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.
The BMW has treated the compact segment to its customary brand of driving pleasure. The BMW 1-Series, for example, has fulfilled this role for almost 10 years now, its standout position among its rivals rooted most prominently in its rear-wheel-drive concept (still a unique proposition in this class), powerful engines with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and a compelling premium character. And now the BMW 2-Series Coupe takes the levels of driving pleasure on offer in a compact model to even greater heights. The new two-door cuts a particularly impressive figure with its distinctive body design, a range of extremely powerful engines and specially configured chassis technology.
There is clear water between the BMW 2-Series Coupe and the BMW 1-Series, the new model assuming a character all of its own. This differentiation is immediately recognisable in the design of the new car, but it also makes its presence felt in terms of performance. The BMW 2-Series Coupe is an even more eye-catching creation than its predecessor, the resoundingly successful BMW 1-Series Coupe (of which more than 150,000 units have been sold worldwide). As well as a standalone appearance and increased dimensions, there is also greater depth to its product substance in terms of both technology and standard equipment. The result is a new dimension in driving dynamics, aesthetic appeal and premium allure in the compact segment, highlighted by the "2" in the new car's model designation. The number 2 has denoted the presence of a supremely sporting driving experience in a compact two-door car for over 45 years - ever since the introduction of the BMW 02 range.
Characteristic features of a BMW Coupe
The specific vehicle concept behind the BMW 2-Series Coupe - unique in its segment - is faithfully reflected in its body design. The two-door model is first and foremost a Coupe from the BMW brand, and the design features that identify a member of this special breed - a three-box body with clearly defined boot and low-slung silhouette, a long bonnet, doors with frameless windows and a dynamically stretched roofline flowing smoothly into the rear end - are carried over into a compact model with greater enthusiasm and intent than ever. The ultra-sporty driving characteristics of the BMW 2-Series Coupe - generated by a hand-picked selection of engines and chassis technology tuned to make the perfect pairing - are thus unambiguously expressed in the design of the exterior. The 135 kW/184 hp four-cylinder engine in the BMW 220i Coupe is making its debut in a compact BMW model, and the 240 kW/326 hp six-cylinder in-line engine under the bonnet of the BMW M235i Coupe earns it top billing as the most powerful petrol driven member of the BMW M Performance Automobile line-up.
The specific proportions of the BMW 2-Series Coupe are contained within a body measuring 4,432 millimetres in length. The two-door model is therefore 108 millimetres longer than the BMW 1-Series and 72 millimetres longer than the outgoing BMW 1-Series Coupe. The new compact Coupe is also 32 millimetres wider than its predecessor (at 1,774 millimetres), and has a 30-millimetre longer wheelbase (2,690 millimetres) and wider tracks (front: 1,521 millimetres, +41 millimetres; rear: 1,556 millimetres, +43 millimetres). At the same time the vehicle height has been lowered by 5 millimetres to 1,418 millimetres. The result is an increase in interior space and 20 litres of extra boot capacity (now 390 litres). Added to which, the BMW 2-Series Coupe also boasts more efficient aerodynamics than both the BMW 1-Series and its predecessor, as reflected in a Cd of 0.29 for the BMW 220i Coupe.
Sporting tradition on a compact footprint
The BMW 2-Series Coupe builds on the brand's tradition of compact models offering a satisfying degree of driver engagement. And the presence of the 2 in the model designation creates a close link to this heritage. The introduction in 1966 of the BMW 1600-2, for instance, opened up a whole new vehicle segment. Inspired most profoundly by its precisely tailored package of powertrain and chassis technology, the two-door Coupe became a global standard-bearer for sporty handling and intense driving pleasure in the compact car segment. Additional engine variants increased the appeal of the new model series. For example, the BMW 2002 presented in 1968 took centre stage - in terms of both popularity and its success in turning "Freude am Fahren" (Sheer Driving Pleasure) from a slogan into an experience for whole new target groups. The most spectacular variant was the 125 kW/170 hp BMW 2002 turbo - the first model from a European manufacturer to gain the services of a turbocharger.
The design: Strong character cuts a distinctive figure
An instantly beguiling blend of sporting prowess and elegance marks out the design of BMW Coupes. And the exterior features which are such a key element of this identity have been carried over to the compact segment car with greater purpose than ever for the BMW 2-Series Coupe. The proportions, lines and surface design of the car have all been tailored to accentuate both the agile driving properties of the two-door and its unique appearance. The BMW 2-Series Coupe has its own specific design language, which secures it a stand-out position in the brand's model range and - most importantly - sets it apart unmistakably from its segment rivals.
Sporting presence, muscular agility and assured elegance come together in the exterior design of the BMW 2-Series Coupe. Defining elements of its interior, meanwhile, include the driver-focused cockpit design you expect of a BMW and a light and contemporary brand of functionality. The car's more clearly distinguished design identity illustrates its progress in moving the game on from its predecessor. The BMW 2-Series Coupe embodies Sheer Driving Pleasure in more concentrated and intense form than ever before in the premium compact segment.
