Having courted controversy by switching the 1 Series to a FWD platform and the 4 Series’ divisive styling, BMW has stuck with convention with the new 2 Series Coupe – it’s a handsome rear-wheel-drive compact sportscar, of which the initial flagship is powered by a 285 kW 3.0-litre inline-6 turbopetrol motor.

The finished look of the newcomer comes as no surprise (because an image of the “Thundernight Metallic” purple M240i xDrive was leaked earlier this week), but many traditionalists will be relieved the 2nd-generation 2 Series Coupe sports a pair of wide kidneys, flanked by LED headlamps with single-hexagon lighting signatures.

In profile, the newcomer has traditional coupe proportions, with a long bonnet and stubby tail section fore and aft of the cab. There are a few fresh details, however, such as triangular elements in the bumpers, flush-fitting door handles, a subtle integrated spoiler on the boot lid, as well as 3D-effect LED tail-light clusters.

As opposed to its 1 Series hatchback and 2 Series Gran Coupe siblings, the 2 Series Coupe is based on the Bavarian firm’s rear-wheel-drive CLAR platform (the newcomer is believed to be closely related to the Z4 roadster); it has 12% more torsional rigidity than its predecessor and a near-50:50 weight distribution.

In terms of dimensions, the new model is 105 mm longer, 64 mm wider and 28 mm lower than its predecessor, while its wheelbase has been stretched by 51 mm. It also has a broader footprint: 4-cylinder derivatives’ track widths have grown by 54 mm and 31 mm (front and rear) and the M240i’s by 63 mm and 35 mm respectively.

The initial South African line-up will include a 220i, 220d and M240i xDrive, each of which will have an 8-speed automatic transmission (alas, a manual ‘box is no longer offered), but the Sport transmission in the M240i xDrive does have a Sprint mode (for executing quick overtaking manoeuvres) which, when engaged, will actuate an immediate downshift and default to the sportiest drive-mode settings.

The 220i is powered by a 2.0-litre4-cylinder turbopetrol engine that produces 135 kW and 300 Nm of torque (an increase of 30 Nm over the outgoing version) and is said to sprint from 0 to 100 kph in 7.5 sec. Next year, it will be joined by the 230i, which uses the same motor as the 220i, but has beefier peak outputs of 180 kW and 400 Nm; BMW claims that derivative will hit 100 kph from standstill in 6 sec.

While we await the reveal of the next iteration of the M2 (expected at some point in 2022), the M240i xDrive will be the top-of-the-range derivative. As its xDrive suffix suggests, the M240i has an all-wheel-drive configuration, albeit with a rear bias. It is propelled by a single-turbo 3.0-litre inline-6 engine that produces 285 kW and 500 Nm (from 1 900 to 5 000 rpm) and is said to accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in 4.3 sec.

Like its 4-cylinder brethren, the M240i xDrive has a MacPherson strut front- and multi-link rear suspension setup, as well as a variable-ratio sports steering and lift-related dampers as standard, but can be specified with adaptive dampers, an electronically-locking rear diff and M Sport brakes (with blue or red callipers).

Inside, the new 2 Series Coupe’s fascia looks closely related to that of the 3 Series and 4 Series, which represents a marked improvement over the previous model!

Highlights include a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen powered by BMW’s iDrive 7 software (it offers, inter alia, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and over-the-air updates).

Depending on how lavishly buyers wish to spec their 2 Series Coupe, the newcomer’s interior can be kitted out with electrically-adjustable leather sports seats, a heated sports steering wheel, tri-zone climate control, a tilt/sliding glass sunroof, as well as a 16-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system.

A plethora of driver-assist features are available, including autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with a stop-and-go function, lane-keeping and steering- assist, blind-spot monitoring, front and rear cross-traffic alert, a surround-view camera system, a head-up display as well as BMW’s Drive Recorder system.

Lastly, 4-cylinder derivatives are likely to feature 17- or 18-inch alloys, while the M240i features 19-inch M Light wheels with high-performance (non-run-flat) tyres.

We expect the new BMW 2 Series Coupe to arrive in Mzansi in early 2022.

Further Reading:

Diesel BMW M2 M50d with NOS Video

It’s okay to desire a 4-cylinder BMW

BMW M235i Gran Coupe (2020) Review

BMW 4 Series (2020) Launch Review

BMW M135i xDrive (2020) Review