The 2022 BMW 2-Series Coupe was one of the worst kept secrets in Germany, but it’s finally official as the company has introduced the model ahead of its debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Its predecessor was a favorite of enthusiasts and that should continue as the coupe adopts a modern design that thankfully eschews the buck tooth grille of the larger 4-Series. Instead, there’s a fairly conventional grille which is flanked by sweptback headlights and angular air intakes.
Continuing down the sides, the coupe has pronounced wheel arches and streamlined bodywork. Designers also gave the car a more prominent shoulder line, an evolutionary greenhouse and flush door handles. Out back, there’s a short trunk with an integrated spoiler. Other highlights include distinctive taillights and an edgy rear bumper.
While the standard model looks good, the M240i is distinguished by an aggressive front bumper, a cerium grey grille surround and unique mirror caps. The model also sports Shadowline trim, special exhaust tips and a small spoiler. In terms of size, the 2022 230i measures 4547 mm long, 1839 mm wide and 1392 mm tall with a wheelbase that spans 2741 mm. That means the redesigned coupe is 109 mm longer, 66 mm wider and 25 mm lower than before. The wheelbase also grows by 51 mm and that makes the rear seats slightly more accommodating.
One of the weakest aspects of the outgoing 2-Series was the interior and BMW has addressed the shortfalls with a significantly improved cabin that features higher quality materials and a more modern design. While the car comes standard with analog gauges and an 8.8-inch infotainment system, it can be equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a larger 10.25-inch infotainment display. Unfortunately, both use the iDrive 7 operating system instead of the iDrive 8 OS that debuted in the iX.
Sticking with the infotainment systems, they feature wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Drivers will also find an Intelligent Personal Assistant which responds to natural language requests and can learn routines, such as automatically lowering the driver’s window when you arrive at the entrance to a parking garage.
In the United States, the 2-Series Coupe will come standard with a leather-wrapped sport steering wheel, a dual-zone automatic climate control system and power front seats. An assortment of options will be available including a heated steering wheel, an ambient lighting system and a color head-up display. Other extras include heated front seats and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system. When it comes to driver assistance systems, the 2-Series has plenty as the model offers Frontal Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Active Blind Spot Detection and Speed Limit Information. Customers can also get Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Back-Up Assistant, and a Drive Recorder that uses the car’s cameras to record videos up to 40 seconds in length.
Under the hood, there are two different engine options in the United States. The entry-level 230i has a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that develops 255 hp and 400 Nm of torque. It’s connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission, which enables the car to accelerate from 0-96 km/h in 5.5 seconds. Buyers looking for more performance can opt for the M240i xDrive Coupe, which has a 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder engine with 382 hp and 500 Nm of torque. It’s paired to an eight-speed automatic and a rear-biased all-wheel drive system with an M Sport rear differential. Thanks to the extra oomph and traction, the dash to 96 km/h is cut to 4.1 seconds. However, the top speed remains the same as both the 230i and M240i xDrive can top out at 250 km/h when equipped with performance tires.
In Europe, the 2-Series will be available with three different engines at launch including a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder pumping out 181 hp and 300 Nm of torque. It enables the 220i to run from 0-100 km/h in 7.5 seconds and hit a top speed of 236 km/h. Diesel fans can opt for the 220d, which has mild hybrid technology as well as a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 187 hp and 400 Nm of torque. It can hit 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and max out at 237 km/h. Lastly, there’s the M240i xDrive which develops 369 hp and 500 Nm of torque. That’s slightly less than the US-spec model, but it can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 4.3 seconds and top out at 250 km/h.
Sticking with the performance theme, the model boasts up to a 12% increase in static torsional stiffness and a wider track that helps to reduce “body roll and wheel load fluctuations during sporty cornering.” The car has also been equipped with new wheel bearings that reduce friction levels by up to 45 percent, while weighing approximately 2.7 kg less than before. Buyers will also find a revised suspension that incorporates a number of aluminum components to reduce unsprung mass. Besides the standard suspension, there’s an optional M Sport suspension and a newly available Adaptive M Chassis with electronically controlled dampers.
The 2022 BMW 2-Series Coupe will arrive in the United States this November, and pricing starts at US$ 36,350 for the 230i and US$ 48,550 for the M240i xDrive – both excluding a US$ 995 destination charge. They’ll eventually be joined by 230i xDrive and M240i variants.
