BMW 2-Series Coupe Takes A Step In The Right Direction

Lineal successor to the iconic BMW ‘02’ series, the latest 2-Series Coupe may be one of the most exciting and best looking of Bimmer’s current crop of cars, but its complicated design still lacks the clean, fresh and un-complicated and palpably assertive aesthetic of it distant predecessor. Ditching the 4-Series’ controversial buck-toothed take on BMW’s iconic double kidney grille design, the 2-Series takes a step in the right direction, but also adopts a perhaps exaggeratedly long bonnet for its moderate engine sizes.

– Press Release –

The all-new BMW 2 Series Coupé.

01 August 2021, Munich, Germany – BMW is opening a new chapter in its tradition of super-sporty compact models. In the process it will set a new benchmark for driving pleasure – a brand speciality – at the premium end of this vehicle class. The new BMW 2 Series Coupé embodies sporting prowess in a particularly concentrated form, with a vehicle concept focused squarely on dynamic excellence, an athletic design, powerful engines and sophisticated chassis technology. Its standalone appearance, a six-cylinder in-line petrol engine at the sharp end of the line-up, rear-wheel drive and chassis components carried over from the BMW 4 Series put clear water between the new BMW 2 Series Coupé and the compact BMW 1 Series, while also laying the foundations for performance attributes beyond the reach of any segment rival. The new BMW 2 Series Coupé therefore follows in the tyre tracks of the legendary BMW 02, which 55 years ago lit the fuse for the brand’s recent history of compact and irresistibly sporty two-door models.

As well as noticeable gains in dynamic ability, the new BMW 2 Series Coupé also offers a premium cabin ambience of even greater class, and cutting-edge innovations in the areas of operation and connectivity. The advances made over the predecessor model are also reflected in a much wider range of driver assistance systems. The new BMW 2 Series Coupé will celebrate its world premiere at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in England on 8 July 2021. The compact four-seater will be built at the BMW Group’s San Luis Potosí plant in Mexico. A performance model from BMW M GmbH will top the range at market launch in early 2022. The new BMW M240i xDrive Coupé (fuel consumption combined: 8.8 – 8.1 l/100 km [32.1 – 34.9 mpg imp] in the WLTP cycle; CO2 emissions combined: 200 – 185 g/km in the WLTP cycle) uses its 275 kW/374 hp six-cylinder in-line engine and intelligent all-wheel drive to generate a driving experience of rare emotional richness. Customers can also choose from variants with a four-cylinder petrol or diesel engine, both of which channel their power to the road through the rear wheels.

A vehicle concept with its sights set on sporting prowess. 

The fresh, youthful and extrovert aura of the new BMW 2 Series Coupé is complemented by thoroughly engineered and perfectly balanced driving attributes. Its vehicle concept is geared squarely to offering agile and precisely controllable handling in highly dynamic situations. Compact dimensions, intelligent lightweight design for the body and chassis, an up to 12 per cent increase in static torsional rigidity compared to the predecessor model, almost perfect 50 : 50 weight distribution and optimised aerodynamics create an ideal blueprint for a vehicle character majoring in sporting excellence. The agility, steering precision and cornering dynamics of the new BMW 2 Series Coupé represent a significant step forward from the predecessor model. At the same time, optimised ride comfort and acoustics enhance the car’s abilities both in everyday driving and over long-distance journeys.

Distinctive proportions, athletic forms. 

The exterior dimensions of the new compact sports car provide the ideal starting point for excellent driving dynamics. A vehicle length of 4,537 millimetres and width of 1,838 millimetres represent increases over the measurements for the predecessor model of 105 and 64 millimetres respectively. However, the new car stands 28 millimetres lower, with a vehicle height of 1,390 millimetres. Other factors in the powerful and athletic appearance of the new BMW 2 Series Coupé are its wheelbase, which is now 51 millimetres longer at 2,741 millimetres, and the wide tracks. Track widths of 1,575 millimetres (an increase of 54 millimetres) at the front axle and 1,587 millimetres (an increase of 31 millimetres) at the rear axle (BMW M240i xDrive Coupé: +63 millimetres at the front, +35 millimetres at the rear) are ideal for excellent cornering dynamics.

Powerful proportions set within the classical three-box design of bonnet, passenger compartment and boot embody the dynamic potential of the new 2 Series Coupé. Athletically sculpted surfaces and dynamic lines following the brand’s new design language represent an expression of pure driving pleasure. And exclusive design features underscore the unmistakable vehicle character.

Eye-catching front end: headlights and BMW kidney grille with exclusive design. 

