Currently reading: BMW 2-series gets public debut in Detroit
BMW reveals 2-series coupé; 3 models in range at launch; 218d and 225d to join in May

BMW has revealed its eagerly awaited 2-series coupé at the Detroit motor show.

Due to go on sale in March, the rear-wheel drive successor to the 1-series coupé adopts BMW’s new naming system, which sees the German car maker’s more overtly sporting models receive an even-number model designation, as seen on the recently introduced 4-series and longer-established 6-series.

A trio of 2-series models are planned from the outset of UK sales, including the expected volume sellers, the £25,040 220i and £25,865 220d. They will be joined by the range topping M235i, priced at £34,250.

The replacement for the highly rated M135i coupé runs a 321bhp version of BMW’s twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder petrol engine, giving it a 0-62mph time of 5.0sec in standard six-speed manual guise or 4.8sec with an optional eight-speed automatic gearbox.

A further two models, the 218d and 225d, are planned to join the line-up in May.   

The 2-series coupé sports unique exterior styling credited to a team of in-house designers overseen by BMW brand design boss Karim Habib.

The appearance is considerably more refined than that of the old 1-series coupé, boasting a combination of traditional elements and contemporary touches in a classic three-box body that, in keeping with the new car’s sporting brief, clearly places good looks ahead of overall practicality.

As with other recent new BMW models, buyers will be able to choose between four individual lines: SE, Sport, Modern and M Sport – the latter standard on the M235i in combination with 18-inch wheels and lowered suspension.

At 4432mm in length, 1774mm in width and 1418mm in height, the 2-series is 72mm longer, 24mm wider and 7mm lower than the outgoing 1-series coupé. It also has a 30mm-longer wheelbase than its predecessor at 2690mm.

Inside, the 2-series offers seating for four together with 390 litres of luggage capacity – some 20 litres more than the 1-series coupé. BMW also claims the new car boasts an added 19mm of front seat headroom and 21 mm of rear seat legroom than the car it replaces.

The interior is largely lifted from the second-generation 1-series hatchback, including the dashboard, front seats and switchgear. However, a limited number of unique trim elements attempt to provide the new car with an individual feel.

Together with the coupé, the new 2-series will also support a cabriolet model. Planned for launch during the second half of 2014, it follows the lead of the 1-series cabriolet in adopting a fabric hood and boasting seating for four adults along with 270 litres of luggage space.

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The BMW 2 Series Coupé marks a successful return of the 1 Series Coupé. Overall it is a more compelling package than before but can it drive buyers away from the Audi TT and conventional hatchbacks?

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Among the standard equipment planned for the 2-series coupé in the UK is air conditioning, a leather-bound multi-function steering wheel, rear park sensors, automatic dimming rear view mirror and LED tail-lights.

The 2-series uses the same range of longitudinally mounted engines and the same rear-wheel drive platform as the existing 1-series hatchback – a layout BMW says provides the new car with class-leading performance and handling.

In efforts to improve its dynamics and provide it with a more sporting nature than its hatchback siblings, BMW’s engineers have provided the entry-level coupé with unique chassis tuning. It also features its own track widths, which also vary between standard 2-series coupé models and the M235i. An electronically controlled limited-slip differential also appears on range topping model as standard.

While BMW is yet to confirm it, sources have confirmed selected models, including the M235i, are set to receive an xDrive four-wheel drive option.

The 2-series coupé is assembled at BMW’s Leipzig factory on the same line as the 1-series hatchback.

BMW 220i

Price £25,040; Top speed 146mph; 0-62mph 7.0sec; Economy 46.3mpg; CO2 142g/km; Kerb weight 1350kg; Engine 4 cyls, 1997cc, turbocharged, petrol; Power 181bhp at 5000rpm; Torque 199lb ft at 1250rpm; Gearbox 6-spd manual

BMW 220d

Price £25,865; Top speed 143mph; 0-62mph 7.2sec; Economy 58.9mpg; CO2 125g/km; Kerb weight 1375kg; Engine 4 cyls, 1995cc, turbodiesel; Power 181bhp at 4000rpm; Torque 280lb ft at 1750rpm; Gearbox 6-spd manual

BMW M235i

Price £34,250; Top speed 155mph; 0-62mph 5.0sec; Economy 34.9mpg; CO2 189g/km; Kerb weight 1455kg; Engine 3.0-litre, six-cylinders in-line, petrol; Power 321bhp at 5800rpm; Torque 332lb ft at 1300rpm; Gearbox 6-spd manual

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lewis_H 28 October 2013

Pic 28 of 34

"The M235i comes equipped with a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine producing 321bhp", Sort it out Autocar thats not even a typo thats just laziness. Must say though the car looks stunning, having driven the M135i and saying at the time that it could do with an LSD to make it just a bit more poised and direct, BMW has answered our prayers. People will shoot me down here, but i remembered reading an article some time ago when the a45 amg and m135i were put around a track, the little beemer was only 0.3 secs slower than the more powerful merc. I reckon this car with its LSD and in xDrive guise will beat, if not come close, to the Merc in terms of lap times and sheer drving fun!

Ali_ 26 October 2013

While the M135i is a bit of a

While the M135i is a bit of a bargain, the M235i is sailing very close to the much faster A45 AMG. The X-Drive version will probably cost the same. Add options that are standard on the AMG and it could well work out more costly for less performance. At the other end, you have the Golf R about to launch at £4k less and similar performance. Can't help thinking BMW have missed the price point by £2k here.

david RS 25 October 2013

4432mm Where are the 220 i

4432mm Sad
Where are the 220 i with a NA L6???