In recent years, smaller, more affordable cars have become the craze in the entry-level luxury vehicle class. Being the smallest coupe in the Bavarian lineup, the all new BMW 2 Series embodies that very 'less is more' trend.
The 2 Series will continue BMW's run with compact coupes but with a new numeric designation to be in line with the rest of the company's two-door models. So just like how the 4 Series served as a replacement for the 3 Series Coupe, the 1 Series Coupe will be replaced by the 2 Series.
Exterior
The new 2 Series carries on the classic three-box design with a long bonnet, short overhangs and a set-back passenger cabin.
But the 2 Series is bigger than its predecessor. Measuring 4,432mm x 1,774mm x 1,418mm (L x W x H), the new car is 72mm longer, 26mm wider and 5mm lower than the outgoing 1 Series Coupe.
Borrowing the 4 Series' styling recipe, the 2 Series receives a lower roofline, a wider stance and a longer wheelbase, adding up to a noticeably more handsome car.
The sporty looks start upfront with pointed LED headlights emphasising the signature kidney grille and continues across the bonnet with four contour lines streaming through it.
The side profile delivers a classic coupe look while the sloping roof looks the business. The view from the back end is equally impressive, especially with the classic BMW L-shaped lights that stretch all the way out to the boot edge, enhancing the wide low stance that creates a powerful-looking image from the rear.
The 2 Series comes across every bit as sporty as it can get but yet it maintains a good balance of being subtle and refined at the same time.
Interior
Slide into the cockpit of the 2 Series and you will notice that everything is within easy reach inside the snug cabin.
The clear and logically-arrayed dashboard offers few surprises to anyone who has been in a recent BMW product.
Although the design, which is pretty much identical to the 1 Series hatchback that has been around since 2011, may have passed its prime, quality is a big step up from the old 1 Series Coupe, with the use of high-end materials and a more solid construction.
Slide into the cockpit of the 2 Series and you will notice that everything is within easy reach inside the snug cabin.
The clear and logically-arrayed dashboard offers few surprises to anyone who has been in a recent BMW product.
Although the design, which is pretty much identical to the 1 Series hatchback that has been around since 2011, may have passed its prime, quality is a big step up from the old 1 Series Coupe, with the use of high-end materials and a more solid construction.
Despite the fact that the 2 Series sits lower than the 1 Series Coupe, there's actually 6mm more headroom for front seat occupants, which also allows for an even better driving position for the short driver like this writer.
Ingress and egress is made more convenient by the wider door aperture of 11mm, and rear legroom has grown by 21mm over its predecessor.
Along with the overall size of the car, the luggage compartment has also swelled by 20 litres to 390 litres. Drop the 40:60 split rear seats and the boot expands even further, renouncing the fact that small coupes are impractical.
The Drive
While it may be the entry-level model, the 220i is definitely no slouch in the performance department.
Equipped with the well-known BMW 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine, the 2 Series makes 184bhp and 270Nm of torque - up by 28bhp and 70Nm on the outgoing 120i.
The sweet engine is coupled with another familiarity - a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic, which provides incredibly slick upshifts and swift kick-downs so you don't need to go gear hunting on the go.
Throttle responsiveness is particularly satisfying and so is the strong mid-range thrust, which makes it effortless to keep this little coupe on the boil.
Even more impressive than the 2 Series' willingness to get up and go is its corner-carving prowess and sheer composure when pushed.
Despite the fact that its dimensions have grown, the 2 Series weighs the same as its predecessor at 1,365kg, constituting to a lightweight and agile car.
While it may be the entry-level model, the 220i is definitely no slouch in the performance department.
Equipped with the well-known BMW 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine, the 2 Series makes 184bhp and 270Nm of torque - up by 28bhp and 70Nm on the outgoing 120i.
The sweet engine is coupled with another familiarity - a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic, which provides incredibly slick upshifts and swift kick-downs so you don't need to go gear hunting on the go.
Throttle responsiveness is particularly satisfying and so is the strong mid-range thrust, which makes it effortless to keep this little coupe on the boil.
Even more impressive than the 2 Series' willingness to get up and go is its corner-carving prowess and sheer composure when pushed.
Despite the fact that its dimensions have grown, the 2 Series weighs the same as its predecessor at 1,365kg, constituting to a lightweight and agile car.
And this is something you will notice on the roads, where the car feels so nimble and sharp in its manoeuvres. The feeling is exacted with the awe-inspiring Servotronic adaptive steering, which provides an excellent level of response and feedback.
It simply doesn't matter how hard you push or how rough the road surface gets - the 2 Series is able to maintain its line while simultaneously absorbing the bumps and ruts with a well-tuned suspension.
Conclusion
At $204,800 (as of 7th March 2014), the 2 Series essentially sits alone in its segment. It's really hard to find a two-door coupe of this style and size in this price bracket.
Great looks, a potent engine and engaging dynamics make the 2 Series a grin-inducing drive. With the base model providing such a solid foundation, we are anticipating the top-of-the-range M235i to entice buyers looking for a more hardcore and engaging experience.
But as far as chic coupes go, BMW's new 2 Series is an ace.