Classical BMW features and a fresh interpretation of traditional Coupe elements
The individual vehicle concept of the BMW 2-Series Coupe is underlined by its specific front and rear end design, dynamically stretched lines and an almost 11-centimetre increase in body length over the BMW 1-Series. Characteristic design elements of a BMW Coupe have been carried over into the compact segment and signature brand features given a fresh twist.
Another stand-out feature of BMW Coupes - the hallmark three-box body structure with a clear distinction between roofline and boot - has a particularly clear presence in the new compact model. Like the side swage lines that wrap around into the rear end, this feature picks up on characteristic styling elements of the BMW 02, drawing a link between the new car and the brand's long tradition of sporting and agile compact models.
Lines tapering down dynamically towards the BMW kidney grille lend the front end of the BMW 2-Series Coupe a forward-surging presence. The modified contours of the headlight units narrow at their inner extremes, while a standard accent strip - or, if the optional bi-xenon lights are fitted, an LED accent light - cuts across the top of the hallmark BMW twin circular lights. The BMW kidney grille, which is separated from the headlights by narrow strips on either side, protrudes clearly from the front of the car and slants forward at a slight angle. The three-dimensional design of the grille surround and its 11 vertical bars reinforce the car's striking appearance. The lower air intake is split into three sections. The two outer elements are particularly large and their outlines replicate the form of the headlight units. Air Curtains are integrated harmoniously into an additional section at the outer edges of the front apron and channel the onrushing air precisely behind the front side panels, causing it to hang over the wheels like a curtain. This reduces turbulence and further enhances the outstanding aerodynamics of the BMW 2-Series Coupe.
The side view of the BMW 2-Series Coupe sees signature brand features like a long bonnet, short overhangs, set-back passenger compartment, Hofmeister kink (the counter-swing in the window frame at the trailing edge of the C-pillars) and door openers integrated into the swage line blending with coupe-specific design elements, chief among them the slim window graphic and sweeping roofline gliding back smoothly into the rear end. A prominent character line above the door sill sweeps up rearwards of the B-pillar into the rear wheel arch, whose powerfully flared form focuses the mind on the car's rear-wheel drive and swells the BMW 2-Series Coupe's body to its broadest point. The dynamic wedge shape of the two-door model is emphasised, too, by the door sill line itself, which likewise rises up towards the rear. The BMW 2-Series Coupe also has doors with frameless windows and turn signal indicators integrated into the exterior mirrors.
The rear of the BMW 2-Series Coupe is a broad and powerful affair, an impression reinforced by the single-piece light units reaching far into the car's flanks in the L-shape familiar from other BMW models. An unmistakable night design is provided by the likewise L-shaped LED rear light strips within the units. The third brake light positioned at the upper edge of the rear window is also fed by LED units.
The lines along the sides of the boot lid taper downwards slightly. This styling cue, along with the additional crease and suggested diffuser element in the rear apron, accentuates the BMW 2-Series Coupe's road focus and low centre of gravity. And yet the new car also has a wider boot aperture than its predecessor.
The exterior paintwork of the BMW 2-Series Coupe can be ordered in a choice of two non-metallic and 10 metallic shades, while customers can also specify Estoril Blue metallic as part of the M Sport package.
Interior: cockpit design ensures maximum driving pleasure; premium ambience can be enjoyed from four seats
The dominant themes of the BMW 2-Series Coupe's interior are the driver-focused design of the cockpit, contemporary functionality and high-quality materials. An Easy Entry function for the front seats facilitates access to the two rear seats, which offer 21 millimetres more legroom than the outgoing Coupe, while headroom for the driver and front passenger has grown by a similar extent. Functionality levels are raised another notch by features including large storage compartments in the doors. The structure of the surfaces for the instrument panel, centre console and door trim is dominated by the "layering" effect created by various overlapping surfaces. The length of the doors is emphasised by the converging lines of the door trim elements.
If the BMW 2-Series Coupe is fitted with an optional navigation system or the BMW Professional radio, it will also feature the BMW iDrive operating system, which includes a freestanding onboard monitor in flatscreen design. The Control Display comes in 6.5 or 8.8-inch form, depending on the version specified, while the Controller on the centre console has a touch-sensitive surface which allows the driver to input characters (if the Navigation system Professional is fitted).
Dakota leather trim is available as an alternative to the standard cloth seat surfaces in a choice of three colours. The interior trim strips come in matt Satin Silver as standard but are also optionally available in brushed aluminium or Fineline Stream exquisite wood.
Serving the cause of individual style: BMW Sport Line, BMW Modern Line and the M Sport package
The BMW Lines - available as an alternative to standard specification for the BMW 2-Series Coupe - offer harmoniously coordinated exterior and interior design and equipment features. Both the BMW Sport Line and BMW Modern Line include 17-inch light-alloy wheels in exclusive designs, ambient lighting with variable use of colours and special seat upholstery, interior trim strip and car key designs. BMW Sport Line brings a high-gloss black finish for the outer air intake surrounds, the front of the kidney grille bars, the cross rib in the centre air intake and the rear apron, emphasising the dynamic credentials of the two-door newcomer. And BMW Modern Line serves the cause of progressive elegance through the use of matt aluminium for the design elements mentioned above and a body-coloured paint finish for the cross rib in the centre air intake.
