Skip advert
Advertisement

New BMW 2 Series Coupe aims to put the fun back into driving

New BMW 2 Series Coupe is rival for Audi TT and Alpine A110; flagship M240i xDrive model has 369bhp

  • Flagship M240i model has a 369bhp petrol engine and four-wheel drive
  • Sits on new platform used in the 3 Series and 4 Series models
  • On sale in early 2022 starting from £34,980

The new BMW 2 Series Coupe has been officially unveiled at the 2021 Goodwood Festival of Speed. Three versions of the new coupe will be available at launch, including the flagship 369bhp four-wheel drive M240i. Sales start early next year, with prices starting from £34,980.

Best sports carsThe best sports cars to buy in 2024

When it arrives, the new 2 Series Coupe will have several two-door rivals including the Alpine A110, Audi TT and new Toyota GR86.

2021 BMW 2 Series Coupe: design

Unlike the latest 1 Series and 2 Series Gran Coupe, the nose of the new 2 Series Coupe sports a pair of subtle kidney grilles with a flatter and wider design. These are fitted with BMW’s active air control flaps, meaning slats in the grille open and close to cool the engine or to help increase aerodynamic efficiency. A new LED headlight design also features, together with a muscular front bumper boasting a trio of angular air intakes.

The bonnet looks slightly longer than the old car and features a power bulge, giving the nose a more aggressive look. From the side on, the silhouette of the new 2 Series Coupe looks broadly similar to the previous generation but sits 28mm lower than before.

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

At the rear, there are flared rear wheel arches and a fresh boot lid design that features a small rear lip spoiler, along with new lights sporting a red and black two-tone finish, as seen on the latest 3 Series and 4 Series Coupe models.

BMW will only offer the new 2 Series in M Sport trim in the UK, meaning a sporty ‘M’ spec body kit is standard, along with gloss black contrasting trim on the lower side sills and rear diffuser, 18-inch alloy wheels and circular exhaust pipes. The M240i adds contrasting silver exterior trim, 19-inch alloys, sportier bodywork, including a deeper front splitter and a rear lip spoiler, and a pair of angular exhaust pipes.

Engines, performance and prices

At the top of the range, the flagship M240i starts from £47,795. It’s powered by the same 369bhp twin-turbocharged six-cylinder petrol engine as found in the M440i and M340i models. As with those cars, BMW’s xDrive four-wheel-drive system is fitted with an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The M240i manages 0-62mph in 4.3 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 155mph.

While it won’t matter to most buyers, the M240i is officially capable of fuel economy of up to 34.9mpg and CO2 emissions ranging from 185 to 200g/km.

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Despite the move to all-wheel drive, BMW claims the xDrive system will be rear-biased to give the M240i the character of a rear-wheel-drive car. It will be capable of power slides on track too, thanks to an electronic locking differential, which also helps to improve traction on the road by distributing power to the wheels with the most grip.

Beneath this, a pair of four-cylinder engines are available, each fitted with an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The 220i acts as the entry-point of the range starting at £34,980. It uses a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine producing 181bhp. Performance is pretty brisk, with an official 0-62mph sprint time of 7.5 seconds and a top speed of 147mph. According to BMW, the 220i manages fuel economy of up to 44.8mpg and emits 144-155g/km of CO2.

Higher mileage drivers are catered for as well, with the 220d diesel model starting from £36,900. It gets a turbocharged 187bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine fitted with mild-hybrid electrical assistance. The extra pulling power makes it slightly quicker than the petrol engine, with 0-62mph taking 6.9 seconds and an identical top speed of 147mph. As you’d expect of the diesel, the 220d is the most economical of the range, capable of up to 60.1mpg with emissions of 122-132g/km.

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

BMW says the new 2 Series Coupe has improved handling thanks to an all-new body, which is stiffer than the old car, and a new adaptive power steering setup. Other improvements include a longer wheelbase (the distance between the front and rear axles), a wider track, and a lower ride height, which all helps to reduce body lean in corners.

Interior, technology and practicality

The interior is carried over from current BMW models including the 1 Series and 4 Series coupe, with an identical steering wheel, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and 10.25-inch digital dial cluster that gets M Sport displays.

M Sport cars are fitted with a leather-trimmed steering wheel, and Alcantara and black faux leather upholstery with blue contrast stitching. Buyers can also choose from three optional upholstery colours. The flagship M240i has Vernasca leather-trimmed seats as standard, which is an option on M Sport trim cars. Every version features front sports seats that are also heated.

Despite its sporty focus, the new 2 Series offers respectable practicality too, with a 390-litre boot representing a 20-litre increase over the old car. According to BMW, the load lip is 35mm lower than the previous model, making it easier to load heavy items.

Read our review of the current BMW 2 Series or see how it compares to the Audi TT and Toyota GT86.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

BMW xDrive explained: what is it, issues, and is it worth it?
BMW X7 rain
Tips and advice
19 Sep 2024

BMW xDrive explained: what is it, issues, and is it worth it?

The best sports cars to buy in 2024
Best sports cars
Best cars
30 Aug 2024

The best sports cars to buy in 2024

Mercedes CLE review – kills two birds with one stone
Mercedes CLE UK drive
In-depth reviews
21 Aug 2024

Mercedes CLE review – kills two birds with one stone

New BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe looks sharp in leaked images
BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe leaks front quarter
News
9 Aug 2024

New BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe looks sharp in leaked images

Most Popular

It’s official – the Dacia Duster is the Carbuyer Car of the Year 2025!
Carbuyer Car of the Year – Dacia Duster
News
23 Oct 2024

It’s official – the Dacia Duster is the Carbuyer Car of the Year 2025!

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s best PCP finance offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
25 Oct 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s best PCP finance offers

Carbuyer Best Car Awards 2025 – the winners
Carbuyer Best Car Awards header
News
23 Oct 2024

Carbuyer Best Car Awards 2025 – the winners

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
21 Oct 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
Best electric cars
Best cars
16 May 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024