News, Reviews

A New Dimension in Dynamics: The BMW 2 Series Coupe

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The 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; market launch from March 2014, line-up to include a BMW M Performance Automobile – the BMW M235i Coupe.

BMW 2 Series Coupe has been given clear visual differentiation from the compact BMW 1 Series models thanks to an individual design, including an 11-centimetre increase in body length; elegantly sporty, stretched lines with roofline flowing smoothly into the rear; distinctive front and rear end design; body at its widest over the rear axle, emphasising the rear-wheel-drive configuration; BMW Sport Line, BMW Modern Line and M Sport package offer scope for individualisation.

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This newly designed Coupe series with significantly larger dimensions than its predecessor, the BMW 1 Series Coupe’s length has been increased by 72 millimetres to 4,432 millimetres, width by 32 millimetres to 1,774 millimetres, wheelbase by 30 millimetres to 2,690 millimetres, front track width by 41 millimetres to 1,521 millimetres and rear track width by 43 millimetres to 1,556 millimetres; improved interior space, including 19 millimetres of extra headroom in the front and 21 millimetres of additional legroom in the rear compartment; boot capacity increased by 20 litres to 390 litres; rear seat backrests split into two or, as an option, folding 40 : 20 : 40; optimised aerodynamic details for an improved Cd over both its predecessor and the BMW 1 Series of 0.29 (BMW 220i Coupe).

Petrol and diesel engines with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology deliver segment-leading figures in terms of both sporting ability and efficiency; BMW 220i Coupe is the first compact BMW model to be powered by the 135 kW/184 hp version of the 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine; four-cylinder diesel engines developing 105 kW/143 hp in the BMW 218d Coupe, 135 kW/184 hp in the BMW 220d Coupe and 160 kW/218 hp in the BMW 225d Coupe; also available to order from launch is the range-topping BMW M235i: the most powerful petrol-driven BMW M Performance Automobile has a 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line engine with M Performance TwinPower technology and 240 kW/326 hp, M-specific tuning for chassis components and aerodynamically optimised body features.

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Efficiency increased further by extensive BMW EfficientDynamics technology, including Air Curtains and the Auto Start Stop function in conjunction with both manual and automatic gearbox; ECO PRO mode activated via the standard-fitted Driving Experience Control switch, including coasting function in conjunction with automatic gearbox and including Proactive Driving Assistant if Navigation system Professional is specified.

Unmistakable BMW handling attributes and impressive ride comfort thanks to rear-wheel drive, longitudinally mounted engines, perfectly balanced distribution of weight and sophisticated chassis technology; double-joint spring strut front axle and five-link rear axle with bespoke tuning; Electric Power Steering and powerful brakes as standard; variable sport steering, M Sport braking system and Adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers optional; DSC stability control system including DTC and an electronic locking function for the rear axle differential as standard; M Performance mechanical limited-slip differential available for the BMW M235i Coupe from launch through the Original BMW Accessories range.

High-strength and torsionally stiff body structure developed on the basis of the BMW 1 Series, which has been awarded a five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating; extensive occupant protection provided by safety equipment including front, side and head airbags; pedestrian protection optimised by the active bonnet and defined front end deformation zones.

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High-quality interior with driver-focused cockpit; automatic climate control standard; iDrive operating system in conjunction with BMW Professional radio or navigation system including Control Display in exclusive BMW flatscreen design; optional Navigation system Professional including Touch Controller; wide variety of storage compartments, stowage areas and cupholders.

Selection of optional driver assistance systems and mobility services from BMW ConnectedDrive unparalleled in the compact segment: anti-dazzle High Beam Assistant, Adaptive Headlights, Parking Assistant, rear view camera, Driving Assistant, Speed Limit Info with No Passing Info display, cruise control system with braking function, extended integration of smartphones and music players, Real Time Traffic Information, Online Entertainment, extended functionality provided by apps for internet-based services such as Facebook and Twitter.

And the above pretty much sums up what BMW would want you to know about their new car. There has been changes lately in the BMW naming convention especially for their cars. It all started with the 6-series filling a segment which basically was a coupe version of the 5-series. Then BMW launched the 4-series to replace the old 3-series coupe and now the 2-series to replace the 1-series coupe.

Don’t get me wrong, I loved how the older 1-series coupe looked especially after having seen them tear through at the Sepang International Circuit. As much as I do hope, there are definitely variants of the 2 Series which we won’t be seeing here (I wonder if they will be bringing in the diesel variants) but being a handsome looking pocket rocket, I really look forward to seeing this car in the flesh and test driving them here on our winding roads.

Check out the video below as well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3Xn5BoWOBU