BMW unveiled the 2022 2-Series Coupe earlier this week and the first reactions were largely positive.
While its design wasn’t much of a surprise due to countless leaks and spy photos, it’s undoubtedly one of the company’s more attractive models.
Starting up front, there’s a “performance-oriented” grille which is wide and short. It’s a refreshing departure from the buck tooth 4-Series, but that isn’t the only notable thing about the grille as it features vertical air flaps instead of the usual bars that open in 10 stages to optimize air flow as needed.
Also Read: 2022 BMW 2-Series Coupe Debuts With Slick Styling And Up To 382 HP
Flaps can also be found below as the lower intakes open to help cool the brakes. They’re joined by discreet air curtains at the outside edges, which help to improve the car’s aerodynamics.
Sticking with the front end, the 2022 2-Series features circular LED headlights that are meant to recall the iconic BMW 2002. They’re joined by U-shaped LED daytime running lights with integrated turn signals.
While the previous 1- and 2-Series Coupe had questionable proportions, the 2022 model is 4.3 inches (109 mm) longer than its predecessor and this pays dividends in terms of styling. A long aluminum hood flows into a rakish windscreen, while a prominent shoulder line helps to emphasize the car’s length.
Furthermore, the new model adopts streamlined bodywork and an evolutionary greenhouse with a more pronounced Hofmeister kink. The car is also an inch (25 mm) lower than before and this helps to contribute to its athletic stance.
This brings us to the rear end, which is undoubtedly the most controversial aspect of the new 2-Series. It features a short trunk with an integrated spoiler as well as an edgier bumper with a black lower section. While both components look fine, a lot of hate has been directed at the three-dimensional LED taillights. We’re not fans of them either, but they’re certainly different.
Moving inside, the 2022 2-Series has a more upscale interior that largely carries over from the 3- and 4-Series. We’re huge fans of the change as the cabin finally appears worthy of a luxury vehicle.
The car comes standard with analog gauges and an 8.8-inch infotainment system, but customers can upgrade to a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a larger 10.25-inch display. Buyers will also find a 20 percent larger moonroof and a newly available color head-up display.
On the performance front, the 230i has a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 255 hp (190 kW / 259 PS) and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque. This is an improvement of 7 hp (5 kW / 7 PS) and 37 lb-ft (50 Nm) of torque.
Despite the extra power, however, the new model is slower as the dash from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) takes 5.5 seconds. That’s 0.2 seconds longer than its predecessor when equipped with an eight-speed automatic.
Customers can also opt for the M240i xDrive Coupe, which has a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with 382 hp (285 kW / 387 PS) and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque in the United States. That’s an improvement of 47 hp (35 kW / 48 PS) and it enables the car to hit 60 mph (96 km/h) in 4.1 seconds, which is a tenth of a second faster than last year’s model.
