The new BMW 2 Series Coupe and Convertible are to be launched next month. The new cars raise the bar in the premium compact class in terms of dynamic prowess, aesthetic appeal and emotional richness, according to the premium German automaker. 

They feature sharper front-end styling, LED headlights fitted as standard, further interior upgrades and new connectivity services. 

And they also offer unbeatable sports performance, courtesy of rear-wheel drive (unique in the segment) working in tandem with efficient power transfer systems, BMW says.

With the changing of the guard from outgoing model to new generation comes a more eye-catching front end for the BMW 2 Series Coupe and BMW 2 Series Convertible. 

Both models are now fitted as standard with bi-LED headlights. The main headlights can also be specified in adaptive full-LED form as an option, their prominent light graphic strengthening the dynamic and technical impression created by the front end. 

The familiar twin-circular-headlight look has a hexagonal interpretation, inspiring an even more precise and modern appearance. A larger kidney grille gives the front end of the new models a wider look and allows it to project a sportier impression. 

The outer air intakes in the three-section front end are now larger and emphasise the cars’ powerful stance on the road. The rear end likewise cuts a muscular figure, the single-piece rear lights (LEDs as standard) with hallmark BMW L-shape extending well into the flanks.

The interior of the new models features an all-new design for the instrument panel, which emphasises the focus on the driver even more clearly and significantly enhances the cockpit’s quality feel once again. 

The interior now has a more spacious, calmer and clearer feel. The elegant design is accentuated by a host of details, such as contrast stitching and high-gloss black surfacing for the centre stack and the chrome elements for the control panels in the doors. New cloth or leather seat upholstery variants, interior trim strips in aluminium or fine wood and high-gloss black panels with chrome accents provide even greater scope for individualisation.

As well as the standard model, the Coupe and Convertible are available in Luxury Line, Sport Line and M Sport variants, and the line-up also includes a BMW M Performance representative – the BMW M240i/M240i xDrive. Mediterranean Blue, Seaside Blue and Sunset Orange have been added to the selection of exterior paint shades. And the choice of light-alloy wheels has also been expanded – to 17 designs in 16-, 17- and 18-inch formats.

At 4,432 mm in length, the BMW 2 Series Coupe and BMW 2 Series Convertible condense their sporting prowess into a compact package. And the four-seaters combine these dynamic talents with a high level of everyday practicality. The Coupe has a boot capacity of 390 litres, while the Convertible’s electrically operated fabric soft-top offers admirable acoustic comfort when closed thanks to additional insulation. Plus, it can be opened while on the move – at speeds of up to 50 km/h.


CONNECTIVITY

The high-resolution 8.8-inch central display in the new cars now comes in touchscreen form if the optional Navigation system Professional is specified. This provides the driver with another way of operating various functions, in addition to the latest generation of the iDrive operating system (standard), the Touch Controller and the intelligent voice control system.

The new-generation models present the option of powering compatible smartphones wirelessly by means of an inductive charging tray, and Apple CarPlay can be accessed via a BMW navigation system. Meanwhile, the in-car WiFi hotspot provides a high-speed mobile internet connection for up to ten devices.

The standard SIM card integrated into the car enables optimum connectivity and access to BMW services via BMW ConnectedDrive, without the need for a linked smartphone. These include Real Time Traffic Information (RTTI) with hazard preview, On-Street Parking Information and access to the vehicle via Remote Services. The all-encompassing BMW Connected concept seamlessly integrates the BMW 2 Series into the user’s digital life. BMW is also the first carmaker to offer Microsoft Office 365 users a secure server connection for exchanging and editing emails, calendar entries and contact details, thanks to the car’s built-in Microsoft Exchange function.

The list of assistance systems customers can specify includes Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function. The Driving Assistant is also available as an option and comprises the Lane Departure Warning system and City Collision Mitigation, which applies the brakes automatically at speeds up to 60 km/h (37 mph) in response to an imminent collision with a car, motorcycle or pedestrian.


EXCELLENCE AND EFFICIENCY

An extensive up of three-, four- and six-cylinder engines is available for the BMW 2 Series Coupe and BMW line- 2 Series Convertible, producing outputs from 100 kW/136 hp to 250 kW/340 hp. All the petrol and diesel engines are from the latest BMW EfficientDynamics engine family and feature BMW TwinPower Turbo technology.  

There are nine drive options to choose from for the BMW 2 Series Coupe and eight for the BMW 2 Series Convertible. The various model variants channel their power through either a six-speed manual gearbox or an eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission. 

The BMW M240i/M240i xDrive are the M Performance representatives of the Coupe and Convertible line-ups. Their three-litre straight-six engine with direct injection and M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology develops 250 kW/340 hp, propelling the BMW M240i xDrive Coupe, for instance, from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.4 seconds.


ALL-WHEEL DRIVE

The M240i and 220d variants of the BMW 2 Series Coupe can be ordered either with the particularly engaging characteristics of rear-wheel drive or BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive. BMW 2 Series Convertible customers can specify xDrive for the M240i. The xDrive concept ensures optimum power transfer, enhances driving safety and reduces understeer and oversteer through corners.