BMW presents  under the 2-series denomination the 2-door coupe version of the 1-series.

BMW deploys it strategy for the differentiation of 2 door coupes from sedans and hatchbacks by naming 2-series what is essentially a 1-series coupe. The same approach has already been taken with the 4-series which has been recently launched in coupe and convertible versions. According to BMW, 150’000 former 1-series coupe  were sold in the world, building a solid case for the premium compact sporty rear-wheel-drive coupe recipe. BMW claims legitimacy in the segment from the 1966 BMW 1600-2, the 1968 2002 and its legendary 170hp turbo version, the first turbocharged roadgoing car of the bavarian car maker.

The 2-series dimensions are notably larger than its precedessor: length has grown by 72 mm (4432 mm), width by 26 mm (1774 mm), wheelbase by 30 mm (2690 mm), front track by 41 mm (1521 mm) and rear track by 43 mm (1556 mm). This longueur and wider shell benefits interior space with 19 mm more headroom and 21 mm of additional legroom at the rear. The luggage compartment also grows by 20 litres, reaching 390 litres.

The versions available at launch are:

– BMW M235i Coupe, with the 2979 cm3 M Performance TwinPower Turbo in-line six cylinder engine (Twin Scroll turbocharger), putting out 326 hp between 5 800 and 6 400 rpm and a peak torque of 450 Nm between 1 300 and 4 500 rpm. Performance figues are: 0 to 100 km/h in 5,0 seconds (4,8 seconds with the automatic gearbox), top speed: 250 km/h. Normalized gas mileage : 8,1 litres (7,6 litres)/100 km. The M235i receives a limited slip differental as standard equipment. DIN weight is claimed at 1455kg.

– BMW 220i Coupe : 1997 cm3 TwinPower Turbo in-line 4 cylinder engine, with a peak power of 184 hp between 5 000 and 6 250 rpm, and maximum torque of 270 Nm between 1250 and 4500 rpm. Acceleration [0 to 100 km/h] : 7,0 seconds (automatic gearbox : 7,0 seconds), top speed : 235 km/h (230 km/h with the auto gearbox), normalized gas consumption : 6,1 to 6,3 litres (5,7 to 6,0 litres with the 8 gear automatic gearbox)/100 km. DIN weight: 1350kg.

– BMW 225d Coupe : 1995 cm3 diesel TwinPower Turbo (twin staged turbochargers) 4 cylinder engine, 218 hp at 4 400 rpm, 450 Nm between 1500 and 2500 rpm. Acceleration [0 to 100 km/h] : 6,3 seconds, top speed: 242 km/h. Average gas consumption: 4,7 litres/100 km.

– BMW 220d Coupe : 1995 cm3 diesel TwinPower Turbo (variable geometry single turbocharger) 4 cylinder engine, 184 hp at 4 000 rpm, 380 Nm between 1750 and 2750 rpm. Acceleration [0 to 100 km/h]: 7,2 seconds (auto : 7,1 seconds), top speed: 230 km/h. Average gas consumption: 4,5 to 4,8 litres (4,2 to 4,4 litres)/100 km.

– BMW 218d Coupe : 1 995 cm3 diesel TwinPower Turbo (variable geometry single turbocharger) 4 cylinder engine, 143 hp at 4 000 rpm, 320 Nm between 1750 et 2500 rpm. Acceleration [0 to 100 km/h] : 8,9 seconds (auto : 8,6 seconds), top speed : 213 km/h. Average gas consumption: 4,3 to 4,5 litres (4,2 to 4,4 litres)/100 km.

All versions are available with a 6 ratio manual gearbox, or as an option (standard on the 225d) with an 8 gear torque converter automatic, or a sports version thereof with steering wheel mounted paddles and launch control function.

The color palette of the 2-series coupe includes two base colors and ten metallic liveries. The Estoril Blue special color is also available in combination with the M Sport pack. The Sport Line, Modern Line and the M Sport pack are available to customize the appearance. The M Sport pack includes a 10 mm lower ride height and 17″ M alloys. Body elements adopt the usual cocktail of larger air intakes, side skirts and rear diffuser. Interior design is enhanced with decorative accents, sport seats, specific dials and ambiant lighting.

The optional BMW M Performance Sport Suspension, available as optional equipment from launch on all versions, lower the ride height by 20mm.

Photo Gallery

Links

Forum topic – BMW articles – the list of tests – recent or related articles: