BMW 2 Series Coupe (2022). Propulsion and 6 cylinders on the program

BMW officially presents the new generation 2 Series Coupé. A model that will be similar to a real ORNI in the range of compacts of the German brand since, from the current 1 Series to the X2, via the 2 Series Gran Coupé, all the offers in this segment are now traction. But not this new coupe. He remains attached to the propulsion tradition of the Bavarian manufacturer. Better still, it will still have six-cylinder in-line engines.

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Longer, wider, lower

This new generation takes volume compared to the previous one: it is now close to 4.54 m in length (+ 10.5 cm) and 1.84 m in width (+ 6.4 cm). Its wheelbase lengthened by 5.1 cm, to 2.74 m, when its tracks widened by 5.4. cm at the front (1.58 m) and 3.1 cm at the rear (1.59 m). Note that for the M240i version these tracks are even wider: + 6.3 cm at the front and + 3.5 cm at the rear. The only dimension revised downwards is the height (- 2.8 cm), which tops out at 1.39 m.

Classic and athletic style

These new dimensions significantly change the proportions of the 2 Series to further improve its seating on the road. BMW has kept the codes of the model with a notchback silhouette giving pride of place to the long engine hood. Fans of the Bavarian manufacturer will notice the presence of the famous hofmeister fold at the end of the rear quarter window. A striking element of the Propeller which tends to disappear on recent productions. In detail, the graphic elements have followed the same treatment as the exterior dimensions: the optics have grown, the wings are muscular, and the beans of the grille have taken on volume, without however falling into the excesses of the 4 Series Coupe. To match this more athletic spirit, the front hood is adorned with a dome announcing the color in terms of engine power.

The models are fluid, the lines not protruding, and the whole leads to an imposing stern, but more sober than that of the Gran Coupé version. The lights do not stretch on the trunk which, for its part, adopts a very light spoiler directly integrated into the body. The M240i version further accentuates the feature with specific rocker panels, enlarged tailpipes and exterior mirrors directly inspired by those of the M3 / M4.

An interior of BMW 4 Series

The interior presentation betrays the origins of the vehicle. Indeed, the furniture and its layout are taken straight from the Series 4, with which the Series 2 shares its CLAR platform. On the dashboard sits a central touch screen of 10.25 inches maximum which seems to want to make common cause with the digital instrumentation, with a maximum size of 12.3 inches. To accentuate its sporting spirit, the coupé receives sport seats and a leather steering wheel as standard. The M240i is distinguished on board by a saddlery incorporating Alcantara. At the rear, the bench seats only two passengers and can be split according to the 40/20/40 ratio in order to generously increase the volume of the boot. When the seats are in place, it remains confined to 390 l, as for the current generation. However, BMW announces a loading threshold placed 3.5 cm lower.

A propulsion architecture

For the chassis part, as mentioned above, this coupe is based on the technical basis of BMW CLAR, which allows it to remain faithful to the propulsion. The Series 2 uses the suspension arms of its big sister, the Series 4, for weight gain and better rigidity. The M Sport finish has stronger suspensions, more sporty variable steering, an electronically controlled rear differential and a specific braking system. Adaptive suspension is optional.

4 and 6 cylinders under the hood

Under the hood, the range announced by BMW puts a smile on your face. At the top is the inline-six 3.0 of the M240i xDrive. It develops 374 hp, i.e. 34 hp more than the current version of this block, for a torque of 500 Nm. Enough to go from 0 to 100 km / h in 4.3 s. If the vehicle benefits from standard all-wheel drive, it is not the technology of recent M3 / M4 or M5 / M8. Here, the system cannot be disconnected to benefit from a very playful propulsion.

The Bavarian manufacturer also offers a more accessible version: the 220i Coupé equipped with a 2.0 l four-cylinder developing 184 hp for a torque of 300 Nm. It allows the car to perform 0 to 100 km / h in 7 , 5 s. But this coupe is also available with a diesel unit (220d): the 2.0 l four-cylinder with 190 hp and 400 Nm which provides an acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h in 6.9 s. This version is associated with a light hybridization via a 48 V battery. In all cases, the eight-speed automatic transmission is fitted as standard. The M240i coupe can receive, as an option, a Sport gearbox offering shorter gears, a Launch Control mode or even the Sprint function for quick overtaking. Note that BMW will subsequently release a sulphurous M2.

A minimum standard endowment

In terms of equipment, this Coupe Series 2 will be delivered with 17-inch rims (19 inches for the M240i), tri-zone air conditioning, Full LED optics, an 8.8-inch touch screen, 5.1-inch instrumentation , cruise control, lane departure warning or frontal collision warning. On the other hand, it will be necessary to draw in the list of options to have the head-up display, lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, 360 ° camera, electric seat adjustment, steering wheel or heated seats, etc.

Price of the 2 Series Coupé (July 2021)

The prices for this new coupe range from € 41,800 to € 59,900. If the orders are already open, deliveries will be delayed until early 2022. Production just started in November at the Mexican plant in San Luis Potosi.