Top 3 things you need to know about the BMW 2 Series coupé

It is not unusual for BMW to ruffle some feathers with the styling of its vehicles. Since the Bangle era, (Chris Bangle, Chief of Design for BMW Group 1999 - 2009), the German automaker has been known to take risks with its design choices, the most recent example being the BMW 4 Series with its vertical grille configuration. 

BMW design is once again under the spotlight with the new 2 Series coupé, however, this time not for the front of the car but rather the rear. While it is safe to assume that BMW has followed the 'form follows function' philosophy, when designing the taillights, it has divided opinion. But let us take a look at what else the 2 Series coupé has to offer before coming to a conclusion.

1. Exterior

Some enthusiasts will be happy to learn that BMW chose to go with a more traditional kidney grille layout on the new model. However, these items are not just for styling only, as the central areas can open and close the blades. Open and the blades allow air to flow through and cool the engine down, closed and the front-end becomes more aerodynamic.

Flanking the grille are completely new contoured headlights incorporating a single light unit for both the LED headlamps and high beams. The LED daytime running lights further contrast the dark interior of the headlamp clusters and follows the bottom curvature of the design. Move along the side of the vehicle and you will notice the familiar coupé silhouette with the long bonnet and two doors.

In each corner of the vehicle and you will find 17-inch light-alloy wheels which can be optionally changed for larger 18- and 19-inch options. Moving to the rear of the vehicle, purists will be happy to know that BMW incorporated real tailpipes exiting the darkened rear bumper instead of imitation ones. 

Then there are the taillamps which is probably the most controversial element of the design. The three-dimensional items incorporate a horizontal element that performs the duties of the brake light and rear lamps, just below is the turn indicators. Its design mimics that of the front, however, is now upside down. 

2. Interior

The interior of the new 2 Series coupé resembles that of the BMW 4 Series with a similar dashboard, facia and centre console. Occupant gains access to the BMW Live Cockpit as a standard that utilises the seventh-generation Drive operating system. The includes an 8.8-inch central touchscreen as well as a 5.1-inch colour display behind the steering wheel. The infotainment system comes with Bluetooth, two USB ports and a 4G LTE built-in sim card to access the standard Connected Package.

Optionally customers can upgrade to the BMW Live Cockpit Professional system which increases the screen sizes to 12.3-inch and 10.25-inch respectively. It also allows for fully digital screen grouping and more real-estate for navigation and media content to be displayed. Customers can expect leather sport seats as standard equipment with some design surfaces on the dashboard and door trims finished in a Dark Graphite matt texture. 

3. Drivetrain

At the time of the launch, BMW introduced three 2 Series coupé variants. The entry point to the range is the 220i derivative which comes fitted with a 2.0-litre, twin-scroll turbocharged, 4-cylinder petrol engine. Coupled with the 8-speed automatic transmission, owners can expect 135 kW and 300 Nm of torque, a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration time of 7.5 seconds and an average fuel consumption figure of between 6.8- and 6.3-L / 100 km. 

The midpoint of the new range is the 220d which offers a 2.0-litre, two-stage turbocharged, 4-cylinder diesel engine mated to the same 8-speed automatic. The drivetrain of the 220d is further bolstered by a 48V mild-hybrid system which not only increases efficiency but also performance. The combination results in 140 kW and 400 Nm of torque and will propel the 2 Series to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds while capable of returning between 5.1- and 4.8-L / 100 km.

The flagship model, M240i xDrive coupé, sees a 3.0-litre, twin-scroll turbocharged, inline 6-cylinder petrol engine fitted. Unlike the 220i and 220d, the M240i sends its power to all four wheels instead of the rear wheels only. This helps the model get all of the 275 kW and 500 Nm of torque to the ground resulting in a 0-100km/h sprint lasting only 4.3 seconds. The 8-speed automatic transmission not only allows for quick accelerations but will also calm down to return between 8.8- and 8.1-L / 100 km.