Looks like: A more aggressive take on the outgoing 2 Series Coupe
Competes with: Audi TT, Nissan Z, Toyota Supra
Powertrains: 255-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (230i) or 382-hp, 3.0-liter six-cylinder (M240i); eight-speed automatic transmission
Hits dealerships: November
BMW’s entry-level 2 Series Coupe enters its second generation with styling, performance, and tech upgrades aimed to seduce the driving enthusiast. However, the omission of a manual transmission for the 2022 BMW 230i and its higher-performance variant, the M240i, will undoubtedly deal a blow for enthusiasts who wish to row their own gears.
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Drivers considering the 2 Series Coupe for 2022 will find a more aggressive and functional exterior, improved safety tech and more powerful engine options. (They’ll also still find a rear-drive-based platform — distinct from the front-drive-based 2 Series Gran Coupe, a relative by name only.) What they’ll no longer find is a six-speed manual transmission, but BMW made similar moves in recent years with the redesigned 3 Series and 4 Series, only to return three-pedal driving to the related M3 and M4. Stay tuned to see if that occurs with a reprised M2, which — if it came — would slot above the M240i.
Performance-Minded Exterior
Exterior changes to the 2 Series Coupe aim to enhance the model’s performance. Both variations add 2.6 inches of width and increased tracks on both axles to improve cornering. Wheelbase grows a couple of inches, with overall length up roughly 4 inches. The 230i drops a full inch of height, while the M240i stays roughly even with its predecessor.
If the hood-to-ground grille on the new 4 Series seemed a bit much, you can exhale: The 2 Series retains a tidier arrangement that stays more with BMW tradition. That said, the 2 Series Coupes flaunts a new front end, with an updated grille that employs motorized air flaps in BMW’s iconic kidney framework to reprise the vertical bars from before. The electrically operated flaps can open in 10 stages to increase engine cooling. Horizontal cooling flaps on the lower front bumper operate in a similar fashion to help cool the brakes, while air curtains situated in triangular bumper inserts can guide air over the wheels for improved aerodynamics.
BMW distinguishes the M240i with an aggressive bumper that sports larger outboard openings, plus reshaped exhaust tips and some unique trim pieces. High-gloss trim on the rear bumper and black diffuser further set the M variant apart. Drivers that want edgier styling for the BMW 230i can opt for one of two M Sport packages to add visual tweaks more in line with the M240i, plus higher-performance brakes. Eighteen-inch alloy wheels are standard, with 19-inchers available.
Updated Chassis and Engines
BMW claims the new 2 Series gains added control and comfort on long-distance drives. An optional M Sport suspension offers a firmer ride, while the Adaptive M suspension, which comes standard in the BMW M240i xDrive Coupe, adds adaptive shock absorbers.
The new 230i Coupe is powered by BMW’s updated turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which makes 255 horsepower and 295 pounds-feet of torque; that’s up 7 hp and 37 pounds-feet over the 2021 230i. Even with the higher power and torque outputs, the 230i Coupe with RWD hits 60 mph in 5.5 seconds, which is a fraction slower than the outgoing model’s 5.3 seconds.
In the M240i, a more powerful turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder produces 382 hp and 369 pounds-feet of torque (an increase of 47 horses and 1 pound-foot over the previous model). BMW says the all-wheel-drive M240i hits 60 mph in 4.1 seconds, just a hair quicker than the 2021 model’s 4.2 seconds.
No More Manual
While the first generation of the 2 Series coupe came with an available six-speed manual in both the 230i and M240i, BMW dropped this option for the redesigned 2 Series. The new coupes come standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which the automaker claims has been updated for sharper shifts, improved efficiency and faster, smoother operation.
Both the 230i and M240i Coupes will be configurable with rear-wheel drive or BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive, though the 230i will come initially with RWD and the M240i with AWD. (A rear-drive M240i and AWD 230i will be available later, BMW says.) The M240i has an M Sport rear differential to optimize power distribution and improve handling.
Interior and Tech
Inside the 2022 2 Series is a new, driver-focused cockpit. Both 2 Series coupes come with standard sport seats; an optional moonroof is 20% larger than that of the outgoing model.
Improved safety and convenience technology can be found in what BMW calls a more precise lane departure warning system with lane keep assist, as well as a blind spot warning system and head-up display; the HUD is a first for the 2 Series Coupe. These features join BMW’s forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and rear cross-traffic alert.
The 2 Series Coupe comes with BMW’s iDrive 7 system, which has a standard 8.8-inch touchscreen. A larger 10.25-inch touchscreen is optional, as are 12.3-inch digital gauges in place of physical gauges and a 5.1-inch display. Also standard is navigation, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, and a phone-as-key function for iPhone users.
Pricing and Release Date
The BMW 2 Series hits dealerships in November, with the rear-drive 230i and the all-wheel-drive M240i xDrive Coupes launching first, followed by the AWD 230i xDrive and RWD M240i. Including a $995 destination fee, the 2022 BMW 230i Coupe starts at $37,345, while the M240i xDrive Coupe starts at $49,545.
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