The new BMW 2 Series Coupé.

The new BMW 2 Series Coupé is the latest model to join BMW’s extensive range. The two-door coupé raises the bar in the premium compact sector for both driving dynamics and aesthetic appeal.

In typical BMW coupé tradition, the new four-seat model combines a rear-wheel drive chassis with an engine line-up and suspension tuning that are focused squarely on sporting ability. Two petrol and one diesel engines will be available at launch, ranging from the 220d Coupé to the latest 326hp M Performance model the M235i Coupé.

The individual design clearly differentiates the 2 Series Coupé from the 1 Series model range, lending the newcomer a character all of its own. The longer body and low, flowing roofline reinforce the 2 Series Coupé’s sporting intent while the wider track, longer wheelbase and significantly increased body width improve both cabin space and driving dynamics.

All five engine options benefit from BMW’s TwinPower Turbo technology to deliver class-leading performance and efficiency figures. Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are further reduced by BMW’s extensive EfficientDynamics technologies, which are standard across the range.

The premium, driver-centric cabin and high level of standard equipment are befitting of a BMW coupé, which will be available at launch in four trim levels: SE, Sport, Modern and M Sport.

The BMW 2 Series Coupé reaches the market in March 2014, starting at £24,265 OTR for the 218d Coupé SE

Design: typical coupé proportions, dynamic lines and forms

The BMW 2 Series Coupé is true to BMW coupés of the past, with a distinctive three-box body structure and design features such as the side swage lines that wrap around into the rear and the iconic Hofmeister kink. As a distinct model in its own right, however, a specific design language gives the BMW 2 Series Coupé an identity of its own among BMW’s model range.

The proportions, detailing and surface design have been tailored to accentuate the new model’s sporting character while also ensuring optimised aerodynamics. The bespoke front and rear end styling, as well as the overall body length that is increased by 11cm compared to the BMW 1 Series, underline the 2 Series Coupé’s position a distinct series in BMW’s line-up.

Lines that taper down towards the hallmark BMW kidney grille lend a forward-surging stance. The grille itself protrudes clearly from the front of the car and slants forward at a slight angle, while the lower air intake, split into three sections, feeds cooling air to the engine and brakes. With the optional Xenon headlights, an LED accent strip cuts across the top of the familiar BMW twin circular headlights. Distinctive Aero Curtains are integrated into the front apron to channel the air over the wheels and around the side of the car, helping to reduce turbulence.

In profile, the BMW 2 Series Coupé features signature brand features such as a long bonnet, short overhangs and a set-back passenger compartment. A prominent character line above the door sill sweeps up rearwards of the B-pillar and towards the flared rear wheel arch, emphasising the car’s rear-wheel drive layout.

The broad rear end, which draws the eye to the swollen arches and wide track, hints at the BMW 2 Series Coupé’s sporting character. Single-piece LED light units reach far into the car’s flanks in a familiar L-shape.

Compared to its predecessor, the new model is 72mm longer and 26mm wider. The wheelbase has grown by 30mm, while the track is wider by 41mm at the front and 43mm at the rear. Cabin space has also increased, with an extra 19mm of front headroom and 21mm of rear legroom. Boot capacity is up by 20litres to 390litres. The boot aperture is also wider than that of the previous model.

The interior: driver-centric cabin and premium quality

The BMW 2 Series Coupé’s interior combines a driver-focused cockpit with high-quality materials. Overlapping surfaces lend a ‘layering’ effect to the dashboard, which is angled towards the driver for improved ergonomics.

Front headroom and rear legroom have increased by 19mm and 21mm respectively compared to the BMW 1 Series Coupé, while several large storage compartments, including the spacious glovebox and door pockets, add practicality. The Easy Entry function of the front seats aids access to the rear of the cabin and the 60:40 split folding rear bench seat helps to make best use of the 2 Series Coupé’s load-carrying potential. A 40:20:40 three-way folding rear bench seat is optional. Dakota leather upholstery is available as an alternative to the standard cloth.

