BMW 2 Series Coupe revealed

Finally the BMW 2 Series is here. We’re not going to pretend it’s the prettiest coupé we’ve ever seen, but with the revised styling on the front-end alone, it’s a great leap forward in aesthetics from the 1 Series hatch on which it is based.

If you’re itching to get yourself into a 2 Series you’ll have to cool your heels until its market launch in March 2014. The public debut of the F22 coupé will take place in Detroit next January and its Australian sales launch is scheduled for the middle of next year.

BMW has published details on five models, which we’ve listed below:

BMW M235i
Power/torque: 240kW @ 5800–6000rpm / 450Nm @ 1300–4500rpm
Engine: 2979cc six cylinder turbo
Weight (unladen): 1455kg (manual), 1470kg (auto)
0–100km/h: 5.0s (manual), 4.8s (auto); 0–1000m: 23.8s (manual), 23.7s (auto)

BMW 220i
Power/torque: 135kW @ 5000–6250rpm / 270Nm @ 1250–4500rpm
Engine: 1997cc four cylinder turbo
Weight (unladen): 1350kg (manual), 1365kg (auto)
0–100km/h: 7.0s (manual), 7.0s (auto); 0–1000m: 27.3s (manual), 27.7s (auto)

BMW 220d
Power/torque: 135kW @ 4000rpm / 380Nm @ 1750–2750rpm
Engine: 1995cc four cylinder diesel
Weight (unladen): 1375kg (manual), 1390kg (auto)
0–100km/h: 7.2s (manual), 7.1s (auto); 0–1000m: 27.5s (manual), 27.4s (auto)

BMW 225d*
Power/torque: 160kW @ 4400rpm / 450Nm @ 1500–2500rpm
Engine: 1995cc four cylinder diesel
0–100km/h: 6.3s (auto)
*Provisional figures

BMW 218d*
Power/torque: 105kW @ 4000rpm / 320Nm @ 1750–2750rpm
Engine: 1995cc four cylinder diesel
0–100km/h: 8.9s (auto)
*Provisional figures

Like us you’re probably most interested in the M235i. Until the M2 arrives, it is the closest thing we’ve got to a replacement for the much loved 1 Series M Coupe after all. So you’ll be pleased to know, among its kit bag of M Performance Automobile tricks, it gets a proper slippery diff. BMW says, “the mechanical rear axle differential system optimises traction in suitably dynamic driving situations.”

You can read more about the M235i and the full 2 Series range after the break.

A new dimension in dynamics. The BMW 2 Series Coupe.

25.10.2013

• Unbeatable driving dynamics in the premium compact segment.
• Emotionally appealing aesthetics in typical BMW Coupe style.
• Sporting tradition dates back to the BMW 02 range.

This is not the first time that BMW has treated the compact segment to its customary brand of driving pleasure. The BMW 1 Series, for example, has fulfilled this role for almost 10 years now, its standout position among its rivals rooted most prominently in its rear-wheel-drive concept (still a unique proposition in this class), powerful engines with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and a compelling premium character. And now the BMW 2 Series Coupe takes the levels of driving pleasure on offer in a compact model to even greater heights. The new two-door cuts a particularly impressive figure with its distinctive body design, a range of extremely powerful engines and specially configured chassis technology.

There is clear water between the BMW 2 Series Coupe and the BMW 1 Series, the new model assuming a character all of its own. This differentiation is immediately recognisable in the design of the new car, but it also makes its presence felt in terms of performance. The BMW 2 Series Coupe is an even more eye-catching creation than its predecessor, the resoundingly successful BMW 1 Series Coupe (of which more than 150,000 units have been sold worldwide). As well as a standalone appearance and increased dimensions, there is also greater depth to its product substance in terms of both technology and standard equipment. The result is a new dimension in driving dynamics, aesthetic appeal and premium allure in the compact segment, highlighted by the “2” in the new car’s model designation. The number 2 has denoted the presence of a supremely sporting driving experience in a compact two-door car for over 45 years – ever since the introduction of the BMW 02 range.

Characteristic features of a BMW Coupe.

