BMW has taken the camouflage off the second-gen 2 Series Coupé, scheduled to go on sale in early 2022. Production is expected to commence later this year at the San Luis Potosí plant in Mexico. Model variants at launch include 220i, M240i xDrive and 220d, with prices in Germany starting at €39,700, €56,000 and €42,800, respectively. The prices include 19% VAT.
The photos here showcase the petrol variants. The new 2 Series Coupé looks great, isn’t it? I’m even tempted to say that it looks stunning. There’s a subtle retro flair going on with the overall styling, thanks in part to that half-circular headlight design and old-school flap-type door handles. Yes! flaps are making a comeback. At the rear, there’s an additional bootlid-integrated spoiler lip on the M240i, and the 3D taillight signature mimics the front running lights, but in an upside-down way. And yes, that grille has not gone out of control and adds significantly to the overall tastefully done front fascia.
Speaking of significance, the grille has another important function besides the obvious one. It houses vertically arranged active flaps that open up (rotate, to be more specific) only when the engine needs more cold air. The air curtains in the bumper — integrated into the triangular inserts, are functional too. Other aero bits include turning vanes and splitters at the front underbody to reduce lift. Overall, BMW claims a lift reduction of 50% over the predecessor model, thanks to optimized aerodynamics.
For those who care to know the dimensions, yes, the new model has grown in size. It measures 4,537 mm long (+105 mm) and 1,838 mm wide (+64 mm), with a wheelbase of 2,741 mm (+51 mm). The height, however, has been cut by 28 mm to 1,390 mm, for obvious reasons.
As for other exterior features, full-LED headlights are standard, however, adaptive LEDs with Selective Beam are available in the options list. The 220 models are fitted with 17-inch light-alloy wheels as standard, while the M240i leaves the factory on 19-inch M light-alloy wheels as standard. However, up to 20-inch sizes can be found in the options list. M Sport brakes are standard on the M240i.
Other important points or claims include a perfect 50:50 weight distribution and up to 12% increase in static torsional rigidity for the body. In addition to the wider tracks, the negative camber at the front axle has also been increased. Lift-related dampers are fitted as standard, which are claimed to offer, among other things, extra damping to control body movement when driving over large bumps, for example. The optional M Sport suspension brings firmer responses for these lift-related dampers and springs. The adaptive M suspension is also available as an option, which combines the characteristics of M Sport suspension with electronically controlled dampers. The M240i gets M Sport differential as standard, which will be available as an option on the 230i (summer 2022).
Inside, the dashboard looks pretty familiar with the optional Live Cockpit Professional (a 12.3-inch driver display and a 10.25-inch touchscreen). The standard Live Cockpit comprises a 5.1-inch color instrument display and an 8.8-inch touchscreen. Other features would include BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, optional ambient lighting, optional head-up display, optional 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system (10-speaker Harman Kardon standard on M240i), and standard three-zone climate control. The M240i gets sports seats as standard. The aforementioned optional suspension setups also get variable sport steering (variable ratio).
Rest are all the usual stuff you may find in other latest BMW models, such as the Front-Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, optional Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function and so on. Download the 33-page full information sheet here.
Alright, this article is getting way too long, let’s move on to the juicy bits of the story. The 220i (RWD) packs a 2.0-litre (1,998 cc) 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that pumps out 135 kW (184 metric hp) between 5,000-6,500 rpm and 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) of torque between 1,350-4,000 rpm. Claimed 0-100 km/h (62 mph) time is 7.5 seconds and top speed is 236 km/h (146.6 mph).
The M240i xDrive (rear-biased AWD) packs a 3.0-litre (2,998 cc) in-line 6-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that pumps out 275 kW (374 metric hp) between 5,500-6,500 rpm and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque between 1,900-5,000 rpm. With an unladen weight of 1,690 kg (3,726 lbs), the power-to-weight ratio is gonna be 0.21 hp/kg. Anyway, claimed 0-100 km/h (62 mph) time is 4.3 seconds and top speed is 250 km/h (155 mph) (limited).
The 220d (RWD) is, of course, a diesel model, powered by a 2.0-litre (1,995 cc) 4-cylinder turbocharged unit, combined with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The output figures are 140 kW (190 metric hp) at 4,000 rpm and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of max torque between 1,750-2,500 rpm. The MHEV system delivers an extra 8 kW (11 metric hp) of boost for short periods. Claimed 0-100 km/h (62 mph) time is 6.9 seconds and top speed is 237 km/h (147.3 mph).
All three engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic gearbox; the M240i gets a sporty calibration.
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