The new BMW 2 Series Coupe (G42) has finally been unveiled and, good news, it remains true to tradition. BMW's smallest coupé continues to be based on a rear-wheel-drive architecture, unlike the other members of the diverse 2 Series family, which are front-wheel drive.
An architecture that gives the new 2 Series Coupé the right proportions: long hood, passenger compartment in a retracted position and the front axle in forward position. However, the aesthetic differences compared to its predecessor (F22) are clear, with the new G42 characterized by a more expressive styling (more loaded, angular elements and lines and more muscular overall appearance) — however, no double kidneys XXL, as we saw in the Series 4 Coupé.
Compared to its predecessor, BMW's smallest coupé has grown substantially: it is longer by 105 mm (4537 mm), wider by 64 mm (1838 mm) and the wheelbase has increased by 51 mm (2741 mm). The height, on the other hand, was reduced by 28 mm to 1390 mm.
BMW M240i xDrive Coupé and 220i Coupé.
Objective: bend
The greater outside width means also wider lanes (between 54 mm and 63 mm at the front and 31 mm and 35 mm at the back), and when we add to these the 12% increase in torsional strength, while continuing having a weight distribution close to the ideal 50-50 are some of the ingredients, says BMW, that help improve the cornering capabilities of the 2 Series Coupé.
What's more, the components and technology that make up the chassis and assist the dynamics were “borrowed” from the larger 4 Series Coupé and Z4, although recalibrated for this new model. BMW says that, compared to its predecessor, there is a "clear improvement in agility, steering precision and dynamism in cornering". This is without compromising his skills as a roadster, with the brand referring to optimized levels of ride comfort and soundproofing.
The new Series 2 Coupé inherits the front (MacPherson) and rear (five-arm multilink) suspension layout of the Series 4 and Z4, both of which feature aluminum and steel construction. Optionally, the M Sport suspension is available, which also adds variable-ratio sport steering. In the case of the M240i xDrive, the top version, comes as standard with the M Sport suspension (but with its own specifications), being optionally available for this adaptive M suspension model.
Wheels are 17″ as standard, which grow to 18″ when we opt for the M Sport package. Once again, the M240i xDrive distinguishes itself from the other 2 Series Coupé by coming as standard with 19″ wheels, with the option of high-performance tires. It is also possible to opt for 20″ wheels.
No mega double kidneys on the new 2 Series Coupé G42
What engines do you have?
In the launch phase, the new BMW 2 Series Coupé will be available with three engines, two petrol and one diesel.
At the top of the hierarchy we have the M240i xDrive , equipped with the 3.0 l capacity in-line six cylinders and turbocharged. Compared to its predecessor, it gained 34 hp, now having 374 hp of power (and 500 Nm of torque). It is, at the moment, the only 2 Series Coupé equipped with four-wheel drive, justifying the meager 4.3s up to 100 km/h (maximum speed limited to 250 km/h).
THE 220i comes equipped with a 2.0 l inline four cylinder, also with turbo. Announces 184 hp and 300 Nm, which translates into 7.5s up to 100 km/h and 236 km/h of top speed. Finally, the only Diesel option is found in 220d , also with 2.0 l of capacity and four cylinders, announcing 190 hp and 400 Nm. The 100 km/h is reached in 6.9s and reaches 237 km/h of top speed. Within a year the new BMW 2 Series Coupé will be enriched with the 245 hp 230i variant, extracted from the 2.0 l four-cylinder petrol engine.
More contained look for the 220i Coupé.
Although the option of a manual transmission is promised for the future M2 Coupé, in the case of these three engines they are all coupled, only and only, to the automatic eight-speed Steptronic transmission (it remains to be seen if there will be a manual transmission in the future). Optionally available is the Steptronic Sport variant (standard on the M240i xDrive) which adds shift paddles behind the steering wheel and the Launch Control and Sprint functions (for moments of immediate acceleration when already in motion).
4 places
The feeling of familiarity is strong inside the new BMW 2 Series Coupé, adopting the same design solutions already seen in other BMWs. As standard, the new model is equipped with an 8.8″ display for the infotainment system (BMW Operating System 7), aided by a 5.1″ color display on the instrument panel. We can opt for the BMW Live Cockpit Professional which includes a 12.3″ 100% digital instrument panel and a 10.25″ screen for infotainment.
The German brand promises a low driving position, in line with the model's sportier aspirations, while at the rear we have space for just two passengers — maximum capacity is four seats.
The luggage compartment grew 20 l — it now has 390 l — access to it has improved, with the height of its lower limit being 35 mm closer to the floor, and the versatility benefits from the possibility of folding the rear seat in a tripartite way. (40:20:40).
Predictably, the technological arsenal in terms of driving assistants is vast. As a standard feature, warnings for frontal collision or departure from the carriageway and cruise control with braking function. Optionally, we have functions such as semi-autonomous driving (level 2) and equipment such as rear-end collision avoidance, rear traffic crossing alert, active cruise control with Stop&Go function, and reverse gear assistants (with camera, “surround” and “3D remote view” ”). For the first time, the BMW 2 Series Coupé can also be equipped with a Head-Up Display.
When arrives?
The new BMW 2 Series Coupé is scheduled to arrive in early 2022, with production taking place, not in Europe, but at the BMW plant in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, which will start shortly. Prices have not yet been announced for our market.