High level of standard equipment: optimum comfort and safety

Customers will have the option of choosing between three trim levels in addition to the standard specification. The standard kit count is generous, over and above those of the BMW 1 Series. As well as remote central locking, height adjustment for the driver’s and front passenger seat, BMW Professional radio with 6.5-inch colour display and iDrive controller, six speakers and an AUX-in socket, standard equipment includes the Driving Perfomance Control switch and automatic climate control. A Bluetooth hands-free mobile phone system with a USB socket, DAB radio, BMW Emergency Call, Sport Multi-Function Leather steering wheel and rain-sensing wipers are also fitted as standard.

Over and above the extensive kit of the SE trim, which also includes rear Park Distance Control, auto-dimming rear-view mirror and 17-inch alloy wheels, the Sport trim level adds sports seats and black high-gloss interior trim, as well as exclusive 17-inch alloy wheels. Modern adds part leather upholstery, Dark Pearl interior trim and an exclusive 17-inch alloy wheel design.

Also available from launch is the M Sport model. This model combines bespoke M Sport Suspension (including a 10mm drop in ride height and 18-inch M Sport light-alloy wheels in double-spoke design), M aerodynamic bodystyling and High-gloss Shadowline exterior trim. In addition M aluminium door sill strips, front sports seats, Aluminium Hexagon interior trim, M Sport leather steering wheel and cloth-alcantara upholstery underline the 2 Series Coupé’s sporting nature from the inside. Estoril Blue metallic piant can also be specified with the M Sport trim level.

Among the items on the options list are electrically adjustable and heated seats, Xenon headlights, an electrically operated glass sunroof and Comfort Access.

The chassis: tuned for sporting dynamics

The BMW 2 Series Coupé delivers a precise and rewarding driving experience. Its chassis components have a high level of aluminium content to reduce unsprung masses to improve dynamic performance. The front strut and five-link rear suspension arrangement, anti-roll bars, wide front and rear track and 50:50 weight distribution all contribute to the car’s sporting behaviour. The Electric Power Steering is energy efficient and accurate, helping to enhance the handling characteristics. The ride quality, meanwhile, is well-suited to everyday driving.

The standard Driving Performance Control switch gives drivers the option of adjusting the car’s set-up to their individual preferences or the driving situation at hand, while a variety of options allow customers to tailor their car to their own preferences. Servotronic steering adjusts the level of power assistance according to road speed, while Variable Sport Steering adjusts the steering ratio to reduce the level of effort required.

If the M Sport package is specified, customers can also order their car with the M Sport braking system with fixed callipers, four pistons at the front and two at the rear, with larger brake discs. For the most enthusiastic of drivers, the BMW M Performance braking system brings even larger ventilated and riveted discs and callipers painted either red, orange or yellow.

The BMW 2 Series Coupé is optionally available with Adaptive M suspension, with electronically controlled dampers, or M Sport suspension, with stiffer spring and damper settings. Both set-ups come with a 10mm reduction in ride height. The BMW M Performance sports suspension goes a step further still, offering customers a 20mm drop in ride height, bespoke dampers and shorter, red-painted coil springs.

Powertrain: TwinPower Turbo technology for performance and efficiency

BMW’s pioneering TwinPower Turbo technology ensures the BWM 2 Series Coupé delivers a rewarding yet fuel efficient driving experience. As is customary for BMW coupés, the engines are in-line and longitudinally mounted up front, sending their power to the rear wheels. All five engine options make use of BMW’s TwinPower Turbo technology, which combines sporty performance characteristics with exceptional efficiency.

The range-topping M235i Coupé delivers an exhilarating 326hp with 450Nm of torque, and accelerates to 62mph from standstill in just 5.0 seconds. With the optional eight-speed Sport automatic gearbox, which features a Launch Control system, that figure drops to 4.8 seconds. Nonetheless, it will also return up to 37.2mpg and emit just 176g/km of CO2.

