Ever since BMW renamed its 1 Series Coupe as the 2 Series, this model has continued to prove to be more and more successful.
Offering the same quality and sporty drive that the brand’s models are renowned for, but at a far more affordable price, it’s unsurprising to learn it’s proving to be such a hit.
BMW is now back with a new generation, showcasing it for the first time yesterday (July 8) at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Here’s what you need to know about it…
It retains rear-wheel-drive
With the latest generation of 1 Series moving to a front-wheel-drive setup, many thought the 2 Series would also follow the same path. However, this new BMW borrows many of its features from the larger 3 and 4 Series models – not least because it sticks with rear-wheel-drive.
Why does that matter, though? Well, traditionally, power being sent to the rear wheels allows a car to be more engaging and enjoyable, and it’s hoped the new 2 Series will be able to have those attributes, too.
Flagship M240i gets healthier dose of power
Despite an industry-wide shift towards smaller engines, BMW has kept its six-cylinder engine for the brand’s flagship M240i, representing the only car in its segment to have such a powerplant.
This latest model also gets a healthy power boost compared to its predecessor, too, with power increasing to a punchy 369bhp (34bhp more than before) and torque standing at 500Nm. It means the M240i can go from 0-60mph in just 4.1 seconds, a figure that isn’t too different from far more expensive sports cars.
Bold new design
BMW’s latest design direction has been splitting opinion dramatically in recent years, though few will be able to dispute the fact that the latest 2 Series is a seriously stylish car. Featuring a smaller kidney grille than we’ve been used to with modern BMWs. it gets the familiar small coupe proportions nailed, too, with a long bonnet, clean lines and a small bootlid.
The roofline has also been lowered, while new round headlights are said to be inspired by BMW’s classic ‘O2’ models. There’s also a bold new purple paint finish available, which the German firm calls Thundernight.
Sporty driving experience promised
BMW is being quite bold about its promises about the way the 2 Series drives, with ‘exceptional sporting talent’ promised. That partly comes from the rear-wheel-drive layout – while even all-wheel-drive xDrive cars are still rear-biased to ensure the thrills aren’t diminished.
Elsewhere, the new 2 Series is said to be close to achieving a 50:50 weight distribution, which is often very important for driver enjoyment. Despite this sportier focus, though, BMW is still saying there are ‘significant improvements’ when it comes to comfort and refinement.
Impressive range of technology
One of the few areas where the outgoing 2 Series was just starting to show its age was on the technology side of things, which was beginning to lag behind rivals.
That’s firmly been addressed on this new car, which gets a large 10.25-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital dial screen as standard, as well as the latest in driver assistance features.
Thanks to using BMW’s latest operating software, the new 2 Series is also able to use the firm’s ‘Hey BMW’ voice assistant, as well as a feature that enables users of the car to unlock it just using their smartphone.
The new BMW 2 Series is set to be launched at the start of 2022, with prices starting from £34,980.
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