A refreshingly different BMW

The 2 Series Coupe arrives with a bold new look and a classy interior. Jack Evans finds out what it’s like.

BMW has a fine history of making coupes. These compact two-doors have represented the sportier edge of the firm’s line-up for a long time. The previousgeneration 2 Series, which arrived as a coupe-version of the hatchback 1 Series, went down a treat with buyers – which is why the new version has been given a whole host of new touches and features, to ensure it still hits the mark. We’ve been testing it out in popular 220d layout.

WHAT’S NEW?

Things have really changed with this new age of 2 Series Coupe. Whereas the old version was based upon the 1 Series, this latest version is underpinned by the same platform you’ll find underneath the 3 and 4 Series. BMW says it wanted to retain the rear-wheel-drive layout that enthusiasts love – but that’s something you won’t find on the front-wheel-drive 1 Series, which is why the different platform was adopted. It’s considerably shorter than the 3 and 4 Series, while its overall appearance is far more muscular than ever before. Even our diesel-powered model looked like it could be doing laps of the Nurburgring.

UNDER THE BONNET

Our test car had a diesel engine, namely a 2.0-litre turbocharged unit incorporating mild-hybrid technology for more efficient running – and boy, is it efficient. BMW claims that it’ll hit 60.1mpg on the combined cycle and we achieved that in our test. Emissions are 123g/km. In terms of performance, the 220d’s 188bhp and 400Nm of torque equate to a 6.7-second 0-60mph time and 147mph top speed. Power is fed to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox, with shift paddles fitted behind the steering wheel to allow you to swap cogs on your own should you want to.

WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?

If you’ve ever sat inside a 3 Series the cabin of the 2 Series Coupe will be immediately recognisable. The whole dashboard area wraps around the driver, with the large central screen within easy reach of the person behind the wheel. Material quality is good overall too, with some harsher plastics only used lower down. Space in the back? Well, that’s pretty tight as you might expect. Taller adults are unlikely to find the rear seats of the 2 Series Coupe all that comfortable, though there’s just enough space for smaller kids or babies in car seats. Open up the boot and you’ll find 390 litres, which is actually 20 litres more than you’d find in the older car. It’s also nicely square and really easy to access, though the load lip is a little pronounced.

WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?

The 2 Series Coupe can be specified in M Sport trim only, with prices starting from £34,980. You do get plenty of equipment, mind you, with headline features including automatic air conditioning and an M Sport leather steering wheel, as well as a full M Sport exterior styling pack. Our car did come with a few extras such as the technology pack, which adds features such as wireless smartphone charging and a WiFi hotspot – coming in at £575 – and the Comfort Pack which, at £1,250, includes a heated steering wheel and front lumbar support, among other features.

THE VERDICT

The new 2 Series Coupe is comfortable when it needs to be, but involving and exciting when required too. Overall, the 2 Series Coupe feels like an old-school BMW with up-to-date touches – and that’s no bad thing at all.