New BMW 2-Series Coupe relies on traditions as its core attractions
Having swapped its Black & White Roundel for a Blue & White alternative, BMW’s now controversial front grille retains some of its virtue in the much revised 2-Series Coupe but Iain Robertson states that the car is not the prettiest iteration thus far.
Lineage used to be so important to car designers. A strong ancestral cue, even though mild modernisation may lead to a softening of edges, is vital to a bloodline. Ask the Kennel Club, it understands familial virtuosity; that’s why a Golden Retriever, Bichon Frise and Yorkshire Terrier look the ways they do. Of course, close and in-breeding can have terrible side effects for living, breathing creatures and is a good reason for cousins not to wed cousins, but purity ensures recognisable quality, strength and maintained value.
Motorcars may be inert but we have gifted them humanist qualities. That’s why we refer to them in thinly cloaked sexual undertones, calling them ‘he’ and ‘she’ and even finding the sensuality of style elements thoroughly relatable. Whether a Vauxhall ‘Griffin’, Citroen’s ‘double chevrons’, or Renault’s ‘lozenge’, each has a story to impart that provides historical relevance, ready key-fob symbolism and even a reference point for the future. Neither Alfa Romeo, nor Porsche would ditch their escutcheons, with their respective heraldic links to Milan and Zuffenhausen. Yet, BMW, normally so conservative, appears to have been radicalised by an automotive mujahidin, fighting its personal jihad, with multiple versions of what used to be recognisable style graphics.
In some respects, as the least altered of the ‘Double-Kidneys’, BMW traditionalists can breathe a sigh of relief for the new 2-Series Coupe’s grille, which seems to have clung onto a more compact and traceable form. The two-door body-style is also familiar, even though the hood length has grown and is now more American in profile. However, the power blistering of the wheelarches has created a multi-faceting of the rear haunches that is at odds with the more conventionally rounded but leaner front wing treatment. Rather than an organic redevelopment of the cheekiness of the outgoing 2-Series that might rely on light refraction that can be so pleasing to the observer’s eye, the new coupe is visually confusing.
The Two Coupe has been, from the outset, a saucy minx of a machine, its sportier variants teasing with wheel widths and body panels drawn tightly across tyres to infer a secret world of potency, with a slightly intimidating edge. While the new version plays a similar tune, it is simply not as coherent. In fact, some of that former vibrancy has been lost in the different LED illumination structures fore and aft. Losing the aggression of twin lamp clusters softens the nose too much, regardless of the dimensions of the triangular air intakes.
Naturally, form should hint at functionality and there is no doubt that BMW’s perpetual pursuit of the perfect 50:50 weight distribution is central to the rear-driven Coupe’s existence. You can take it for granted. While consumer choice will lead to greater volumes of the 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol (184bhp; 44.8mpg; 155g/km CO2), or diesel (190bhp; 60.1mpg; 132g/km CO2; 48v mild hybrid) variants finding homes, the 374bhp 3.0-litre six (34.9mpg; 200g/km) is also packed beneath its bonnet, albeit driving all four wheels for added stability and traction. Each drives through the 8-speed Steptronic gearbox.
None of them are slouches, with the diesel delivering the 0-60mph sprint in a cool 6.6s, three-quarters of a second quicker than the petrol, both topping out at 147mph, although the ‘six’ despatches the increment in a mere 4.0s, restricted to 155mph at the top end. Unusually for BMW, the price tags are realistic, with the 2.0i weighing in at £34,980, the diesel at £1,920 more and the M240i xDrive available for £45,795. Just steer clear of the options catalogue!
Typical of BMW, the extensive use of lightweight materials, which runs to suspension struts, as well as body panels, aids both weight distribution and overall efficiency. Yet, all dimensions have grown, including the boot capacity, which is now a more practical 390-litres. While the front of the cabin is especially spacious, the rear is still cramped and offers a realistic ‘+2’ accommodation prospect. However, I am delighted that the ergonomically sound dashboard layout that has been a BMW forte for so long is retained for the Coupe. Mind you the reconfigurable digital display ahead of the driver is a straight lift from the 3-series, as is the touchscreen in the centre.
Adaptive M suspension is available as an option for the new M240i and allows drivers the widest possible spread between sporty and comfort-oriented responsiveness. While the brake callipers can be painted in either red, or blue (at no extra cost), they are also available in uprated form as an option. The excellent performance characteristics of the M240i model stem from a judiciously composed package of powertrain and chassis technology, which also includes an M Sport rear differential as standard. Its electronically controlled, fully variable locking function both optimises traction and directional stability, as well as aiding agility and cornering dynamics.
The new 2-Series Coupe features a head-up display for the first time that offers a larger projection area and full colour graphics. As you might expect, the most up-to-date complement of ADAS and connectivity come as standard equipment. The on-board digital support program, with full speech recognition and in-built SIM card, is updated continuously and can be accessed by uttering ‘Hey BMW!’ at it.
The new 2-Series Coupe is a mixed bag of niceties and less satisfying aspects. As before, its core market is going to be in the company car sector, where diesel still has a foothold. Although I rather preferred the previous generation, the new version is sure to build BMW’s repute. Keen pricing and modest dimensions will maintain momentum for the 2-Series Coupe, which will continue to attract rear-wheel drive traditionalists, keen to indulge in fine chassis dynamics and BMW build quality. As the last model to retain the tradition of the ‘Double Kidney’ radiator grille, it might be worth consideration for that alone.
