BUY, LEASE OR FINANCE A BMW 2 SERIES COUPE FROM OSV - https://bit.ly/3qGYwh1

The 2 Series Coupe was a car BMW couldn't afford to compromise with the front wheel drive system it fits to its other compact models - and to other 2 Series variants. So instead, we've a stand-alone design that continues the great tradition of the Munich maker's smaller sporting cars.

TIMESTAMPS
00:00​​​​ Introduction
00:33 Background
03:13 Driving Experience
15:50 Design & Build
31:14 Market & Model Range
54:10 Cost of Ownership
01:01:18 Summary

Background
Few people had a bad thing to say about the first generation 'F22'-era BMW 2 Series Coupe, a pure bred rear-driven sports two-door launched in 2014, then updated three years later. For its successor, the Munich maker never seriously considered the front wheel drive set-up used on the supposedly sporty 2 Series Gran Coupe four-door model.

Instead, this second generation 'G42' 2 Series Coupe was developed alongside the brand's current Z4 roadster and is based on the same rear-driven platform as that used by larger 3 and 4 Series models. What's been produced as a result is a proper small sporting BMW. Of the kind you might have thought this brand had lost interest in making. Not a bit of it.

Driving Experience
Amongst driving enthusiasts, this second generation 2 Series Coupe will vie with Toyota's GR86 for the title of most rewarding small sports coupe. Choose this BMW and you certainly get a lot more engine options, all mated to 8-speed auto transmission. There's a 2.0-litre turbo petrol powerplant, available with either 184hp (in the 220i) or 258hp (in the 230i). Or a 220d 2.0-litre diesel variant offering 190hp. Beyond that lies the six cylinder M240i, which offers 374hp (34hp more than its predecessor) and can only be had in xDrive form. In late 2022, a flagship M2 variant will follow with an even more powerful 'S58' version of that 3.0-litre straight six twin turbo engine - expect around 430hp; and the option of a manual gearbox if you want it.

With all 2 Series Coupe models, under the skin, much is shared with the current Z4 roadster, including a CLAR (Cluster Architecture) platform that's up to 40% stiffer than that of the old model. BMW claims that steering precision and body control are vastly improved as a result, aided by near-perfect 50:50 weight distribution. All variants come only with an 8-speed Steptronic Sport automatic gearbox with paddleshifters and launch control that incorporates a Sprint mode for short-term acceleration boost. Adaptive M suspension is optional. And there's a powerful lightweight braking system.

Design and Build
It's recognisably a 2 Series Coupe - but this time a slightly larger and certainly more modern-looking one. There's no Convertible body style option this time round. The Coupe we're left with is now 4,537mm long and 1,838mm wide and is 105mm longer than its predecessor, standing 1,390mm tall. More attractive 'M Sport' styling, which includes 18-inch wheels and is standard in the UK, adds extra pavement presence too. And sporty touches include a low front apron, flared wheel arches and swollen rear haunches. The faster M240i variant gets squared-off sports exhausts, a colour-coded rear spoiler, grey trim features, a unique front splitter and special 19-inch M Sport alloy wheels.

Inside all variants, the front sports seats are mounted low in front of the satisfyingly thick M Sport steering wheel and a driver-focused dashboard. This shares much with 3 and 4 Series models, pairing a 12.3-inch centre screen with a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel, complete with M Sport graphics. The upholstery is a mixture of Alcantara and Sensatec man-made leather and can be had in three different colours, with full 'Vernasca' leather optionally available. A 51mm wheelbase length increase means there's more space in the back than they used to be. And there's a decently-sized 390-litre boot, extendable with a folding backrest.

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