BMW 2-Series Coupe review

Is the BMW 2 Series Coupe any good?

The new BMW 2 Series Coupe is an exciting addition on the market for drivers looking to inject some enjoyment into their life. It's a very different concept to the 2 Series Gran Coupe, and instead of that car’s 1 Series platform, front-wheel drive and ungainly proportions, the new Coupe shares more with its larger 3 Series and 4 Series siblings – including a range-topping straight-six engine and shortened rear-wheel drive platform.

It looks refreshingly different and has very little opposition. Although it's a clear visual evolution from the outgoing model, this one is an all-new car – although as you'll find out when you read on, there's a lot of familiar tech under its svelte new bodywork. Rivals? Consider the Audi TT and outgoing Toyota GT86 – but there really aren't many.

The 2 Series Coupe marks a welcome return to more restrained and handsome styling from BMW – though beauty is of course in the eye of the beholder. Notably, though, it’s a staunchly old-school addition to the range, and one that seems almost anachronistic amid BMW’s latest push towards electrification, SUVs and headline-grabbing grille designs. And we admire it for that.

Enlarge0videoEnlarge21photo

What's it like inside?

On the inside the 2 Series is aligned with the cars above it rather than below, and that means a relatively straightforward and driver-focused cockpit. If you've driven a 3 or 4 Series, you'll be very familiar with this one – it shares those cars' dashboard and infotainment system. There's nothing wrong with that – it's a very business-like dashboard and driving position, with a wide range of adjustments and lots of room up front.

Room in the rear is far less impressive, which is no surprise given the 2 Series' stubby proportions. But you'll squeeze a couple of children in the back, which opens up the 2 Series as a family car – of sorts. The boot is more useful, with a well-sized opening and a wide, flat floor. Overall luggage capacity is 390 litres, which can be expanded by the 40:20:20 split-fold seats.

All models will come with BMW’s 12.3-inch infotainment display and 10.25-inch digital dial display as part of the Live Cockpit Professional package, while triple-zone climate control, accent lighting and an array of M Sport accoutrements come as standard too. There are some pleasurable flourishes inside, such as contrasting stitching on the seatbelts and M Sport colour flashes that brighten up the door panels.

BMW 2 Series Coupe engines

Three power units are available from launch. The range kicks off with the 220i – a four-cylinder petrol producing 184hp, capable of 0-62mph in 7.5 seconds and putting its power through the rear wheels. Fuel economy is a claimed 41.5-44.8mpg in the official WLTP test.

Fans of frugal oil burners can opt for the 220d, a four-cylinder diesel with 190hp. It’s actually quicker than the petrol, capable of 0-62mph in 6.9 seconds, though both models have an identical top speed of 147mph. Fuel consumption is a claimed 55.4-60.1mpg.

Ahead of a full-fat M2 high-performance model being launched, the fastest in the range is the M240i xDrive. Its 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight-six petrol engine produces 375hp. Acceleration is rapid – 0-62mph takes just 4.3 seconds while top speed is an electronically limited 155mph.

All three of these models use an eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission. The range-topper’s xDrive system follows the same approach as its larger siblings, the 3 Series and 4 Series – it’s majority rear-biased, and can divert up to 100% of its torque to the rear wheels when conditions permit.

Enlarge0videoEnlarge21photo

What's it like to drive?

Given it's so closely based on the 4 Series, a car we really rate, it should come as no surprise that we like the way this car drives. If you’re a keen driver and value feedback and agility, along with a punchy engine, this will be your go-to small Coupe.

We've so driven the M240i xDrive with four-wheel drive. We found there's plenty of balance and poise in bends, and it's highly agile too. There's super-responsive steering which not only is beautifully weighted but rapidly geared for responsive cornering. Only the lumpy ride quality counts against it.

Using the Sport drive mode really brings out the best of the 2 Series Coupe. The steering weighs up, which maximises road feel, giving you enough confidence to really lean on it in bends. On track, power slides are easy to achieve, and highly controllable thanks to its rear-biased four-wheel drive system – on the road, the margins of safety are highly impressive.

The M240i’s engine is brilliant – it sounds so good, you'll be seeking out the redline wherever you can. Acceleration is punchy, too, and does leave us wondering how fast the upcoming M2 will be. This one pulls hard, is responsive at all speeds, but is smooth and unobtrusive if you want to go gently.

What models and trims are available?

The range is very simple. You can choose between the 220i or 220d detailed above or the M240i. There's M Sport or M Sport Pro for the 220i and 220d, while the M240i comes in a single, high-grade M specification. The basic spec comes with LED headlights, BMW Live cockpit with touch operation, sport seats, and automatic air conditioning with three-zone control.

There's also an optional Pro package for M Sport model. This adds 19-inch M light-alloy wheels, M Sport brakes, a front spoiler lip and an M rear spoiler. Model-specific M Performance Parts are also available via BMW's configurator.

Enlarge0videoEnlarge21photo

What else should I know?

Proportionally this is a very different beast to the five-door 2 Series Gran Coupe, despite similar dimensions – not least because it’s exclusively available with two doors. Its long bonnet pushes the cabin rearwards while the impression of greater width is given by flared wheelarches.

Styling details reference the iconic 02 Series models of the 1970s, particularly the headlights with their single U-shaped light signature. In a move that’s sure to be heralded by most people with eyes, the 2 Series wears a more compact kidney grille than we’ve seen on the latest M3 and M4.

Overall, though, the 2 Series is distinctive and attractive and thanks to tax-efficient petrol and diesel engines, should appeal to the heart as well as the head. It won't be for everyone, though, and we aren't expecting a shift away from the SUVs that BMW sells by the shed load – but it's an intriguing and interesting choice in an increasingly homogenous car market.

The 2 Series Coupe is priced at a slight premium compared with the Gran Coupe, but a fair whack cheaper than the 3 or 4 Series. BMW has confirmed a starting price of £34,980 for the 220i, rising to £45,795 for the M240i xDrive and you can order one now with deliveries slated for early 2022.

Read on for the full verdict on the new 2 Series Coupe.

• Best coupes
• BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe review
• BMW 4 Series Coupe long-term test