The 2014 BMW 2-Series Coupe which replaces the 1-Series Coupe, was one of the luxury models the German automaker showcased at this year’s Detroit Motor Show, promising to raise the bar in terms of “dynamic ability, aesthetic appeal and emotional allure.”

Emotionally appealing aesthetics

The sporty model has a distinctive front fascia with a unique grille, bespoke headlights, short overhangs and large air intakes. There’s also subtle contours, a sweeping roofline, doors with frameless windows and L-shaped taillights.

The 2-series is slightly larger than its predecessor. Its wheelbase has been stretched by 30mm, which results in a cabin that boasts additional head- and legroom as well as a larger trunk that can hold up to 390 litres of luggage.

The interior comes equipped with cloth seats and satin silver trim, with optional Dakota leather upholstery, brushed aluminium or fineline stream wood trim and a 6.5- or 8.8-inch iDrive display as well as large storage compartments.

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.

BMW Lines

The BMW Lines available as an alternative to standard specification for the coupe include Sport Line, Modern Line and the M Sport trim. The latter adds an aerodynamic body kit, a revised grille and a chrome exhaust finisher. There’s also a sport-tuned suspension, 17-inch M light alloy wheels, sport seats, aluminium hexagon trim, M-brand sill plates and revised instrumentation.

Standard-fitted BMW EfficientDynamics technology include Brake Energy Regeneration, on-demand operation of ancillary units, Electric Power Steering, an Optimum Shift Indicator and the Auto Start Stop function, which can also be used in conjunction with an automatic gearbox.

Powerful engine line-up

First up, the 220i is equipped with a 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder that develops 135 kW and 270 Nm of torque. It enables the coupe to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 7.0 seconds and hit a top speed of up to 235 km/h.

Diesel variants include the 218d which has a 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder engine that produces 105 kW and 320 Nm of torque. Acceleration from 0-100 km takes only just 8.9 seconds (8.6 seconds with the optional eight-speed automatic) and to reach a top speed of 213 km/h.

The 220d features a 2.0-litreTwinPower Turbo four-cylinder diesel engine with 135 kW and 380 Nm of torque. 0-100 km/h is completed in 7.2 seconds (7.1 seconds with the optional eight-speed automatic) and top out at 230 km/h.

While the 225d uses the same 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder diesel engine but produces 160 kW and 450 Nm of torque. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h takes place in just 6.3 seconds and hit to reach a top speed of 242 km/h.

The 2014 BMW 2-Series can be expected in South Africa around February-March.

2014 BMW 2-Series gallery