C&D: Next BMW 2-Series Coupe Coming in 2021, and It's Exactly What We Want

[BMWGirlFL]

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a3...onfirmed-2022/

Next BMW 2-Series Coupe Coming in 2021, and It's Exactly What We Want

The new generation will keep its RWD layout and remain very much an enthusiast's car.

By Jens Meiners
Mar 18, 2020

• BMW will launch a new 2-series coupe next fall.
• It will keep its rear-wheel-drive layout and continue to offer inline-six engines.
• M240i and M2 versions will remain part of the lineup, but the convertible model will disappear.

If you were concerned the next-gen BMW 2-series coupe would go the way of the 2-series Gran Coupe, which shares a front-wheel-drive platform with Mini and the X1, we have great news: The upcoming model, slated for a late 2021 launch as a 2022 model, will very much keep its current configuration—and appeal.

Company sources confirm to us that the next 2-series Coupe will share its rear-wheel-drive platform with BMW's more upscale models, its closest relatives being the 3- and 4-series. Comprehensively redesigned, it will feature new sheetmetal and a new, unique interior that won't be shared with other models. Power will come from turbocharged four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines, likely continuing the current portfolio of a 2.0-liter four in the 230i and a 3.0-liter six in the M240i. We are told the inline-six in the upscale versions remains a staple of performance-oriented BMWs. All-wheel drive will remain an option.

We expect BMW to continue offering a manual gearbox, at least in the next-generation M2. It is not clear whether BMW will continue to offer a manual in the next M240i; though a stick-shift currently an option on the U.S.-market M240i, this version has already been killed in Europe.

With a shrinking market for convertibles, there won't be another 2-Series droptop. BMW hopes to draw most customers to the next-gen 4-series convertible, which—unlike the current model—will feature a fabric top that will position it closer to the current 2-series convertible.

Seen by many as the quintessential BMW, and arguably the spiritual successor of the legendary 2002, the next 2-series coupe won't have much natural competition. The closest, in our view, is the two-seater Porsche Cayman. But there will be some cross-shopping with sporty imports based on front-wheel-drive architectures, such as the Mercedes-Benz CLA, the Audi S3 and RS3, and even BMW's own 2-series Gran Coupe. Prices will remain close to the current model.

[SteveinArizona]

thanks. When I am ready to replace my 530e, the M240i looks very promising. At my age I am not going to track the car so I don't need the full M2.

[hlm2c]

Hope BMW keeps the manuals alive.

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by hlm2c

Hope BMW keeps the manuals alive.

The MT is confirmed to be returning in the M2. It is very unlikely to return in the 2 Series.

[pz619]

Whew inline 6 and RWD. The way it’s intended to be.

Hope it’s spared from the stupid looking grill though.

[ejm3]

No convertible :-(

[kaputt]

Enthusiast model with no manual... shame.

[heavyD^2]

Originally Posted by kaputt

Enthusiast model with no manual... shame.

We expect BMW to continue offering a manual gearbox, at least in the next-generation M2.

[c1pher]

YUUUGE grille.

[SteveinArizona]

Originally Posted by c1pher

YUUUGE grille.

Are you sure?

[BMWGirlFL]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

It won't be as big as the 4. But still prominent.

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

I find THE 2 will be the concept that blends more elements of a classical BMW entry-Coupe into its design form. Not overly retro but using some classical inspiration. It's positioning of the central,taller but not full facia Kidney Grille owes more to these ideas.

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

I have not seen the M2 proposals but all I can suggest is that when you look at the 4 Coupe to the M4 you can still have a slim intake underneath the grille with the 4. But the M has the grille down to the front spoiler. The 4 takes its historic update from the E9 cars.
Whereas the 2 will takes its from the 2002. Although the 2 kidney grille is not as prominent and large as it is on the 4. But uses the tall and thinner in terms of width ideas to update and give it a classic appearance.

~

[c1pher]

Originally Posted by SteveinArizona

Are you sure?

Going to look more like the 7 series big grille.

[SteveinArizona]

Originally Posted by c1pher

Going to look more like the 7 series big grille.

I don't love the big grill in the 7 but I can live with a variant of it. It is the newer Edsel grills that I can't live with. My problem is the shape; the car is wide and not tall and putting those tall grills in it IMHO just doesn't work. So it is the shape of the grills that is turning me off.

[kaputt]

Originally Posted by heavyD^2

They tout the 2 series as a whole as their enthusiast focused car. Seems that even the models under the M2 should have a manual then. There are some who like to drive fun cars that don’t want to or can’t step into the M line.

[SCOTT26]

Wait for it....

[chris719]

Originally Posted by SteveinArizona

I don't love the big grill in the 7 but I can live with a variant of it. It is the newer Edsel grills that I can't live with. My problem is the shape; the car is wide and not tall and putting those tall grills in it IMHO just doesn't work. So it is the shape of the grills that is turning me off.

Completely agree. I want to like these new designs but every time I play with it in Photoshop and shorten them, it just looks much better.

[AlexFL]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

Wait for it....

Man, this looks like an Alfa Romeo.

[Germanauto]

But will it lose any weight?

Or just keep getting heavier, longer, wider, and more powerful to compensate? I'm looking at you, the rest of BMW's portfolio.

[BMWILUVU]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

Wait for it....

If they add some slant to the grille, it may work out.

[chris719]

Originally Posted by kaputt

They tout the 2 series as a whole as their enthusiast focused car. Seems that even the models under the M2 should have a manual then. There are some who like to drive fun cars that don’t want to or can’t step into the M line.

I don't necessarily understand it either. If you are going to develop a 6MT for the platform, then why not benefit from using it on more than one model? I'm pretty sure the M235i and M2 6MT were just about the same if not the exact same transmission. I wonder if there are fleet CO2 and emissions implications.

[kaputt]

Originally Posted by chris719

I don't necessarily understand it either. If you are going to develop a 6MT for the platform, then why not benefit from using it on more than one model? I'm pretty sure the M235i and M2 6MT were just about the same if not the exact same transmission. I wonder if there are fleet CO2 and emissions implications.

I’m sure primarily emissions and fuel mileage are the ultimate factor paired up with an already low take rate. It’s really a shame, I don’t think a driver like me really fits modern BMW’s market anymore.

I know I’ll be keeping my 128 for long haul, that’s for sure. In fact I doubt my next car I buy will be a bmw, especially if it’s going to be primarily for driving fun. They do make some decent daily driver type cars though. I’ve heard the m235i Gran Coupe is actually a pretty fun little run about. It’s pretty damn expensive though.

I’m keeping an eye on the next gen BRZ as well.

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by chris719

I don't necessarily understand it either. If you are going to develop a 6MT for the platform, then why not benefit from using it on more than one model?

It’s about engine/transmission combinations. The original B58 was paired with a manual transmission and used across the “F generation” 1, 2, 3, and 4 Series. Today’s B58 TU is no longer paired with a manual transmission. Take rates became too low in the larger models, and the 1 Series moved to FAAR. The 2 Series coupe alone sells in too small volumes to justify a unique powertrain configuration regardless of where manual demand may or may not be.

I'm pretty sure the M235i and M2 6MT were just about the same if not the exact same transmission. I wonder if there are fleet CO2 and emissions implications.

The M2 will share the S58/6MT setup coming in the M3 and M4. This is likely the final generation for that.