Three-dimensional surfaces, triangular forms and diagonal lines shape the striking front end of the new BMW 2 Series Coupé. Prominently flared wheel arches and a muscular power dome at the centre of the bonnet give a clear indication of the 2 Series Coupé’s dynamic driving characteristics. The BMW kidney grille is horizontal in design and features vertically arranged air flaps at its heart in place of the classical bars. These open electrically when the engine behind the scenes has an increased need for cooling air.

The standard-fitted full-LED headlights are positioned in the outer reaches of the front end and, inspired by the legendary BMW 02 models, have a single unit, circular design. Adaptive LED Headlights with BMW Selective Beam non-dazzling high beam assistant can be specified as an option. These are also available in optional M lights Shadow Line specification with darkened inlays.

Side view with crisp lines; powerful rear. 

A long bonnet, short overhangs and a set-back passenger compartment – whose rear section rests on powerfully flared wheel arches – headline the side view of the new BMW 2 Series Coupé. Large glazed surfaces, a roofline that swoops down dynamically, and the short boot lid culminating in a pronounced spoiler lip are other identifying features of the compact sports model. Crisp lines give the surfaces a defined athletic edge.

Horizontally pronounced surfaces give the powerful rear end its structure. The stylishly darkened rear lights – positioned at the outer extremes of the rear end – have compact contours. Their surfaces are formed by light clusters with three-dimensional sculpting. This provides a particularly classy showcase for the LED technology used in all the light functions.

Bespoke design features for M Sport cars and the BMW M240i xDrive Coupé enhance the feeling of dynamism. And customers can also order model-specific M Performance Parts from the Genuine BMW Accessory range.

Sporting flair and refined premium ambience for the interior.

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 fitment of sport seats and a Sport leather steering wheel also feeds into the engaging nature of the driving experience. The taper in the rear section of the roofline, the high centre console and the smoothly blending surface treatment of the instrument panel and door panels create a cocooning feel around the driver and front passenger. And the individual-seat character of the two rear seats allows passengers in the rear to enjoy a sense of sporty driving pleasure as well.

High-quality materials and precise workmanship create a premium ambience above and beyond that of the predecessor model. Dynamic lines bring structure to the door panels and rear trim sections. Interior trim strips in the new Dark Graphite matt variant come as standard. A new design feature comes in the form of trapezoidal accent surfaces above the armrests in the doors. If the optional ambient lighting is specified, their perforated surfaces are stylishly backlit.

The new BMW 2 Series Coupé comes as standard with cloth/Sensatec upholstery. The BMW M240i xDrive Coupé and cars in M Sport specification have Alcantara/Sensatec trim alongside other specific design features such as an M leather steering wheel and cushioned knee pads on the centre console. Options include surfaces in Sensatec perforated and Vernasca leather. Electrically adjustable sport seats (including a memory function on the driver’s side), M Sport seats with integral head restraints, seat heating and steering wheel heating can also be found on the options list.

Standard specification also includes acoustic glazing for the windscreen and three-zone automatic climate control, while ambient lighting and a Harman Kardon surround sound system are among the items on the options list. The likewise optional glass slide/tilt sunroof has a transparent surface that is nearly 20 per cent larger overall than on the outgoing model.

The new BMW 2 Series Coupé’s boot offers load capacity of 390 litres. The height of the loading edge has been reduced by 35 millimetres compared to the predecessor model. And additional versatility is provided by the standard 40 : 20 : 40 split/folding rear seat backrest. A removable trailer tow hitch is also available as an option, with a permissible trailer load of 1,600 kilograms.

Advanced chassis engineering with technology transfer from the BMW 4 Series. 

Exceptionally sophisticated chassis components originally designed for the BMW 4 Series models and adapted specially for the new BMW 2 Series Coupé ensure supreme driveability. The two-joint spring strut front axle and five-link rear axle were designed to minimise weight and optimise rigidity. Standard-fitted lift-related dampers enhance both the sporting ability of the new car and its ride comfort. Depending on the spring travel, these provide extra damping to control body movement when driving over large bumps and inhibit excessive dive. The system reacts to minor imperfections in the road surface, meanwhile, with low damping forces that produce high levels of comfort.

Available as an option, M Sport suspension brings firmer responses for the lift-related dampers and springs and also includes variable sport steering. It provides the basis for the model-specific chassis of the new BMW M240i xDrive Coupé. The flagship 2 Series Coupé variant also comes as standard with an M Sport braking system and an M Sport differential at the rear. In addition, adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers is also included in the selection of optional equipment.

