The 2 Series line can be traced back to the old BMW 1 Series from about a decade ago. You see, over time, the 3 Series had grown dimensionally and BMW wanted a machine that was in line with its DNA. So, they turned their attention to the rear-wheel-drive 1 Series hatchback at the time, added some performance bits and a trunk to it. and then there was the BMW 1M.
BMW purists hailed the 1M as one of the all-time greats. It offered a spirited drive that had been missing from the 3 Series for the longest time. The compact dimensions, rear-wheel drive, and stick shift put the driver back in the Ultimate Driving Machine. BMW later repositioned this model as the 2 Series and M2 for the following generation.
2021 BMW 2 Series Coupe
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- Model: 2021 BMW 2 Series Coupe
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In recent times, if you were disappointed by the fact that the 1 Series became a front-wheel-drive model, relax, because BMW has finally dropped a real bombshell with the new 2 Series Coupe.
Exterior
Unlike the odd-looking 2 Series Gran-Coupe that is based on the Front Wheel Drive 1 Series, the new 2 Series Coupe thankfully stays true to traditional coupe lines. The front features a new Super long hood with angular shapes in the bumpers. The headlights are more swept back and look aggressive. It has a wide stance that contrasts well with a clean side profile.
The rear, on the other hand, is short and stubby, showing off the squared-off double exhaust tailpipes and an accentuated spoiler. Mercifully though, the new 2 has stuck with a SMALLER kidney grille, unlike the 4 Series. The M240i comes with an even more aggressive front bumper along with cerium grey grille surrounds and unique mirror caps.
Also, the dimensions of the vehicle have increased a bit. This means that the new 2 Series is 4.3 inches longer, 2.6 inches wider, and sits 1 inch lower than before. The wheelbase has also grown by 2 inches, while on the more extreme M240i version the wheelbase has increased by 2.5 inches. Overall, the design is far more muscular and aerodynamic with features like closing vanes on the grille. While the lower trim levels sit on 17 and 18-inch rims, the top-of-the-line models come with 19-inch light-alloy wheels and high-performance tires.
2022 BMW 2 Series Coupe exterior dimensions
|
230i Coupe |
M240i xDrive Coupe |
Length |
179.0 |
179.4 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Width |
72.4 |
72.4 |
|||
|
Width including mirrors |
81.4 |
81.4 |
|||
|
Height |
54.8 |
55.3 |
|||
|
Wheelbase |
107.9 |
107.9 |
Interior
With the increased dimensions, it comes as no surprise that the interior is now far roomier. You can choose from high-quality leather upholstery for the seats and a sport steering wheel. In addition, you can also option seats with Alcantara or Vernasca leather.
Being a BMW, the seating position is once again, spot-on, and the standard sports seats are designed to fit you like a glove. If these seats aren’t good enough for you, sportier M seats will be available for sale as an option that provides even greater lateral support.
To top it all off, those of you who like to move stuff around will be pleased to learn that the cargo volume is also up by 0.71 cubic feet more making this compact coupe a good option as a daily driver as well.
Technology
Just as with the cabin's design, a lot of tech on the new 2 has been borrowed from its bigger brothers. The dashboard houses the 12.3-inch BMW driver information display along with BMWs intuitive iDrive 7 infotainment system which can now get over-the-air updates. They feature a range of functions from nav with BMW Maps to integration with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa.
Equipping the car with the driver assistant package adds many safety features, including:
-* Collision warning for backing out of tight parking spaces
-* Active Cruise Control
-* Stop & Go function
-* Lane keep assist
-* Traffic sign recognition
-* Reverse assist
-* 360 degree 3D camera system.
In addition, the 2 Series also features the BMW Drive Recorder which acts like a dashcam, perfect for those track days.
Performance
Let’s face it. This is what matters most to anyone wanting to get behind the wheel of the new 2 Series. The new car shares its architecture with the current 3 Series and 4 Series which is no bad thing.
As far as engine options go, there are three options to choose from at launch. Two gasoline and one diesel. The 230i comes with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder, packing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque.
But what takes it away for BMW purists is that there will no longer be a manual transmission available. Instead, an 8-speed ZF automatic will now come as standard across all models. Speaking of driving dynamics, the car will still send power to the rear wheels with the M240i, which is only available with xDrive All Wheel Drive and also comes with a limited-slip differential.
With an overall 12 percent stiffer chassis, I am sure that this new 2 Series will be dynamically more capable compared to its predecessor as it weighs between 3450 pounds and 3900 pounds with the driver on board.
2020 BMW 2 Series Coupe specifications
|
Engine |
2.0 liter 4 cylinder |
3.0 liter in-line 6 |
|---|---|---|
|
Engine power |
255 @ 5,000 – 6,500 rpm |
382 @ 5,800 – 6,500 rpm |
|
Engine torque |
295 @ 1,550 – 4,400 rpm |
369 @1,800 – 5,000 rpm |
|
0-60 mph |
5.5 |
4.1 |
|
Top speed (w/performance tires) |
130 (155) |
130 (155) |
2022 BMW 2 Series Coupe Price
Pricing for the 2022 BMW 2 Series starts at $36,350 for the 230i and $48,550 for the M240i xDrive – both excluding a $995 destination charge.
In Conclusion
The front-engine rear-wheel-drive layout is the classic ingredient true to older BMWs like the E90 M3 and the BMW 1M. Yes, the new 2 Series no longer has a manual transmission, but we’ll have to wait and see if it can live up to the legacy of those older cars. We also can't wait for the BMW M2, which is likely already in the works.
Expect the new 2 Series Coupe to hit the road by November of 2021. The car will debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and will be on display at the event. It will also most likely make an appearance at the Munich Motor Show scheduled for September.
So, what’s your take on the new 2 Series coupe? Do you like what you see? Let us know in the comments below.