BMW announces the new 2018 BMW 2 Series Coupé and Cabriolet.

Richmond Hill, ON. BMW is pleased to introduce the 2018 BMW 2 Series family. Renowned for embracing BMW’s traditional sporting driving characteristics, the new BMW 2 Series lineup features the latest generation of BMW TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder inline engines paired with refined chassis and suspension tuning, and significant updates to both the interior and exterior. The new BMW 2 Series will be available in Canada in the following variants:

230i Coupé (RWD)                          230i xDrive Cabriolet        

230i xDrive Coupé                          M240i Cabriolet (RWD)    

M240i Coupé (RWD)                      M240i xDrive Cabriolet

M240i xDrive Coupé                                             

M2 Coupé (RWD)

Pricing for the new BMW 2 Series lineup will be announced closer to the market launch in July, 2017.

The BMW 2 Series Coupé.

In 2014, the BMW 2 Series Coupé was launched in Canada as 228i and M235i model variants. This successor to the successful 1 Series Coupé will continue the decades-long tradition of premium sub-compact Coupés with impeccable driving dynamics. The BMW 2 Series Coupé, a two-door body with classical three-box design and four seats is 4,432 mm long (BMW M240i models: 4468 mm), with a trunk capacity of 390 litres.

The BMW 2 Series Cabriolet.

The BMW 2 Series Cabriolet combines the Coupé’s driving dynamics with the option of open-air pleasure. Short overhangs, a long trunk and set-back passenger compartment, a long wheelbase and a wide track produce the classical proportions of a BMW Cabriolet. The electrically operated fabric soft-top slips down into the body to create a boat-deck look and offers excellent acoustic comfort when closed thanks to additional insulation. The roof can be opened while driving – at speeds of up to 50 km/h.

Engines and powertrain.

The 2018 BMW M240i and M240i xDrive M Performance models are powered by a three-litre straight-six engine with direct injection, twin-scroll turbocharging, Valvetronic fully variable valve timing and Double-VANOS variable camshaft control. This unit generates an output of 340 hp and maximum torque of 369 lb-ft, which can be summoned from 1,520 rpm through 4,500 rpm.

When equipped with the Steptronic Sport automatic transmission, the M240i Coupé is capable of sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds (4.4 seconds for the 240i xDrive variant). The M240i xDrive Cabriolet, equipped with the Sport automatic transmission and in spite of a modest weight penalty, completes the same sprint in 4.7 seconds.

The 2018 BMW 230i xDrive models are powered by a two-litre four-cylinder engine with direct injection, twin-scroll turbocharging, Valvetronic fully variable valve timing and Double-VANOS variable camshaft control, generation 248 hp and maximum torque of 258 lb-ft., propelling the 230i xDrive Coupé from 0 – 100 km/h in a scant 5.6 seconds (5.9 seconds for the Cabriolet variant).

A 6-speed manual transmission is standard on all rear wheel drive models with an 8-speed automatic transmission available as an option (DCT on M2). The 8-speed automatic transmission is standard equipment in the 230i xDrive Coupé and Cabriolet models, while the Steptronic Sport transmission with shift paddles is standard on 240i xDrive Coupé and Cabriolet variants.

Advanced suspension technology, even weight distribution.

The BMW 2 Series Coupé and BMW 2 Series Cabriolet feature sophisticated suspension technology, including a double-joint spring strut front axle with anti-roll bars, plus a five-link rear axle. Large sections of the cars’ suspension are made of aluminum. A low center of gravity, wide track, and almost perfect 50:50 weight distribution all play their part in delivering outstanding dynamics and handling properties – and they are backed up by energy-efficient and precise electromechanical power steering.

Exterior and lighting design.

A low-slung silhouette, dynamically stretched lines with compact proportions and powerfully contoured surfaces accentuate the sporting credentials and elegance of both the BMW 2 Series Coupé and BMW 2 Series Cabriolet. The new BMW 2 Series features a new and more striking front end for both models featuring new LED headlamps.

LED light graphic creates a sharper gaze.

Twin headlights help ensure the front end embraces BMW legacy. The BMW 2 Series Coupé and BMW 2 Series Cabriolet are now equipped with new Bi-LED headlights as standard. The headlights are composed of a familiar silhouette: flat-bottomed headlight tubes encircled by daytime running light rings and a dynamic cropped look produced by the characteristic “eyebrow” design. Adaptive LED headlights can also be specified, featuring their eye-catching light graphic strengthening the dynamic and technical impression created by the front end. The familiar twin-circular-headlight look has a hexagonal interpretation, creating a more precise appearance. On 230i models, LED front fog lamps are standard.

The kidney grille emphasizes the broader stance of the front facia of the new BMW 2 Series. The links between the headlights and the kidney grille combined with the light graphic, ensure the nose of the Coupé and Cabriolet projects a sportier impression. The outer air intakes in the three-section front end are now larger, while two horizontal bars emphasize the cars’ powerful stance on the road. The rear of the BMW 2 Series Coupé and BMW 2 Series Cabriolet cuts a wide and muscular figure. Its stylistic impact is reinforced by the single-piece rear lights (LEDs as standard) with hallmark BMW L-shape, which extend well into the flanks.

New light-alloy wheels, new paint finishes.

A vibrant new color, Sunset Orange – has been added to the pallet of exterior paint shades available for the Coupé and Cabriolet models, bringing the total number of available exterior paint finishes to eight.

M Sport Package is standard on all 2 series variants and the range of light-alloy wheels has also been expanded. 230i models come standard with 18-inch 461M Wheels and the M240i models come standard with M Performance exclusive 18-inch 436M wheels. Both variants have the option to upgrade to 18-inch 719M Wheels in Bi-Colour or Jet Black with A/S or performance tires.

