BMW 220i Coupé excels as a versatile performer
Murali Naidu
If you're enamoured with the BMW 2 Series but find the M240i xDrive out of reach or the M2 Competition a bit too wild, the 220i M Sport offers plenty of curb appeal and interior comfort.
The new 2 Series Coupé maintains its rear-wheel-drive setup while boasting a larger overall size than its predecessor. It embraces robust styling, a low-slung stance, rear-wheel-drive configuration, and engaging driving dynamics.
These distinctive characteristics of the 2 Series Coupé shine most brightly in its high-performance models, such as the new M2 Competition. To a lesser extent, this spirit is embodied in the current range-topping M240i xDrive, which introduced all-wheel drive to the compact sportscar line-up.
The BMW 220i Starts from R772,590. Our test unit was equipped with the M Sport package.
The front-end design is incorporated with the kidney grille design and has active slats that adapt to the engine's cooling needs.
It does look handsome and garners the attention of adoring M fans. It looks sleeker, with a slightly beefier and bigger aesthetic than the previous generation; towards the rear, it has a new taillight design with a rear bumper diffuser, not to mention the modern flush-fitting door handles, which give it slim dimensions.
Our colour was Brooklyn Grey metallic paint, followed by 19-inch double-spoke, light-alloy wheels (wrapped in low-profile tires). Additionally, the M Fender badges, the M Aerodynamic kit, and the BMW Individual High-Gloss Shadow Line enhance the overall visual allure of the package.
Inside, you are met with a familiar BMW cabin environment enhanced with M Sport detailing; the sports seats come in a choice of Alcantara and black Sensatec (synthetic leather) with blue contrast stitching; you then have a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel and Aluminium Tetragon trim finishers. It also has M-coloured door cards that look especially impressive at night once it illuminates.
The driver display includes a sizeable digital instrument cluster that can be configured using the mounted steering-wheel controls. One also has an infotainment touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability, integrated navigation, Bluetooth telephony, and vehicle system setting access.
You can control configurations via the iDrive controller knob; the centre console houses an array of soft-touch buttons (located to the right of the stubby transmission lever) to toggle between drive modes; they include Sport, Comfort and Eco Pro.
The 2 Series Coupé offers comfortable seating for front passengers, but rear passengers may need more legroom and headroom. Regarding boot space and practicality, the 220i offers 390l.
Regarding safety features, you have six airbags, ABS with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), brake assist, and Electronic Stability Control with traction control.
It's powered by a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, delivering 135 kW and 300Nm of torque. It's not meant to be a performance-induced vehicle like its bigger brothers, the M240i XDrive and M2 Competition, but it offers a smooth and refined drive; it's a budget-friendly alternative.
Power is sent to the rear wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission. It can do a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 7.5 seconds.
The new 2 Series Coupé also benefits from its M Sports Suspension, a standard inclusion in the M Sport package. This non-adaptive suspension setup features a slightly stiffer spring.
While the ride quality leans toward the firm side, it doesn't compromise everyday driving comfort. The 220i offers a balanced package, giving handling dynamics and daily usability.
With a well-calibrated transmission complementing the engine's characteristics, it may not offer hyper-performance. Still, it caters to those who appreciate a more composed driving experience.
The 220i shares its platform with the larger 3 Series sedan, resulting in significant changes. It boasts a wider front track (+55mm), a broader rear track (+31mm), and an extended wheelbase (+51mm) while sitting noticeably lower to the road by 28mm.
These seemingly incremental alterations have substantially impacted the 2 Series Coupe's dynamism.
The steering responds promptly and sharply, allowing the 220i to handle corners with unwavering confidence.
Regarding fuel efficiency, BMW claims an average consumption of 6.3 litres/100km, and one can achieve between 6.3l to 7.8l/100km.
While the 220i M Sport carries a relatively high price considering its skilful performance, its exceptional ride/handling balance helps justify it and makes it a choice rather than going big.
The BMW 220i M Sport has a 2-year/unlimited km warranty and a 5-year/100,000 km maintenance plan.
Also worth a look: the BMW Glc and the BMW M3.
FAQ
Q: What does the BMW 220i Coupé cost in South Africa?
The BMW 220i Coupé starts from R772,590 in South Africa, with our M Sport test unit pushing that price higher with its optional packages and 19-inch wheels.
Q: Is the BMW 220i worth buying over the M240i?
The 220i is absolutely worth considering if you want authentic BMW 2 Series style and rear-wheel-drive fun without the hefty price tag of the M240i xDrive, especially when specced with the M Sport package for maximum street cred.
Q: What engine does the BMW 220i Coupé have?
The BMW 220i Coupé comes with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that delivers solid performance while maintaining the classic rear-wheel-drive setup that makes the 2 Series special.
Q: How does the BMW 220i compare to the M2 Competition?
The 220i offers a more civilised and affordable entry point into 2 Series ownership compared to the wild M2 Competition, giving you 80% of the style and everyday usability at a fraction of the price.
Q: What comes standard with the BMW 220i M Sport package?
The M Sport package includes sports seats in Alcantara and Sensatec with blue contrast stitching, M aerodynamic kit, M fender badges, leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, and distinctive M-coloured door cards that scream performance pedigree.
Should You Buy It?
Yes, the BMW 220i Coupé M Sport is absolutely worth buying if you want genuine BMW sports car DNA without breaking the bank. At R772,590, it's the sweet spot in the 2 Series range, offering rear-wheel-drive thrills, proper BMW build quality, and head-turning looks that'll make your neighbours think you splashed out on the full-fat M2. The M Sport package transforms this entry-level coupé into something that looks and feels far more expensive than its price tag suggests, making it the best compact sports coupé under R800,000 in South Africa right now.
