2022 BMW 220i Coupé G42, 220d G42 and range-topping 374bhp M240i xDrive

The all-new G42 BMW 2 Series Coupé has been revealed with a range-topping 374bhp M240i xDrive model...

ALL-NEW 2 SERIES COUPÉ BREAKS COVER

Initial reaction to the all-new BMW 2 Series Coupé seems positive. Not just because the range-topping M240i xDrive Coupé is the only vehicle in its segment to offer a six-cylinder in-line engine, but also because its styling is far less divisive than the look of other recent new models from Munich. The striking new coupé, which will be built at BMW Group’s San Luis Potosí plant in Mexico, enjoyed its world premiere at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on 8th July. Customers will initially be able to choose from four-cylinder petrol and diesel versions in the standard M Sport specification but it is arguably the 374hp all-wheel-drive M240i xDrive Coupé G42 that will excite most. Longer by 105mm and wider by 64mm than its predecessor, the new car is 28mm lower with a wheelbase that is 51mm longer, a track width that is wider by 54mm at the front axle and 31mm at the rear (M240i xDrive +63mm front, +35mm rear). This, and almost perfect 50:50 weight distribution, mean the ingredients for excellent cornering dynamics are present and correct.

BMW has worked hard at optimising the new car's aerodynamics. An active air flap control system for the kidney grille – adjustable through ten stages – and a lower intake in the front apron, plus air curtains, flush-fitting door handles, aerodynamically optimised light-alloy wheels and an almost completely sealed underbody – channel airflow more effectively. The M240i xDrive Coupé boasts turning vanes and splitters designed to reduce lift.

Following in the tyre tracks of the latest 4 Series Coupé, die-cast aluminium spring struts and an engine side member made from extruded aluminium profiles save weight at the front. An aluminium bonnet and front side panels alone account for a reduction in weight of around 9.6kg. As you can see the styling is largely a good nip and tuck of the old model but it is successful, thankfully the kidney grilles are traditional and do not follow in the footsteps of other recent BMWs. One non-metallic and six metallic exterior hues will be available, a new addition to the range is Thundernight Metallic available exclusively on this model.

M Sport specification is standard, it includes a front apron with large side air intakes, M High-gloss Shadow Line trim and 18-inch M light-alloy wheels. The side skirts and the lower section of the rear apron with integral diffuser are painted in Dark Shadow metallic. Meanwhile the M240i xDrive Coupé boasts the usual beefed-up M-specific styling cues, also part of the standard specification on the model is M High-gloss Shadow Line trim and 19-inch M light-alloy wheels. An M-specific boot-lid spoiler painted body colour and a black diffuser between the exhaust tailpipes also appear.

Inside standard equipment includes a Sport leather steering wheel with newly designed multifunction buttons – Alcantara/Sensatec upholstery in Black with blue contrast stitching is standard, the BMW M240i xDrive Coupé comes with Vernasca leather. Heated sport seats are also standard, while electric M Seats feature in the six-cylinder model.

Adaptive M suspension is available as an option for the new M240i xDrive Coupé, allowing drivers the widest possible spread between sporty and comfort-oriented response – it combines the characteristics of M Sport suspension with electronically controlled dampers. Variable sport steering is fitted as standard to all cars. Optional M Sport brakes (standard on the M240i xDrive Coupé) are said to provide excellent braking performance through a combination of four-piston fixed callipers at the front, single-piston floating callipers at the rear. The callipers are painted red as standard, a blue finish is available at no cost. Importantly an M Sport differential is fitted as standard on the G42 M240i xDrive Coupé.

Topping the range initially will be the M240i xDrive Coupé, at 374hp its 3.0-litre unit develops 34hp more than its predecessor. Peak torque of 369lb ft is on tap from 1,900- 5,000rpm, it accelerates from 0 to 62mph in 4.3-seconds. The M model is joined by a 220i and 220d, the petrol uses a 184hp four-cylinder 2.0-litre petrol TwinPower Turbo engine which debuts a cylinder head with integrated exhaust manifold for effective exhaust gas cooling, helping to minimise emissions. The 220i generates 221lb ft of torque enabling acceleration of 0-62mph in 7.5-seconds. The 220d develops 190hp and peak torque of 295lb ft. It now features two-stage turbocharging and a further developed common rail direct injection system. Mildhybrid technology supports the diesel engine with a 48V starter generator taking up the role of an electric drive system, providing an extra 11hp. This enhances acceleration – the 220d sprints from 0-62mph in 6.9-seconds. The eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission is fitted as standard in all 2 Series Coupé models.

Making its 2 Series Coupé debut is the BMW Head-Up Display, available for the first time as an optional extra alongside the standard-fit BMW Operating System 7. Prices start at £34,980 for the 220i rising to £36,900 for the 220d and £45,795 for the M240i xDrive Coupé – the new 2 Series Coupé is due for its UK launch in early 2022.