New BMW 2 Series Coming With More Power, Grip
One year after adding the all-new 2 Series Gran Coupe, BMW is about to introduce the next generation of the “other” 2 Series a.k.a. the original one, available in coupe and cabriolet body styles.
Today, the German automaker provided a few juicy details as the car enters the final stretch of its development.
- Also: 2020 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe: This One’s a Homerun
- Also: The 444-hp BMW M2 CS is Coming to Canada
First of all, fresh, modern styling is coming to the 2 Series coupe and cabriolet, but don’t expect major changes. Of course, there will be similarities with the aforementioned Gran Coupe, most likely the headlights and grille.
Speaking of which, it looks like the new 2 Series will not receive the controversially oversized grille that’s starting to pop up on some sportier BMW models such as the M3 and M4, as well as electric vehicles including the iX and i4. At least that’s what pictures of a camouflaged prototype seem to indicate.
The first model to hit the market will be the M240i xDrive. Great news: this one will get a 14-percent power boost, producing 382 horsepower from its 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine (previously 335). That’s the same output as the Z4 roadster.
Logically, we can assume the next BMW M2 will be more potent, as well. The current iteration cranks out 405 horsepower—or 444 in the case of the M2 CS limited edition. On the other hand, the base 230i xDrive with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine will probably stay at around 250 horsepower.
All models will benefit from an increase in torsional stiffness by around 12 percent, combined with wider front and rear tracks to improve agility. BMW says the new shock absorbers will respond more accurately to slight road imperfections and compensate for vibrations to improve comfort. Additionally, the steering will feature new, stiffer support bearings on the front axle to improve feel.
The official debut of the 2022 BMW 2 Series should be just a couple of weeks away since production is slated to begin this summer, ahead of the start of sales in the fall.
