BMW 2 Series coupe revealed

These are the first official pictures of the BMW 2 Series, which will go on sale in March 2014 after being officially unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show in January.

It’s a coupe model based on the BMW 1 Series hatchback, and is in fact a successor to the previous BMW 1 Series Coupe. The new name is part of a recent change in BMW’s model line-up that saw the latest BMW 3 Series-based coupe being named the BMW 4 Series.

It has a different design to the 1 Series on which it’s based, with new bumpers and headlights, and a slight change to the rear that makes it look a little like a mini BMW 4 Series. The 2 Series is also 108mm longer than the 1 Series, and has a bigger boot as a result. It has a 390-litre capacity – up 30 litres on the hatchback.

The 2 Series has been designed for a sporty driving experience, and so some of the lower-powered engines that are available on the 1 Series will not be an option on the coupe. A 2.0-litre diesel engine will be available in a choice of three power outputs: 141bhp in the BMW 218d, 181bhp in the BMW 220d and 215bhp in the BMW 225d. The 218d will be the most efficient model in the range, offering 67.3mpg and 111g/km CO2.

There will also be a choice of two petrol engines: a 181bhp 2.0-litre turbo in the 220i and a 321bhp 3.0-litre turbo in the top-of-the-range BMW M235i. The M235i will offer the best performance and will go from 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds.

There will be a choice of three specification levels: Sport, Modern or M Sport. M Sport models will come with lowered suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels and sportier looks. The M235i will comes with stronger M Sport brakes and 18-inch alloy wheels as standard.

For the full BMW range, visit the CarBuyer BMW reviews page.