The specific vehicle concept behind the BMW 2 Series Coupe – unique in its segment – is faithfully reflected in its body design. The two-door model is first and foremost a Coupe from the BMW brand, and the design features that identify a member of this special breed – a three-box body with clearly defined boot and low-slung silhouette, a long bonnet, doors with frameless windows and a dynamically stretched roofline flowing smoothly into the rear end – are carried over into a compact model with greater enthusiasm and intent than ever. The ultra-sporty driving characteristics of the BMW 2 Series Coupe – generated by a hand-picked selection of engines and chassis technology tuned to make the perfect pairing – are thus unambiguously expressed in the design of the exterior. The 135 kW/184 hp four-cylinder engine in the BMW 220i Coupe is making its debut in a compact BMW model, and the 240 kW/326 hp six-cylinder in-line engine under the bonnet of the BMW M235i Coupe earns it top billing as the most powerful petrol-driven member of the BMW M Performance Automobile line-up.

The specific proportions of the BMW 2 Series Coupe are contained within a body measuring 4,432 millimetres in length. The two-door model is therefore 108 millimetres longer than the BMW 1 Series and 72 millimetres longer than the outgoing BMW 1 Series Coupe. The new compact Coupe is also 26 millimetres wider than its predecessor (at 1,774 millimetres), and has a 30-millimetre longer wheelbase (2,690 millimetres) and wider tracks (front: 1,521 millimetres, +41 millimetres; rear: 1,556 millimetres, +43 millimetres). At the same time the vehicle height has been lowered by 5 millimetres to 1,418 millimetres. The result is an increase in interior space and 20 litres of extra boot capacity (now 390 litres). Added to which, the BMW 2 Series Coupe also boasts more efficient aerodynamics than both the BMW 1 Series and its predecessor, as reflected in a Cd of 0.29 for the BMW 220i Coupe.

Sporting tradition on a compact footprint.

The BMW 2 Series Coupe builds on the brand’s tradition of compact models offering a satisfying degree of driver engagement. And the presence of the 2 in the model designation creates a close link to this heritage. The introduction in 1966 of the BMW 1600-2, for instance, opened up a whole new vehicle segment. Inspired most profoundly by its precisely tailored package of powertrain and chassis technology, the two-door Coupe became a global standard-bearer for sporty handling and intense driving pleasure in the compact car segment. Additional engine variants increased the appeal of the new model series. For example, the BMW 2002 presented in 1968 took centre stage – in terms of both popularity and its success in turning “Freude am Fahren” (Sheer Driving Pleasure) from a slogan into an experience for whole new target groups. The most spectacular variant was the 125 kW/170 hp BMW 2002 turbo – the first model from a European manufacturer to gain the services of a turbocharger.

Download

• BMW 2 Series Coupe press kit (610kb PDF)

 

The BMW M235i Coupe: Topping the sporting ranks in the compact segment.

• BMW M Performance Automobile with 240 kW/326 hp six-cylinder in-line petrol engine.
• Bespoke chassis technology and aerodynamically optimised body, set-up exudes hallmark M precision.
• Exclusive sports car interior for maximum driving pleasure.

The market launch of the BMW 2 Series Coupe also heralds the arrival of an imagination-capturing performance model in the premium compact segment. The BMW M235i Coupe is the latest member of the BMW M Performance Automobile family. It embodies intense driving pleasure that is instantly signalled by its specially modified, aerodynamically optimised body design, and is propelled by the most powerful petrol engine developed so far for a BMW M Performance Automobile. The six-cylinder in-line engine with M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology generates maximum output of 240 kW/326 hp and accelerates the BMW M235i Coupe from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.0 seconds. Other ingredients in the unique character of the BMW M235i Coupe include the interplay between engine output, bespoke chassis technology and brake system as well as aerodynamic balance that is achieved with hallmark M precision.

The vehicle concept of the BMW M235i Coupe responds to the desire of sporty drivers for more driving pleasure without compromising on everyday usability. Its handling properties are defined by impressive agility and precision, the result of extensive modifications made by BMW M GmbH to the components involved in maximising the car’s sporting ability. The precisely adjustable driving characteristics of the BM M235i Coupe reflect the expertise and experience of BMW M GmbH in both motor sport and the development of high-performance sports cars.

Addictive power: six-cylinder in-line engine with M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology.