Interior and equipment.

A completely redesigned instrument panel highlight a driver-focused layout. New materials highlighting the exclusive character of the BMW 2 Series Coupé and BMW 2 Series Cabriolet.

New-look instrument panel produces a great sense of spaciousness.

The instrument panel’s makeover completely changes the overall impression created by the new BMW 2 Series cabin. The elegant design is enhanced by a roomier, wider built. The center stack, which houses the control panels for the radio and climate control systems, have a high-gloss black finish that gives the main element nestled between the central display and transmission tunnel an even more exclusive and sophisticated feel. The cupholders located in the center storage compartment can be concealed by a sliding lid, while the window switches in the doors now have chrome edging. Attention to detail allow the glove compartment to seamlessly blend into the interior styling. The air conditioning system’s vents have also been redesigned to create additional room.

The new BMW 230i models comes standard with black leatherette upholstery, while BMW M240i and M2 models are equipped with standard Dakota leather.

BMW ConnectedDrive.

The new BMW 2 Series Coupé and BMW 2 Series Cabriolet come complete with various assistance systems, the latest-generation iDrive control technology, and an extensive range of connectivity features to help the driver focus on the task at hand and enjoy the drive to the maximum.

Touchscreen for simple operation.

The new BMW 2 Series features the latest BMW user interface available, iDrive 6.0. The standard 6.6-inch screen can be enhanced with Navigation and allow drivers to engage with the vehicles operating system not only via iDrive controller but also voice command and touch. The 8.8-inch high-resolution central display with optional Navigation System available adds Touchscreen technology to both 230i and M240i models. Based on customer preference, the system will switch between the Touchscreen, natural Voice Control or the iDrive Touch Controller, depending on the method chosen. The new and improved Voice Control function now allows users to naturally phrase any request or command, which the system will execute.

Perfectly connected in every way. Thanks to the standard built-in SIM card in the BMW 2 Series, ConnectedDrive provides optimum connectivity and access to BMW services without having to rely on the customer’s smartphone. Featuring ARTTI (Advanced Real Time Traffic Information) a smarter, more efficient way around traffic jams can be displayed.

Wireless charging and complete smartphone integration. Available on both the 230i and M240i models, the optional Wireless Charging allows for wireless charging via an inductive charging tray located in the center console in front of the cupholders. A wireless charging case is available from the Original BMW Accessories range for phones that are not yet compatible with this charging technology. Apple CarPlay compatibility is also available in the BMW 2 Series integrating the smartphone into the vehicle’s iDrive system allows the phone, together with apps that have been approved by Apple for CarPlay, to be operated via the screen in the car by means of the iDrive Controller or Touch screen. BMW is the first carmaker to integrate Apple CarPlay completely wirelessly.

Driver assistance systems. The optional Driving Assistant Package comprises the Lane Departure Warning system and City Collision Mitigation, which applies the brakes automatically at speeds up to 60 km/h in response to an imminent collision with a car, motorcycle or pedestrian, for instance.

The Parking Assistant option, meanwhile, maneuvers the car into parking spots that are either parallel or perpendicular to the road. Its ultrasonic sensors help to search for suitable spaces while travelling at up to 35 km/h.

Precisely matched components, inimitable character. Both BMW M Performance models leave the factory shod with high-performance mixed-size tires as standard, with dimensions of 225/40 at the front and 245/35 at the rear. All-Season tires are offered as a no cost option. The unique character of the BMW M240i Coupé and BMW M240i Cabriolet goes beyond the engine’s power, the Adaptive M Suspension, the M Sport brakes, and the cars’ aerodynamic balance. Variable sport steering adds to the impression of exceptional agility at the wheel of the BMW M240i which comes with electromechanical power assistance. This allows lightning-fast evasive maneuvers but also produces a sensation of excellent directional and straight-line stability during highway travel.

BMW M2: the Ultimate Driving Machine. The BMW M2 will also form part of the new line-up launched in July 2017. This compact-sized, powerful sports Coupé from BMW M GmbH benefits from the same innovations as the 2 Series Coupé. Boasting a high-performance 6-cylinder inline engine, rear-wheel-drive agility, a lightweight M Sport suspension made from aluminum and extrovert styling, the new BMW M2 Coupé once again delivers outstanding torque available across a wide rev band with rapid responses and excellent efficiency, raising the pulse with its distinctive engine soundtrack.

Inspired by various models from BMW Motorsport history, the new BMW M2 Coupé wears its exceptional sporting prowess “on its sleeve”. A low-slung front apron with large air intakes, muscular flanks with trademark M side gills, 19-inch aluminium wheels in familiar M twin-spoke design, and the wide, low-to-the-road rear end with M-specific twin-tailpipe exhaust all add to the character of the M2. Sport seats, an M sports steering wheel and an M gearshift lever ensure the driver is in complete control of their BMW M2 at all times.

The 3.0-liter 6-cylinder inline engine under the hood of the new BMW M2 deploys cutting-edge M TwinPower Turbo technology to generate 365 hp at 6,500 rpm. The same applies to power delivery: peak torque of 343 lb-ft which can be increased to 369 lb-ft in overboost mode. This propels the new BMW M2 Coupé with optional 7-speed M Double Clutch Transmission (M DCT) and Launch Control from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.3 seconds. A six-speed manual transmission continues to be standard equipment on the 2018 M2.

The lightweight aluminum front and rear axles from the BMW M3/M4, forged 19-inch aluminum wheels with mixed-size tires, M Servotronic steering with two settings and immensely powerful M compound brakes equip the new BMW M2 Coupé to move the game on once again in the compact high-performance sports car segment when it comes to driving dynamics. The electronically controlled Active M Differential, which further enhances both traction and handling stability, also deserves great credit here.