BMW 2 Series Coupe back with a bang

As we move ever closer to electrification, an internal-combustion-powered rear-wheel drive-bias two-door coupe from Bavaria seems increasingly unlikely, however, BMW has gone ahead with an all-new generation of its famous small coupe. We travelled to the Western Cape to sample the range recently.

BMW has a storied history of producing two-door vehicles with large capacity engines, rear-wheel drive and grin-inducing dynamics. Most recently, models such as the 1M, M2 and M2 Competition have provided serious performance in compact packages, while the 135i coupe, M235i and M240i offered much of what a pukka M Car does, but with a more usable slant and indeed, a lower price tag.

Since the 1 Series and indeed, the 2 Series Gran Coupe are now based on the brand’s front-wheel drive architecture, there was a point at which we all thought the compact BMW coupe with rear-wheel drive dynamics was going to end with the F22 generation of cars. Luckily for enthusiasts, BMW announced in 2020 that the G42 generation of the 2 Series was going forward, with rear and all-wheel drive derivatives, including an M Performance model. We headed to the Western Cape to drive the new models recently.

New looks, a new platform

When looking at the latest 2 Series, the first thing that stands out is that it is no longer a small coupe version of a 1 Series, but rather a more compact, sporty version of the 3 Series and 4 Series models with which it now shares its CLAR platform. This so-called ‘big car’ platform will therefrom endow the coupe with better dynamics, more interior space and indeed, some of the in-car technologies seen in the larger BMW products, all of which should be considered a good thing.

The product now also features a 50:50 weight distribution while also being wider, longer, lower and stiffer than the car it replaces. The proportions of the new car are certainly the so-called ‘three-box’ design, comprising of the long bonnet, occupant compartment and boot sections.

When the 2 Series first leaked online just over a year ago, the internet sentiment was generally negative surrounding its styling, but as this writer has come to experience with modern BMW models, they genuinely need to be seen in the metal for a definitive judgement to be made. While the 2 Series might now be everyone’s proverbial cup of tea, the admittedly anecdotal but not insignificant sentiment garnered from the many media representatives at the national media launch was widely positive.

Premium interior

Since the 2 Series has new underpinnings, it also gets a new interior, which resembles that of the 3 Series. The models all get sport seats and a sport steering wheel wrapped in leather as well as the brand’s Operating System 7, which includes the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, BMW Digital Key, Connected Music and Remote Software Upgrades among other things such as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. As with other BMW models, the Drive infotainment screen measures 10.25 inches while the digitised instrument cluster measures 12.3-inches.

Also, expect a raft of semi-autonomous driving features to be available, should you be in the market and decide to specify one yourself. In terms of fit and finish, it is difficult to find fault with the newcomer, with a blend of high-quality materials, exceptional build quality and pleasing ergonomics. From a practicality perspective, there is a respectable 390-litres of boot space and enough room from shorter adults or children in the second row of seating, although this is certainly not the BMW for those with a big family.

Petrol and diesel power

Since the uptake on M Sport derivatives was nearly 100% locally in the previous-generation 2 Series, these are now the only models available, in both 220i and 220d guise. We started our drive in the diesel-powered 220d, which has a healthy 140kW and 400Nm on offer from a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine. With a claimed 0-100km/h time of 7.0 seconds and a fuel consumption figure of 4.8 L/100km, the oil-burner is certainly the sensible choice in the range. On our driving route, we managed an impressive 5.7 L/100km, despite some spirited driving.

We also had a chance to sample the 220i, which is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that produces 135kW and 300Nm, allowing for a 0-100km/h time of 7.5 seconds and claimed fuel consumption figure of 6.3 L/100km. Our time with the vehicle resulted in a fuel consumption reading of 10.0 L/100km, highlighting the fact that despite the petrol engine’s willingness to rev and its more elastic power band, the diesel is simply superior in performance and consumption.

An issue we noted in both the 220d and 220i models was the overly firm ride, which really became apparent on some of the rougher roads in the Western Cape. This is no doubt a result of the M Sport suspension in addition to the lack of adaptive suspension as well as the low-profile tyres fitted to the press units. A caveat to this was that the steering remained beautifully direct and the handling through some of the twisty bits was very impressive.

Plum crazy M Performance

Enthusiasts will be happy to hear of the return of the M240i badge, however, it now also features the xDrive suffix on the other side of the boot lid. Looking resplendent in the new Thundernight Metallic purple hue, we had a go in the newcomer on some wet Western Cape roads, where the addition of the xDrive system really began to make sense. You see, there’s 285kW and 500Nm on offer, and despite the 1 690kg kerb weight, this is a phenomenally fast car, earning the ‘M4 Light’ designation, in our opinion.

Performance figures are impressive, with 0-100km/h coming up in 4.6 seconds and the top speed being limited to 250 km/h. These figures are very conservative, though, as the vehicle feels quite a bit more accelerative than that. The car also sounds fantastic when placed in ‘Sport Plus’ mode, with burbles on the overrun and a semi-synthesised straight-six song booming through the cabin. Like its 220i and 220d siblings, the M240i’s steering is a highlight, feeling well-weighted and inspiring confidence. A nagging feeling while onboard was also that the 2 Series simple feels the right size, not too wide, not too long, but just right for a vehicle of its type. All M240i models come with the adaptive suspension system, which eliminates the harsh ride felt in the 220i and 220d models.

Despite the increased weight and addition of xDrive, the M240i feels light and nimble in relation to its figures, with the xDrive system being more advanced than a simple Haldex set-up, allowing for individual wheels to receive power. The product is also fitted with an electronic limited-slip differential, which means that the tail-happy nature of the product remains intact, but it is far more controlled, and certainly less fun but equally less lairy than previous models.

The trick all-wheel drive combined with the wonderful B58 3.0-litre straight-six motor, ZF 8-speed automatic gearbox and adaptive suspension make this an incredibly agreeable performance car for the road, more so than the lesser 2 Series coupe models, in fact. For those looking for 90% of the real-world performance offered by the new xDrive M3 and M4 models at half the price, the M240i is the car for you.

Verdict

The compact coupe segment is ever-dwindling, so vehicles such as the 2 Series coupe should be celebrated. Brands such as BMW still know how to build cars that are fun to drive and place an emphasis on style and performance over pure emissions and efficiency targets. The woeful ride in the M Sport 220i and 220d aside, the 2 Series coupe range gets an emphatic thumbs up from us.