THE new BMW 2 Series Coupé will make its first public appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK this weekend, and will arrive in Australia at the end of 2021. It opens a new chapter in the rich tradition of sport-focused compact models.
It’s a history that began 55 years ago with the legendary BMW 02, with the new 2 Series Coupé bringing together an athletic design, powerful engines and highly sophisticated chassis technology to deliver an engaging driving experience.
Components and technology sourced from the new BMW 4 Series combine with the model-specific development program to lay the foundations for outstanding performance attributes. There are notable gains in dynamic prowess.
The BMW 2 Series Coupé also offers a premium cabin ambience and cutting-edge innovations in the areas of operation and connectivity. A fresh and youthful aura is complemented by an extensively engineered platform that offers honed driving attributes.
The combination of compact dimensions, lightweight design, an up to 12 per cent increase in static torsional rigidity, 50:50 weight distribution and optimised aerodynamics create the ideal blueprint for a vehicle character that majors in sporting excellence.
The agility, steering precision and cornering dynamics of the new BMW 2 Series Coupé represent a significant step forward. At the same time, optimised ride comfort and acoustics enhance the car’s abilities in everyday driving and over long-distance journeys.
Athletically sculpted surfaces and dynamic lines that follow the brand’s new design language represent an expression of pure driving pleasure, including an eye-catching front end, headlights and BMW kidney grille, with exclusive design.
The standard-fitment full-LED headlights are positioned in the outer reaches of the front end and have a single unit circular design that evokes the BMW 02. Adaptive LED headlights with BMW Selective Beam will be standard on the M240i xDrive.
These can be specified as an option for the 220i.
Inside, the driver-focused cockpit design and modern control panel on the centre console accentuate the sporting aura inside the new BMW 2 Series Coupé. The standard fit sport seats and a sport leather steering wheel also feed into its engaging nature.
The individual-seat design of the two rear seats provides optimum support for passengers while further emphasising the new coupe’s sporting intention. High-quality materials and precise workmanship create a premium ambience too.
Alcantara/Sensatec and leather ‘Vernasca’ trims will be offered for local models alongside other specific design features such as an M leather steering wheel and cushioned knee pads on the centre console.
The glass slide/tilt sunroof, which is standard on M240i xDrive, has a transparent surface that is nearly 20 per cent larger overall than on the outgoing model. Boot capacity of 390 litres and a 35mm reduction in the height of the loading edge also feature.
Additional versatility is provided by the standard 40:20:40 split/folding rear seat backrest. M Sport suspension, which will be standard on the 220i, brings firmer responses for the lift-related dampers and springs, with accompanying variable sport steering.
The M240i xDrive variant comes as standard with Adaptive M suspension, M Sport braking system and M Sport differential at the rear. BMW 2 Series Coupés destined for Australia will be fitted with 18 and 19-inch M light alloy wheels.
The 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line TwinPower turbo engine in the BMW M240i xDrive will deliver exemplary performance, with maximum output of 285kW. This means it develops 35kW more than the engine in its predecessor.
Peak torque is 500Nm, helping the new BMW M240i xDrive accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in just 4.3 seconds. The 220i Coupé is powered by a new four-cylinder petrol engine, with an exhaust manifold integrated into the cylinder head to further reduce emissions.
With maximum output of 135kW and peak torque of 300Nm, the new 220i Coupé sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in an impressive 7.5 seconds. A 190kW/400Nm version of this engine will be fitted to the BMW 230i Coupé that is set to join the line-up mid next year.
The 220i teams up as standard with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission, while the M240i xDrive Coupé features an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission that delivers even sharper shifts.
The new BMW 2 Series Coupé enhances safety and comfort with a significantly expanded selection of driver assistance systems compared with the predecessor model too, including front-collision warning, and lane departure and lane change warning.
Other advanced systems include speed limit info, rear collision prevention and rear crossing traffic warning, active Cruise Control with stop and go, park distance control, reversing assistant, and surround view monitoring.
The BMW head-up display, which projects driving-related information onto the windscreen, and the BMW drive recorder, will also be available.
When it arrives, the 220i will be priced at $59,900 plus on-roads, with the range topping M240i hitting the tarmac at $89,900 – again plus on-roads. A simplified range of option packages will be offered, including the Enhancement package, specifically for the 220i.
A range of additional options will span both vehicles, with different inclusions (as some items are standard on the M240i). These include a Comfort package, along with Driver’s Assistant, M Sport Plus and Executive packages.
A selection of five wheels, three interior trims and six upholstery options will be available, along with a colour pallet that includes Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Mineral White, Melbourne Red, M Portimao Blue, M Brooklyn Grey and Thundernight.
