Take a look at the new BMW 2 Series Coupe - a car that’s bigger, sleeker and more powerful than its predecessor.
You can enjoy the 2 Series in a host of different guises, from the four-door Gran Coupe to the family-oriented Active Tourer, or even as a convertible.
But it’s the two-door Coupe that dominates the range. And it’s been reinvented for 2021.
First thing to note is that the 2 Series has grown, inching ever close to its older sibling, the 3 Series.
It’s now 105mm longer and 64mm wider than before, with an extended wheelbase. It’s also 28mm lower with a wider track, improving cornering dynamics.
It’s also more practical. The boot has grown by 20 litres, now standing at 390 litres, and which falls just short of the Audi A3 Saloon.
When it comes to the 2 Series’ new styling, BMW has concentrated on optimising aerodynamics, which means an active air flap control system for the BMW kidney grille, a lower intake in the front apron, plus air curtains, flush-fitting door handles, aerodynamic light-alloy wheels and an almost completely sealed underbody.
The 2 Series Coupe has also been on a diet, as it’s now almost 10 kg lighter than before, thanks in part to die-cast aluminium spring struts and an engine side member made from extruded aluminium profiles.
BMW talks about the car having a ‘low-slung look’, and it certainly appears more purposeful than the old model, with a long bonnet, short overhangs, and a swooping roofline.
The range-topping M240i xDrive model also gets sporty extras like side skirts, a bigger rear spoiler and diffuser.
Inside the cabin, base ‘M Sport’ models feature everything from heated sport seats to ambient lighting, while equipment such as front-collision warning and lane departure warning with lane return are all fitted as standard. BMW’s well-received ‘Operating System 7’ comes as standard, while a swanky Head Up Display is an option.
When it comes to power, there’s a spectrum that runs from ‘frugal’ to ‘fast’.
The 2.0 litre petrol ‘220i’ sprints from 0-62mph in just 7.5 seconds while still returning 45 miles to the gallon. The 2.0 litre diesel is both quicker and more economical - boasting 60mpg while also hitting 62mph from zero in 6.9 seconds.
If you want something even more ballistic, you’ll have to opt for the full-fat, four wheel drive M240i xDrive. Here a six cylinder 3.0 litre petrol engine gives you power of 374 hp and a 0-62mph time of just 4.3 seconds.
BMW says of that impressive mill:
“Developed using the motor-racing expertise of BMW M GmbH, the engine features an aluminium crankcase with a closed-deck construction and an alloy cylinder head. Internal engine efficiency is increased by weight-optimised pistons and con rods and a forged steel crankshaft. Power development and efficiency also benefit from the latest BMW M Twin Power Turbo technology. The standard M Sport exhaust system provides the perfect soundtrack to the engine’s spirited power delivery.”
An eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission is fitted as standard in all BMW 2 Series Coupé models.
And because there’s a near perfect 50:50 weight distribution with all 2 Series Coupes, it should prove extremely good fun in the twisties.
Priced from £34,980, it’s due for UK launch in early 2022.
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