2022 BMW 2-Series Coupe Is Bigger and More Powerful

Let’s start with the best news about the new BMW 2-series Coupe: it sticks with rear-wheel drive, though all-wheel drive is available. While BMW has switched the stumpy-looking 2-series Gran Coupe to a transverse engined and natively front-drive platform, the new two-door continues to use a rear-drive platform. For this we are profoundly grateful.

Things stay positive with the confirmation provided by these official images that the new Coupe has received a relatively modest version of BMW’s seemingly ever-expanding kidney grille. However, this is partially offset by the presence of small and high-mounted headlights to accentuate the apparent size of the aperture. The new lights feature an internal circular full-LED unit and were apparently inspired by the design of the BMW 2002 sedan. The radiator inlets incorporate vertical air flaps that can open through ten stages to increase or decrease cooling air.

Its side profile is also far more harmonious than that of the 2-series Gran Coupe, with a minimal front overhang and an appropriately muscular rear haunch. The rear side windows even boast BMW’s trademark “Hofmeister kink”, a design detail the brand has been using since 1961, but which the current 4-series Coupe lacks. First impressions are that the new 2-series will be a far more traditional BMW two-door than its larger counterpart.

This 2-series is set to be larger than the outgoing model. The standard 230i (pictured in white) is 4.3 inches longer than its predecessor, it’s 2.6 inches wider, and its wheelbase is stretched by 2.0 inches. Front and rear track widths have also increased, by 2.8 inches at the front and 1.9 inches at the rear on the 230i and by 2.5 inches at the front and 2.4 inches at the rear for the more powerful M240i model (pictured in purple). The tightness of the old car’s cabin was one of the areas where the sports coupe felt weakest, and the 2-series without the moonroof gains three cubic feet of passenger volume.

The new model’s interior seems largely familiar from other current BMWs, with a raised touchscreen for the infotainment system, conventional controls for the heating and ventilation system, and the familiar row of programmable shortcut buttons. Analog instruments will be standard with the option of a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. All U.S. versions will come with sports seats and leather steering wheels, with the M240i xDrive getting a glass moonroof that will be optional on the 230i.

Two engines will be available from launch. The rear-wheel-drive 230i will pack a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, making 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. BMW claims a 5.5-second sprint to 60 mph, and a top speed that will be limited to either 130 mph or 155 mph depending on tires. The M240i xDrive will use BMW’s turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six that produces 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque paired with an all-wheel-drive system and BMW’s electronically controlled rear differential. BMW claims a zero-to-60-mph time of 4.1 seconds. An eight-speed automatic gearbox will be the only option for now, though insiders have hinted the forthcoming M2 will continue to offer the option of a manual gearbox (#SavetheManuals).

The 2022 BMW 2-series will arrive in the U.S. in November starting at $37,345 for the 23oi and $49,545 for the M240i xDrive. Those figures represent relatively modest increases over the outgoing car, which seem to be justified by increased spec. An all-wheel-drive 230i xDrive model and rear-drive M240i will arrive later. The new 2-Series seems set to carry on where its predecessor left off, and that’s definitely a good thing.

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