After the photo leak earlier this week, BMW has formally unveiled its new 2 Series coupe, in both its base form and in the flagship M240i xDrive grade.
The model’s looks are curious, featuring a relatively conservative front end (no coffin grille to be seen) and a squared-off rear. There’s a lot to like in the subtle details, like the near-flush door handles, the more defined shoulder line, and the rear spoiler integrated into the bootlid.
The M240i adds a more aggressive and M-flavoured front bumper, punctuated by a grey grille. Out back a more prominent exhaust package underlines that it’s ‘the sport one’, as does the more comprehensive rear diffuser. All up, the new shape is 109mm longer, 66mm wider, 25mm lower, and 12 per cent more torsionally stiff than the outgoing model.
Contrary to prior belief, the new 2 isn’t all rear-wheel drive. The M240i gets all-wheel drive — a first for the model. We suspect it will still feature a fairly generous rear-wheel bias, in part thanks to the M Sport rear differential wedged in the back.
Two engines have been revealed for the model thus far; a 2.0-litre turbocharged four cylinder and a 3.0-litre TwinPower straight six.
The former produces 190kW of power and 400Nm of torque, and is capable of sending the 2 to 100km/h in 5.5 seconds. The six on the other hand, which comes in the M240i, produces a buxom 285kW of power and 500Nm of torque, capable of hurling the model to 100km/h in just 4.1 seconds.
BMW New Zealand has already confirmed that it will only be offering the M240i xDrive grade in Kiwi showrooms, meaning we will only be seeing the 285kW straight six variant. To our eyes, that’s no great loss.
Since we’re only getting the flagship model, it means all models hitting the country will be of a relatively high spec. Each gets the larger 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless phone integration paired to a 12.3-inch digital cluster, each gets remote software upgrade functionality, and each gets Alcantara upholstery with leather trim.
The aforementioned M Sport differential will be standard on local models, as will BMW’s in-house M Sport brake system and M Sport suspension; the latter bringing variable sport steering and firmer responses from the lift-related dampers into play.
Radar cruise control, lane departure warning, reversing assistant, and a surround-view camera are also standard for local models. It’s set to arrive on our shores in the first quarter of next year, further pumping up what’s set to be a very busy new-release period for the marque.
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