The second petrol option, the 220i Coupé, gets a four-cylinder engine that generates 184hp and 270Nm of torque. The petrol engine in the 220i delivers a stirring soundtrack, but also returns up to 47.1mpg while emitting as little as 139g/km of CO2. Those impressive figures come courtesy of the TwinPower Turbo technology, which comprises a twin-scroll turbocharging system, High Precision Direct Injection, VALVETRONIC fully variable valve timing and Double-Vanos variable camshaft control.

The diesel engine available from launch is the 220d Coupé.  Offering 184hp and 380Nm of torque it’ll reach 62mph in just 7.2 seconds. Nonetheless, the 220d Coupé is still capable of 64.2mpg while emitting just 117g/km of CO2.

Two further engines will be available shortly after launch, the 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel unit, the 218d Coupé and the six-cylinder 225d Coupé.

All engines can be combined with an optional eight-speed automatic gearbox for fuel consumption and emissions figures that are even lower than those achieved with the standard six-speed manual gearbox. The 2 Series Coupé can also be ordered with the optional eight-speed Sports automatic (standard on the 225d Coupé), which uses ultra-fast gear changes to underline the dynamic character of the two-door car. This Sport automatic comes with gearshift paddles on the steering wheel and a Launch Control function.

All model variants come with extensive BMW EfficientDynamics technology as standard and meet the EU6 emissions standards.

M235i: for ultimate driving pleasure

The M235i Coupé is the latest BMW M Performance model. It delivers the most rewarding driving experience of the range, an aerodynamically optimised body design and a powerful six-cylinder engine. The 326hp sports coupé has been tuned by BMW M GmbH to achieve the highest level of driving precision and performance, while also being useable on a day-to-day basis.

The M235i Coupé’s straight-six engine benefits from 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 combine to ensure instantaneous power delivery and the free-revving characteristics that are typical of BMW M.

Despite hitting 62mph in just 4.8 seconds, when teamed with the eight-speed Sport automatic gearbox (a six-speed manual comes as standard), the M235i Coupé still returns up to 37.2mpg and emits an impressively low 176g/km of CO2.

In order to transfer this performance to the road, the M235i Coupé features an individually configured spring and damper system. The M235i Coupé comes as standard with the M Sport braking system and Variable Sport Steering.  

The range-topping model also offers sports seats for the driver and front passenger, an M leather steering wheel with multifunction buttons, a BMW Individual roof liner in Anthracite and Aluminium Hexagon interior trim with accent strips in matt Estoril Blue or high-gloss black.

ConnectedDrive: safety, comfort and infotainment

The range of standard and optional equipment available from BMW’s ConnectedDrive suite of technologies ensures the BMW 2 Series Coupé occupies a leading position when it comes to the intelligent link-up of the driver, car and outside world.

Among the driver assistance systems available are the anti-dazzle High Beam Assistant, BMW Professional Media package with 8.8-inch widescreen display and iDrive Touch controller and Driving Assistant with Lane Departure warning, Forward Collision Warning, City Collision Mitigation and Preventative Pedestrian Recognition. If the optional Xenon headlights are specified, the two-door model can also be equipped with Adaptive Headlights including cornering light, variable headlight distribution and adaptive headlight range control for city and motorway driving.

The optional ConnectedDrive Services provides an optimised platform for using telephone and internet-based services, while a range of other innovative functions can be integrated into the car’s operating system via apps.

Ends

The BMW Group

The BMW Group is the leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles in the world with its BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brands. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 28 production and assembly facilities in 13 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2012, the BMW Group sold about 1.85 million cars and more than 117,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax for the financial year 2012 was euro 7.82 billion on revenues amounting to euro 76.85 billion. At 31 December 2012, the BMW Group had a workforce of 105,876 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been built on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.

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