What is it?
BMW’s claim that the new 2 Series Coupé occupies a “defiantly niche position” in the brand’s portfolio might make fans of the brilliant original model nervous. After all, global car giants in the business of selling as many cars as possible don’t tend to focus resources on small niches.
In this case, “defiantly niche” means that after the BMW 1 Series hatchback switched to a front-driven platform (also used by the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé), the BMW 2 Series Coupé is the sole compact BMW left with rear-wheel drive. That sounds like a recipe for a lack of investment, given that the car’s sales will be dwarfed by every one of the roughly 374 different SUVs that BMW now sells. But in reality, it has served as a liberation.
With the link to the 1 Series it was originally spun out of (replacing the 1 Series Coupé) now broken, the 2 Series Coupé sits on an adapted version of the CLAR platform used by the 3 Series and 4 Series. That means it retains a rear-drive layout and allows for BMW’s 3.0-litre straight six tobe used in performance versions. According to the 2 Series Coupé’s engineers, both of those were non-negotiable musts.
That’s just one example of how the 2 Series Coupé feels like a car that has been made by enthusiasts for enthusiasts. Which makes sense, given that the bulk of the original model sales were of the hot M240i and fiery M2 variants. The new 2 Series Coupé will be launched in the UK early next year, in three guises: the 220i petrol (£34,980), the 220d diesel (£36,900) and the four-wheel-drive M240i xDrive driven here (£45,795). The M Performance model uses a version of the straight six tuned for 369bhp – a hefty increase on its predecessor – and will serve as the range-topper until the new M2 arrives in 2023.
The new 2 Series Coupé may be based on an entirely new platform, but its design is pleasingly familiar, retaining the classic three-box body, although with styling that’s sharper and more sculpted. The kidney grille has grown, and while the stretched horizontal styling might not be to the tastes of every BMW classicist, it’s refreshingly restrained by the firm’s modern standards. This is a sign that this car is concerned with capturing the attention of those inside it, rather than those looking at it. The M240i variant also features a range of aerodynamic turning vanes and splitters to reduce lift.
The new platform shift means the 2 Series Coupé has grown slightly: it’s 105mm longer and 64mm wider than its predecessor, although also 28mm lower. But that extra width serves a purpose: the track width has been increased (by 54mm at the front and 31mm at the rear) to boost stability while cornering. The M240i’s 19in tyres are also wider to go along with that.
Plenty of focus has gone into saving weight and increasing stiffness, using insights from the development of the latest BMW Z4 roadster. BMW claims the new coupé has 12% more torsional rigidity and maintains 50:50 weight distribution. It features the aluminium spring struts and engine side members from the 4 Series, while the bonnet and front side panels are also made from the lightweight metal.
Every variant features two-joint spring-strut front suspension and a five-link rear axle, plus the M240i gains M Sport tuning including extra front axle struts, a new rear differential and upgraded brakes.
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