of for sure is that 3.0-liter which has been increased from 335 horsepower up to 340 horsepower in the M240i. Be that as it may, the 62-mph sprint remains the same at 4.4 seconds while fuel economy is rated at 38.2 mpg on the imperial scale. The M240i and 225d can be optioned as rear-wheel drive or with BMW’s xDrive AWD system.

As far as competition goes, the 2 Series is up against other German models like the Audi TT and the Mercedes C-Class Coupe. But there is some difference in size here. For instance, the Audi TT is shorter than the current 2 Series, while the C-Class is about 10-inches longer. But, when you look at performance, all three prove to be good competition for one another. The Audi TT comes to the party with either a 2.0-liter diesel or a 2.0-liter gasoline drinker. Output for the diesel is rated at 184 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque while the gasoline variant can be had with 230 ponies and 272.9 pound-feet or 310 horsepower and 280 pound-feet. The 310-horsepower version is limited to the Audi TT S. The sprint to 60 mph comes in at 7.2 seconds for the diesel-powered model while the entry-level gas model hits the same sprint in six seconds with a manual transmission or 5.3 seconds with a six-speed Stronic. The TT-S and its uprated 3.0-liter makes the same sprint in 4.7 seconds. Top speed is limited to 155 mph for both gasoline engines, while the diesel tops out at 146 mph.

Meanwhile, the slightly longer Mercedes C-Class Coupe comes in just one trim here in the U.S. if you don’t count the various AMG models. That model is the C300, and it can be had in rear-wheel or all-wheel drive with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that delivers a decent 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. The C300 can hit the 60-mph sprint in 5.9 seconds with two-wheel or all-wheel drive, with top speed also limited to 155 mph. On the insane performance front, you’ve got the AMG C43 Coupe that delivers 362 horsepower and 384 pound-feet from a 3.0-liter V-6. It’s enough to get the coupe up to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. The C63 is available in an entry-level form or as the C63 S. Both utilize a 4.0-liter V-8 with the entry-level model producing 469 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque and the S model delivering 503 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. The C63 can hit 60 mph in 3.9 seconds while the C63 S hits the same sprint in 3.8 seconds.

The 2018 2 Series is set to go on sale starting in July of 2017. More specific specifications will be available at that time, so be sure to check back for updates come summer of 2017.

Horsepower

Engine

2.0 liters gasoline

2.0-liter four-cylinder

Horsepower

230 HP

241 HP

Torque

272 LB-FT

273 LB-FT

0 to 60 mph

6 seconds

5.9 seconds

Top Speed

155 mph

155 mph


Pricing

For now, pricing is far from being established for the facelifted model, but you can get the current model 2 Series for as little as $33,150 in 230i form. Moving up to xDrive in the same trim will set you back by an extra $2,000 at $35,150. Move up to the M240i, and you’ll be asked to sign a check for at least $44,450 or $46,450 if you would rather enjoy that xDrive all-wheel-drive system. The current M2 goes for at least $51,700. Pricing for the 2 Series is likely to increase across the board mildly with the entry-level model sucking up as much as $34,000 and the M2 commanding as much as $52,500.

In comparison, you can get the Audi TT as little as $43,500 in base form or $52,500 for the TTS. Obviously, neither model competes well with the 230i, but when you step up to the M240, the competition is strong. With the C-Class Coupe, it’s a similar story with the C300 digging deep for at least $42,650 in entry-level form or $44,650 if you go for the C300 4MATIC. For those that like to live wildly, the C43 coupe will hit the bank for $55,500, while the base C63 will hit you for at least $67,000. The C63 S is the most expensive of them all with $75,000.

Competition

Audi TT

The Audi TT went through a recent generational shift with the 2016 model year ushering in the third generation of the bubbly coupe. Updates for the third-gen model were rather mundane with the exterior getting things like the grille, exterior lights, front and rear fascia, and side profile all getting mild tweaks. Inside, the interior got a bit of a makeover with repositioned HVAC vents and Audi’s virtual cockpit coming as standard equipment. The interior is cleaner and simpler than before, which is actually a good thing, but it also resulted in the infotainment display being integrated into the virtual cockpit instead of the center stack as it was before. Pricing for the 2017 model year falls between $43,500 and $52,500.

Learn more about the Audi TT here.

Mercedes C-Class Coupe

The Mercedes C-Class is, arguably Mercedes most important model. It falls in line as the low-middle model, with only the CLA being positioned below it. As such, it’s a go-to for younger buyers who aren’t looking to spends tons of money on the larger E-Class, CLS, or S-Class. On the power front, it competes pretty well with the 230i, falling just a few horsepower short. Be that as it may, the C-Class is actually quite a bit more expensive in entry-level form compared to the 2 Series. There isn’t a C-Class model to compete with the M240i, so to get a Mercedes that actually competes on the power front, you would have to go with the C43 that pumps out 362 horsepower, seven-horsepower more than the M240i and more than $10,000 more expensive than the xDrive variant.

Find out more about the Mercedes C-Class Coupe here.

Conclusion

It’s certainly nice to see BMW keeping its 2 Series lineup nice and fresh; it’s not often you see a model refreshed after just a couple of years on the market. However, the automakers' PR talk sure did try to push this model as a new generation and, if that’s the case, they might as well drop the BMW badge and start displaying four rings because this would be the laziest generational shift ever. With a keen eye, you can see that the interior has gotten a few decent updates, and the dash certainly offers a cleaner look, but in the grand scheme of things, very little has changed.

To sum it up, the car gets new exterior light units, a revised dash with new trim, and a very mild bump in power to a few of the engine options. Nothing more; nothing less. It’s not that bad for a quick facelift a few years into the car’s lifecycle, but if you already own a current 2 Series, you might be better off waiting for the true next-gen model to come out before upgrading. You’re not really getting much if you upgrade to the facelifted model at this point.