BMW 2 Series range in Mzansi
It’s somewhat refreshing when a manufacturer introduces a new car that is not a compact budget crossover or a large SUV. In fact, it’s strange that vehicles like this, the BMW 2 Series Coupe still exist. BMW recently introduced its new 2 Series Coupe range and here is what you need to know.
Do we believe that the new car has big shoes to fill? Yes, because the 1 Series Coupe which became the 2 Series Coupe has established itself as a true driver's car. BMW seems to know what it's doing when it comes to small, high-performance coupes. Remember the 1M and the M2? Some of the best BMW’s ever made in our opinion. The new 2 Series brings with it a host of new features, chassis enhancements and the M240i now benefits from xDrive which has made it a seriously potent machine.
Ok so you might be looking at this 2 Series and wondering why it looks nothing like the four-door 2 Series coupe which looks more like a 1 Series with four-doors. Well, the story goes that this 2 door coupe has nothing in common with the 1 Series or 2 Series GranCoupe. This 2 Series coupe is actually based on a 3 Series chassis and, as a result, remains rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive, in the M240i xDrive’s case. It’s confusing but what can you do?
The 2 Series coupe now features a new chassis which benefits the vehicle's wheelbase which is now longer. It also features a wider stance but with a lower height that has given it a sleek, low-slung look. Like many BMW models of late, they tend to look a whole lot better in the metal than they do on the internet.
We particularly like the aggressive and sporty front bumper, new LED headlights and the power bulge on the bonnet. Like with the latest 4 Series Gran Coupe, the doorhandles are now flush with the body which adds a clean, undisrupted side profile design. The rear of the car also looks eye-catching thanks to unique taillights and a sporty lower bumper. The M240i makes do with extra sporty attire and large tailpipes. Overall the car looks great in our opinion, it’s bold, unapologetic and definitely draws attention.
If you know a thing or two about new BMW’s you will realise that the interior looks very similar to many other BMW models on offer. What this does is make the transmission from model to model easier. Drivers and passengers will know where everything is, making it easy to adjust to the environment. The blend of fine materials and technology is admirable as one expects from a BMW these days. The car is now bigger than before, rear occupants won't be as cramped and the boot is decent as well so you won't have to skimp on practicality either.
The previous 2 Series was light, compact and offered a very entertaining driving experience. The new range promises to offer the same. An entry point into the range is the 220i. It features a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder motor that develops 135kW and 300Nm of torque.
Next up is the 220d which features a frugal 2.0-litre turbo diesel motor that develops 140kW and 400Nm. This model promises to be a very capable highway cruiser able to chomp the kilometres. Its chassis is, like the petrol model, set up for a sporty drive yet the ride remains relatively comfortable.
If it’s outright performance that you want then the M240i is the answer. It makes use of an in-line six cylinder turbocharged motor that develops 285kW and 500Nm. What makes this car extra potent is the xDrive all-wheel drive system. This results in a 0-100km time of around 4.3 seconds which is a number that is able to scare a lot of sports cars that carry a much higher price tag. The 8-speed automatic gearbox which features on all the cars also adds a level of potency to the mix.
We can't wait to sample the new 2 Series when it arrives on our driveway in the coming weeks.
Also worth a look: the BMW Glc and the BMW M3.
FAQ
Q: What does the BMW 2 Series cost in South Africa?
The BMW 2 Series Coupe range kicks off with the 220i at around R679,000, while the range-topping M240i xDrive will set you back approximately R899,000, making it a properly premium compact coupe that demands serious pocket depth.
Q: Is the BMW 2 Series worth buying in 2024?
Absolutely, the 2 Series remains one of the last proper rear-wheel-drive coupes you can buy, offering genuine driving thrills in a world obsessed with SUVs, plus that M240i xDrive with its 275kW outputs proper sports car performance for less than R900,000.
Q: What's the difference between the BMW 2 Series Coupe and Gran Coupe?
The two-door 2 Series Coupe sits on a rear-wheel-drive 3 Series platform and offers proper sports car dynamics, while the four-door 2 Series Gran Coupe uses front-wheel-drive 1 Series underpinnings, making them completely different beasts despite sharing a name.
Q: How fast is the BMW M240i xDrive?
The M240i xDrive rockets from 0-100kph in just 4.3 seconds thanks to its 275kW turbocharged inline-six and xDrive all-wheel-drive system, making it seriously quick for a compact coupe.
Q: Should I buy the BMW 2 Series or wait for the next generation?
Buy now if you want one of the last traditional rear-wheel-drive compact coupes, because with electrification looming and BMW's current obsession with SUVs, cars like this 2 Series might not exist much longer.
Should You Buy It?
Yes, you should absolutely buy the BMW 2 Series Coupe if you're after a proper driver's car under R900,000. The best compact sports coupe under R700,000 in SA is the 220i at R679,000, while enthusiasts should stretch to the M240i xDrive at R899,000 for its 275kW of turbocharged fury and all-wheel-drive grip. In a world drowning in crossovers and electric everything, the 2 Series represents one of the last bastions of rear-wheel-drive, naturally aspirated driving pleasure. Sure, it's pricey for a compact car, but you're not just buying transport, you're buying into BMW's decades of rear-drive expertise and the promise of proper driving thrills every time you turn the key.
