BMW 2-Series coupe officially revealed

The new BMW 2-Series coupe has been gathering a lot of attention this week thanks to leaked photos and speculation, but as of now it has officially been revealed.

The 2-Series coupe is essentially the successor to the 1-Series coupe, and like that car there’s no shortage of engine options.  The 2-Series will include six models (model availability depending on market): the 218d, 220d, 220i, 228i, 225d, and 235i.  Transmission choices are either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic.

Engine and performance specifications are as follows:

• The 218d has a four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbo diesel producing 143hp and 320Nm of torque. Acceleration from 0-100km/h takes 8.9 seconds (8.6 sec for automatic), and a top speed of 213km/h. CO2 output is 119g/km (117g/km for auto).
• The 220d has the same engine as the 218d, but produces 184hp and 380Nm of torque.  Acceleration from 0-100km/h takes 7.2 seconds (7.1 sec for automatic), with its top speed being 230km/h. CO2 output is 125g/km (117g/km for automatic).
• The 225d also makes use of the 2.0-litre engine but puts out 218hp and 450Nm of torque.  This model gets the eight-speed automatic as standard.  Acceleration from 0-100km/h takes 6.3 seconds and its top speed is 242km/h.  CO2 output is 124g/km.
• The 220i is the entry-level petrol model, with its turbocharged four-cylinder engine displacing 2.0-litres and producing 184hp and 270Nm of torque. Acceleration from 0-100km/h takes 7.0 seconds and has a top speed of 235km/h (230km/h for the automatic).  CO2 output is 148g/km for the manual car, while the automatic car puts out 139g/km.
• The 228i (a US market model) also makes use of the 220i’s engine, but it comes with 240hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.  Acceleration from 0-60mph takes 5.4 seconds, while top speed is 130mph or 155mph with the Sport Line or M Sport trim.
• The 235i is the top-of-the-range model, carrying a potent turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six producing 326hp and 450Nm of torque.  Acceleration from 0-100km/h takes 5.0 seconds (4.8 sec with the auto), while top speed is 250km/h.  CO2 output is 189g/km (176g/km for the auto).

The eight-speed automatic transmission will be equipped with launch control, an ECO PRO mode, as well as a coasting function.  BMW claims that the ECO PRO mode will help drivers save fuel, by alerting them when to take their foot off the gas pedal, such as: before corners, junctions, roundabouts and speed-restricted areas.  The coasting function will disengage the powertrain at speeds between 50km/h and 160km/h whenever drivers take their foot off the gas pedal.

The 235i will be the only model to be equipped with a BMW M Performance limited-slip differential.  The other models will be equipped with Active Differential Brake (ADB-Sport), which is activated when the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) is turned off.  ADB-Sport will brake a wheel that’s spinning under acceleration through corners, sending drive to the other wheel and balancing out traction.  BMW is promising a 50:50 weight distribution on all models, while wheel sizes range from 17 inches to 19 inches.

The BMW 2-Series will make its public debut in January 2014 at the Detroit Auto Show, while its market launch is expected for March 2014.  Mainland European base prices have yet to be revealed, but it is expected to range from $33,025 to $44,025 in the US, while in the UK prices are expected to start from £25,040 to £34,250. 

By Alex Kisiri