2 Series Coupé |
With electrification all but a foregone conclusion for BMW, the new BMW 2 Series Coupé is writing a new chapter in the Bavarian automaker’s tradition of super-sporty compact models. It may turn out to be the final chapter in BMW’s internal combustion engine story, but damn, does this compact coupé set a new benchmark for sheer driving pleasure!
With its lineage reaching back to the legendary BMW 02, which 55 years ago initiated BMW’s long lineup of compact and irresistibly sporty coupés, the new BMW 2 Series Coupé is the embodiment of BMW’s 50-year-old slogan: Sheer driving pleasure!
Incisively focused on dynamic excellence, combined with an athletic design, powerful engines and sophisticated chassis technology, this coupé is firmly geared to offer agile, precise and controlled handling in highly dynamic situations.
Distinctive Proportions
Longer and wider, and sporting a longer wheelbase, the new model also rides 28 mm lower than its predecessor. Clearly, this car was designed with outstanding cornering dynamics in mind, and the BMW M240i xDrive Coupé, with even wider tracks, 63 mm wider at the front and 35 mm at the rear, takes full advantage of this beneficial engineering advancement.
The BMW kidney grille is horizontal in design and features vertically arranged air flaps, which open electrically when the engine requires more air for cooling. Inspired by the legendary BMW 02 models, the full-LED headlights feature as a single unit with a circular design. Adaptive LED headlights can be specified as an option and are also available in optional M lights Shadow Line specification with darkened inlays.
Premium Ambience
Inside the new BMW 2 Series Coupé, the driver-focused cockpit design and modern control panel on the centre console reflect the same sporting characteristics showcased on the exterior. Alcantara/Sensatec upholstery, sports seats and a sports leather steering wheel also add to the engaging nature of the driving experience. The standard specification includes acoustic glazing for the windscreen, three-zone automatic climate control and ambient lighting.
The BMW M240i xDrive Coupé and cars in M Sport specification have additional specific design features and numerous optional extras.
The standard BMW Live Cockpit Professional features a 12.3” high-resolution instrument cluster behind the steering wheel and a 10.25” control display. The BMW Operating System 7 is standard in the new BMW 2 Series Coupé. Interestingly, BMW offers four interface options – the proven but outdated BMW Controller, a state-of-the-art control display touchscreen, multifunction buttons on the steering wheel, and voice control.
Smartphone integration enables both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Remote Software Upgrades function allows improved vehicle functions and additional digital services to be imported into the car over the air.
Technology Transfer
Exceptionally sophisticated chassis components initially designed for the BMW 4 Series models and adapted specially for the new BMW 2 Series Coupé ensure supreme driveability.
The flagship BMW M240i xDrive Coupé variant also comes as standard with an M Sport braking system and an M Sport differential at the rear. The M240i xDrive Coupé flaunts 19” M light-alloy wheels fitted with mixed-size tyres.
As can be expected from any premium carmaker, and BMW in particular, the new BMW 2 Series Coupé enhances safety and comfort with a significantly expanded selection of driver assistance systems compared to the predecessor model.
Pure Driving Pleasure
With its six-cylinder in-line engine, the new BMW M240i xDrive Coupé reinforces its claim to unsurpassed sporting prowess in the premium compact segment. With a maximum output of 285 kW, the new model develops 35 kW more than the engine in its predecessor. Peak torque is 500 Nm, ensuring supercar-like performance as this compact coupé accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.3 seconds.
Powered by a new four-cylinder petrol engine, the BMW 220i Coupé has a maximum output of 135 kW, peak torque of 300 Nm, and a zero to 100 km/h sprint time of 7.5 seconds.
Two-stage turbocharging and 48V mild-hybrid technology give the four-cylinder diesel engine in the new BMW 220d Coupé a clear advantage over its predecessor in terms of thrust and efficiency. The 2.0-litre unit develops maximum output of 140 kW and peak torque of 400 Nm and sprints from rest to 100 km/h in 7.0 seconds.
All three engines are fitted with an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission boasting even sharper gearshifts. Paddles on the steering wheel, Launch Control, and the Sprint function, which can be used to execute quick bursts of speed and overtaking manoeuvres, all conspire to make this the driver’s car that it professes to be. The same transmission forms part of the M Sport package Pro for vehicles with M Sport specification and adds 19” M light-alloy wheels, M Sport brakes, a front spoiler lip, and an M rear spoiler.
Sporting Prowess
Compact dimensions, lightweight design, and near-perfect 50:50 weight distribution endow the new BMW 2 Series Coupé with laser-focused precision. Add the coupé’s optimised aerodynamics and a 12% increase in static torsional rigidity, and you have a double major in sporting excellence. The agility, steering precision and cornering dynamics of the new BMW 2 Series Coupé represent notable advancements. Simultaneously, optimised ride comfort and acoustics enhance the car’s everyday driving and long-distance capabilities.
Last Word
With its appealing coupé design, rear-wheel drive, technology transfer from the BMW 4 Series, and superb handling, the new BMW 2 Series Coupé distinguishes itself from its BMW siblings while elevating itself beyond the reach of any potential rival in its segment.
Our clear preference between the three derivatives is the BMW M240i xDrive. Our advice to any prospective buyer would be to break open the piggy bank and sell the family jewels to find the extra R250,000 to afford this groundbreaking car, which is sure to become a classic. Anything less would be a compromise on sheer driving pleasure!
Report by Wilhelm Loots | Images © BMW Group