The new BMW 2 Series Coupé is fitted as standard with 17-inch lightalloy wheels. 18-inch M light-alloy wheels with mixed-size tyres are part of M Sport specification. The new BMW M240i xDrive Coupé leaves the factory on 19-inch M light-alloy wheels as standard, and these are likewise fitted with mixed-size tyres. High-performance tyres can also be ordered as an option. The M Performance Parts range includes lightalloy wheel variants in sizes up to 20 inches.

Unparalleled driving pleasure, powered by four and six cylinders.

With a six-cylinder in-line engine crowning its engine line-up, the new BMW 2 Series Coupé will unleash a power source with no comparable rival in its class. The performance characteristics, thirst for revs and smoothness of the 3.0-litre engine in the new BMW M240i xDrive Coupé reinforces its claim to unsurpassed sporting prowess in the premium compact segment. With maximum output of 275 kW/374 hp, it develops 25 kW/34 hp more than the engine in its predecessor. Peak torque is 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) and the new BMW M240i xDrive Coupé accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.3 seconds.

The BMW 220i Coupé (fuel consumption combined: 6.8 – 6.3 litres per 100 kilometres [41.5 – 44.8 mpg imp] in the WLTP cycle; CO2 emissions combined: 155 – 144 grams per kilometre in the WLTP cycle) is powered by a new four-cylinder petrol engine in which an exhaust manifold integrated into the cylinder head further reduces emissions. With maximum output of 135 kW/184 hp and peak torque of 300 Nm (221 lbft), the new BMW 220i Coupé sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.5 seconds. A 180 kW/245 hp version of the new four-cylinder petrol engine will be fitted in the BMW 230i Coupé that is set to join the line-up in summer 2022 (model not yet on sale, fuel consumption and CO2 figures not yet available).

Two-stage turbocharging and 48V mild-hybrid technology give the fourcylinder diesel engine in the new BMW 220d Coupé (fuel consumption combined: 5.1 – 4.7 l/100 km [55.4 – 60.1 mpg imp] in the WLTP cycle; CO2 emissions combined: 132 – 122 g/km in the WLTP cycle) a clear advantage over its predecessor in terms of punch and efficiency. The 2.0-litre unit develops maximum output of 140 kW/190 hp and peak torque of 400 Nm (295 lb-ft). The new BMW 220d Coupé sprints from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.9 seconds.

All the engines team up as standard with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission. The optional eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission (standard in the BMW M240i xDrive Coupé) boasts even sharper gearshifts. As well as paddles on the steering wheel, it also features Launch Control – which allows the driver to power off the line with optimised traction – and the Sprint function, which can be used to execute quick bursts of speed and overtaking manoeuvres extremely dynamically. The eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission is part of the M Sport package Pro. This option is available for cars with M Sport specification and also brings 19-inch M light-alloy wheels, M Sport brakes, a front spoiler lip and an M rear spoiler.

Significantly broader selection of driver assistance systems. 

The new BMW 2 Series Coupé enhances safety and comfort with a significantly expanded selection of driver assistance systems compared with the predecessor model. Standard equipment includes front-collision warning, Speed Limit Info, Lane Departure Warning and Cruise Control with brake function.

Among the systems available as options are the Driving Assistant with Lane Change Warning, Rear Collision Prevention and rear crossing traffic warning, Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function (including manual Speed Limit Assist), Park Distance Control, the Reversing Assistant, the Reversing Assist Camera, Surround View and Remote 3D View. New for the BMW 2 Series Coupé are the BMW Head-Up Display – which projects driving-related information onto the windscreen – and the BMW Drive Recorder.

Advanced connectivity and new digital services. 

Both driver and passengers will benefit from the extended possibilities enabled by the inclusion of BMW Operating System 7 in the new BMW 2 Series Coupé as standard. Drivers can take their pick of control interface for the situation at hand: control display touchscreen, proven BMW Controller, multifunction buttons on the steering wheel or voice control. The new BMW 2 Series Coupé also gives customers onboard access to a range of advanced digital services, including the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, BMW Digital Key, Connected Music and Remote Software Upgrades.

The standard-fitted BMW Live Cockpit comprises the iDrive operating system with 8.8-inch control display and a 5.1-inch colour display in the instrument cluster. The optional BMW Live Cockpit Professional features a fully digital screen grouping. It includes a high-resolution instrument cluster behind the steering wheel with a screen diagonal of 12.3 inches and a 10.25-inch control display.

The optional BMW Live Cockpit Plus and BMW Live Cockpit Professional include BMW Maps. This cloud-based navigation system offers extremely fast and precise calculation of routes and arrival times, realtime traffic data updates at short intervals and the ability to enter any word when searching for destinations. The optional smartphone integration enables the use of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto via the car’s operating system. The Remote Software Upgrades function allows improved vehicle functions and additional digital services to be imported into the car over the air.

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