The straight-six engine powering the BMW M235i Coupe benefits from the latest development stage in M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology and specific modifications to the cooling system, power management and sound tuning. A twin-scroll turbocharger, High Precision Direct Injection with centrally positioned multi-hole injectors, VALVETRONIC variable valve timing and Double-Vanos variable camshaft control team up to ensure instantaneous power delivery and the free-revving characteristics typical of the brand – not to mention exceptional efficiency for this output class. The engine generates maximum output of 240 kW/326 hp between 5,800 and 6,000 rpm from its 3.0-litre displacement, while peak torque of 450 Newton metres (332 lb-ft) between 1,300 and 4,500 rpm gives the engine its imposing pulling power.

The BMW M235i Coupe is fitted as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox, which, in this new BMW M Performance Automobile, comes with dry sump lubrication and a short shift facility for particularly sporty gear changes. As a result, it dashes from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.0 seconds. The BMW M235i Coupe can also be ordered with an eight-speed Sports automatic, complete with Launch Control, as an option. With Launch Control activated, the 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) sprint is all over in 4.8 seconds. And thanks to the high output and thirst for revs of the six-cylinder in-line engine, impressive reserves of power are still on hand for dynamic mid-range sprints at higher speeds. Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph) with both types of gearbox.

The BMW M235i Coupe records average fuel consumption, as calculated in the EU test cycle, of 8.1 litres per 100 kilometres (34.9 mpg imp) and CO2 emissions of 1 gram per kilometre. If the eight-speed Sports automatic gearbox is specified, these figures improve to 7.6 litres per 100 kilometres (37 m imp) and 176 g/km respectively.

Bespoke chassis tuning for maximum precision.

In order to translate this outstanding engine power into dynamic performance with an equal measure of excitement and authority, the B M23 Coupe features model-specific chassis technology. This includes individually configured spring and damper systems, and specific elastokinematics for the front axle. Added to which, the BMW M235i Coupe comes as standard with the M Sport braking system and variable sport steering, which determines its own characteristics.

The standard, exclusive 18-inch M light-alloy wheels of the BMW M235i Coupe are fitted with mixed tyres in 225/40 R18 format for the front wheels and 245/35 R18 at the rear. The specially developed high-grip tyres guarantee optimum transfer of acceleration and braking forces to the road surface. Customers can also opt for the 19-inch BMW M Performance forged light-alloy wheels available from the Original BMW Accessories range.

Exclusive to the BMW M235i Coupe: a BMW M Performance limited-slip differential.

Another suspension-related retrofit product offered exclusively for the BMW M235i Coupe from the car’s launch to enhance its dynamic potential is the BMW M Performance limited-slip differential. This mechanical rear axle differential system optimises traction in suitably dynamic driving situations. When the DSC stability system is switched off, this torque-sensitive limited-slip differential ensures drive is split between the rear wheels to optimum traction-maximising effect. Reacting to differing torque between the driven wheels, it reduces slip at the wheel with low grip by channelling surplus drive to the other wheel through a locking effect. This controlled drive distribution leads to optimised traction and allows for even more dynamic handling at the limit. Engine power is translated into propulsion as effectively as possible to provide even more dynamic acceleration out of corners, for example.

Optimised aerodynamics, high-quality sports car ambience.

Like its chassis technology, the aerodynamic properties of the BMW M235i Coupe have also been tweaked to take into account the output of its six-cylinder engine. The front apron of the two-door car bears the hallmarks of M design. Its large air intakes, with flaps adapted from racing car design, also occupy the space reserved for foglamps in the other BMW 2 Series Coupe model variants. In the now customary style for BMW M Performance Automobiles, they are transected by horizontal crosspieces in Ferric Grey metallic. Other features of the exterior design are BMW Individual High-gloss Shadow Line trim, exterior mirror caps in Ferric Grey, particularly striking contoured side skirts and a rear apron whose lower section is finished in Dark Shadow metallic paintwork and also incorporates the exhaust system’s twin tailpipes. The package of aerodynamically optimised body features is rounded off by the standard-specification gurney on the boot lid.

The car also features door sill strips with aluminium inserts bearing “M235i” lettering and a specially “tuned” interior design. It offers sports seats for the driver and front passenger, an M leather steering wheel with multifunction buttons, a BMW Individual roof liner in Anthracite, Aluminium Hexagon interior trim with accent strips in matt Estoril Blue or high-gloss black, leather trim for the gearshift lever / selector lever and handbrake lever gaiter, an M driver’s footrest, a special instrument cluster with digital model designation together with red dials and numbers for the speedometer and rev counter, as well as variable use of colour for the interior lighting and blue detailing for the car key.