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By Charl Bosch

Motoring Journalist


New BMW 2 Series Coupe priced ahead of market debut

Until the arrival of the M2, the now all-wheel-drive M240i xDrive tops the local line-up.


On track to make its eagerly awaited debut in the first quarter of this year, BMW has quietly divulged pricing details of the all-new 2 Series Coupe.

Unveiled at last year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, the new Two rides on a revised version of Munich’s CLAR platform, meaning it retains the rear-wheel-drive configuration of its predecessor, instead of using the front-wheel-drive FAAR architecture that underpins the 2 Series Gran Coupe and 2 Series Active Tourer.

New BMW 2 Series Coupe
As with the front, the rear facia has dramatically differs from the previous 2 Series.

Wider, longer, and more practical than before, the mostly made-out-of-aluminium 2 Series Coupe arrives sporting a choice of three models, headed by the all-wheel-drive M240i xDrive. A replacement for the outgoing M2 is expected to join later.

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Serving as the base model once again, the 220i utilises the familiar 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with outputs of 135kW/300Nm. Top speed is rated at 236 km/h with the 0-100 km/h sprint taking 7.5 seconds.

New BMW 2 Series Coupe
M240i now has the xDrive all-wheel-drive system for the first time.

With the next step-up 230i being forbidden fruit, the final non-sporting derivative comes in the shape of the oil-burning 220d.

Aided by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that adds an additional eight kilowatts for short spells, the equally familiar 2.0-litre unit punches out 140kW/400Nm, which BMW claims translates to a top speed of 237 km/h and 0-100 km/h in seven seconds.

New BMW 2 Series Coupe
Thundernight Metallic paint option will be offered.

As mentioned, the M240i xDrive, for now, reigns as the line-up’s flagship with its 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six pumping out 285kW/500Nm. Equipped with the mentioned all-paw gripping system for the first time, the M240i will get from 0-100 km/h in a claimed 4.3 seconds and top out at 250 km/h.

In a 2 Series first, all of the powerunits are mated to the eight-speed Steptronic gearbox as the previous six-speed manual departs entirely. The otherwise optional sports ratio setup is however standard on the M240i.

New BMW 2 Series Coupe
Interior follows BMW’s current design trend.

Expect exact model specification to be fully revealed closer to the still outstanding local launch date.

Price

  • 220i – R765 000
  • 220d – R815 000
  • M240i xDrive – R1 050 000

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