ON THE ROAD- IAN LYNAS ON THE NEW BMW 2 SERIES COUPE

With echoes of the legendary 02 Series of the 1960s, BMW introduce the new 2 Series Coupe with its compact proportions, sharper design, and powerful engines and for drivers a more exhilarating driving experience than ever before.

Powering the new model are two efficient four-cylinder petrol units that transmit power to the road via an eight-speed Steptronic transmission with rear-wheel drive; which has a number of followers, enough to put a smile on the face. The range will in addition feature an in-line six-cylinder engine in the new M240i xDrive Coupe. Styling and the new model does not disappoint in this department with a sharp new exterior design highlights, new paint finishes and light-alloy wheel options. I always feel that a tasty set of alloys adds to the finishing touch of any car; a bit like cream on your strawberries.

Moving to the well-appointed interior which features refreshed design details, including new steering wheels, new interior trim and seat upholsteries. The technology package will not disappoint; there is the updated BMW iDrive with QuickSelect, now with BMW Operating System 8.5. The advances made over the previous model are also reflected in a far broader range of driver assistance systems and the latest connectivity innovations. The standard specification across the entire range includes Sport seats, 2-zone automatic air-conditioning, LED headlights and Parking Assistant. These are items which we have now come to expect from the modern car pretty well regardless of what sector of the market it is in.

The standalone vehicle concept of this new coupe puts clear water between it and the BMW 1 Series models, they are based on an advanced front-wheel-drive architecture and borrows extensively from the technology used in the 3 Series and 4 Series and as a result, the newcomer occupies a defiantly niche position in both the brand’s model portfolio and among its rivals. Right from day one the series production development process was focused squarely on leading the way in terms of dynamic performance in the premium compact segment. Compact dimensions, intelligent lightweight design for the body and chassis, almost perfect 50:50 weight distribution and optimised aerodynamics create an ideal blueprint for a vehicle character focused on sporting excellence. Another key element was underpinning power transfer to the rear wheels or in the M240i xDrive Coupe via intelligent all-wheel drive with a noticeable rear-wheel bias. With all of the models in the line-up, sophisticated chassis components originally designed for the 3 Series and 4 Series models ensure excellent driveability at all times.

While the new model outstrips its predecessor in terms of performance agility, the comfort it offers remains at the same high level and when it comes to rolling comfort and acoustics, the new car has made significant improvements. The ability to stop is equally important as performance and powerful lightweight braking systems have been employed with the optional M Sport brakes, they are standard on the new M240i xDrive Coupe, they provide excellent braking performance through a specification that includes four-piston fixed callipers at the front and single-piston floating callipers at the rear and the callipers bear the M logo and are painted red as standard or with a blue finish option available at no cost. With such a car there are sacrifices, the boot load capacity is a modest 390 litres, yet a 20 litre increase in primary capacity over the previous model; worth noting the height of the loading edge is 35mm lower.

I am often asked as to where a car is built; with this new addition to the BMW family you probably would expect me to say Germany; no the production is in Mexico at the San Luis Potosí plant.

Ian Lynas