BMW model family celebrates the premiere of another new model series – BMW 2-Series Coupe raises the bar in the premium compact segment in terms of dynamic ability, aesthetic appeal and emotional allure; a distinctive vehicle concept unique in its segment, with a two-door body in classic three-box design typical of BMW Coupes, four seats, rear-wheel drive and an engine range and chassis set-up focused squarely on sporting ability. There is clear water between the BMW 2-Series Coupe and the BMW 1-Series, the new model assuming a character all of its own. This differentiation is immediately recognisable in the design of the new car, but it also makes its presence felt in terms of performance.
Characteristic features of a BMW Coupe
The specific vehicle concept behind the BMW 2-Series Coupe – unique in its segment – is faithfully reflected in its body design. The two-door model is first and foremost a Coupe from the BMW brand, and the design features that identify a member of this special breed – a three-box body with clearly defined boot and low-slung silhouette, a long bonnet, doors with frameless windows and a dynamically stretched roofline flowing smoothly into the rear end – are carried over into a compact model with greater enthusiasm and intent than ever. The ultra-sporty driving characteristics of the BMW 2-Series Coupe – generated by a hand-picked selection of engines and chassis technology tuned to make the perfect pairing – are thus unambiguously expressed in the design of the exterior.
The specific proportions of the BMW 2-Series Coupe are contained within a body measuring 4,432 millimetres in length. The two-door model is therefore 108 millimetres longer than the BMW 1-Series and 72 millimetres longer than the outgoing BMW 1-Series Coupe. The new compact Coupe is also 32 millimetres wider than its predecessor (at 1,774 millimetres), and has a 30-millimetre longer wheelbase (2,690 millimetres) and wider tracks (front: 1,521 millimetres, +41 millimetres; rear: 1,556 millimetres, +43 millimetres). At the same time the vehicle height has been lowered by 5 millimetres to 1,418 millimetres. The result is an increase in interior space and 20 litres of extra boot capacity (now 390 litres). Added to which, the BMW 2-Series Coupe also boasts more efficient aerodynamics than both the BMW 1-Series and its predecessor, as reflected in a Cd of 0.29 for the BMW 220i Coupe.
Interior: cockpit design ensures maximum driving pleasure; premium ambience can be enjoyed from four seats
The dominant themes of the BMW 2-Series Coupe’s interior are the driver-focused design of the cockpit, contemporary functionality and high-quality materials. An Easy Entry function for the front seats facilitates access to the two rear seats, which offer 21 millimetres more legroom than the outgoing Coupe, while headroom for the driver and front passenger has grown by a similar extent. Functionality levels are raised another notch by features including large storage compartments in the doors. The structure of the surfaces for the instrument panel, centre console and door trim is dominated by the “layering” effect created by various overlapping surfaces. The length of the doors is emphasised by the converging lines of the door trim elements.
The driving experience: A perfect balance of agility, efficiency and comfort
BMW TwinPower Turbo technology ensures an unbeatable balance between driving pleasure and fuel economy in both the petrol and the diesel engines available from launch for the BMW 2-Series Coupe. Output is up by as much as 10 kW over the new car’s predecessor, yet average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle has dropped by up to 21 per cent, depending on the model. The specially assembled engine line-up for the BMW 2-Series Coupe, the advanced chassis technology tuned precisely to the engine output on offer and the rear-wheel-drive configuration unique in its segment provide a sporty driving experience beyond the reach of any rival, combined with outstanding comfort. Added to which, the standard Driving Experience Control switch gives drivers the option – at the touch of a button – of adjusting the car’s set-up to their individual preferences or the driving situation at hand.
Comfortable entry and more legroom in the rear compartment
The BMW 2-Series Coupe is significantly larger than its predecessor in terms of exterior length, width, wheelbase and track width. These increased dimensions are evident in areas such as headroom in the front seats, which has grown by 19 millimetres, and rear-seat legroom, which is up by 21 millimetres. In addition, the access space through to the rear is now 11 millimetres larger which, when combined with the standard Easy Entry function for the front seats, means that using the rear seats is a significantly more comfortable experience.
The boot of the BMW 2-Series Coupe has grown by 20 litres and now offers 390 litres of capacity. The width of the tailgate aperture between the rear lights is 38 millimetres greater than that offered by the outgoing Coupe. And the standard 60 : 40 split/folding rear seat bench ensures additional variability when it comes to making maximum use of the car’s load-carrying potential. A three-section split rear seat backrest can also be specified as an option, its individual elements folding either together or individually with a 40 : 20 : 40 split. With large door pockets, a roomy glove compartment, two cupholders in the centre console and a storage compartment under the armrest, the BMW 2-Series Coupe also offers increased stowage capacity inside the passenger compartment. The lower section of the door trim offers space for drinks bottles up to one litre in size, the optional storage package includes features such as cargo nets on the back of the front seats and securing lugs and nets in the boot, and a trailer coupling with removable hitch ball can be ordered for all model variants of the BMW 2-Series Coupe with the exception of the BMW M235i Coupe.
