BMW 2 Series Coupe Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

BMW unveiled the 2022 2 Series Coupe at the 2021 Goodwood Festival of Speed and, even though the hatchback sibling was front-wheel-drive, the two-door version kept the traditional rear-wheel-drive system.

When the German carmaker decided to change the names for its cars, it kept the even numbers for the coupes and the odd ones for the regular four or five doors versions. That's why the 1 Series Coupe became a 2 Series, and it was a relief for BMW fans when the compact vehicle appeared with an RWD or an AWD system.

The car's exterior showed a different front fascia than its bigger brother, the 4 Series. It didn't sport the tall and narrow "kidney-grille" but a flat and broad one. Its slim, LED headlights with an underlining daytime running light showed an aggressive look, and the wide grille on the lower side of the bumper complemented it. The enlarged front and rear fenders made room for wider tires of up to 255/35 R 19 on the rear and 225/40 R19 at the front, depending on the options.

Inside, BMW packed all the 2021 technology, including the Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. An 8.8" touch-screen infotainment display was offered as standard, while a 10.25" was on the options list. A 12.3" digital panel found its place in the instrument cluster and could show the usual information about the car and the navigation map or the music played on the sound system. Like its predecessor, the 2 Series Coupe featured two bucket seats at the front and a bench for two in the rear, with limited legroom and headroom but still suitable enough for short trips. The trunk offered up to 390 liters (13.8 cu-ft) of space.

Under the hood, BMW installed a choice of gasoline and turbo-diesel engines. It provided two inline-four engines: one gasoline and a turbo-diesel, plus a turbocharged inline-six.

BMW introduced the facelifted version, or LCI (Life Cycle Impulse), in the automaker glossary in 2017, after four years on the market, and, along with the update, it revised the engine lineup.

After the successful introduction of the 1 Series in 2004, the German automaker noticed that the coupe aimed at different kinds of customers than the three- or five-door hatchback. As a result, it created the 2 Series as a two-door coupe or convertible as a different lineup. They were tuned for sport and ditched most of the practicality factor induced by its sibling. With the 2017 model, the 2 Series remained competitive, and thanks to its restyled exterior and richer interior, it became more appealing.

One of the most significant changes for the car was noticed at the front fascia, where the entire range got fresh, bi-LED headlights. In addition, the daytime running lights were no longer featured as circular lights inside headlamps but as hexagonal-shaped, similar to what its bigger siblings, the 3 Series and the 5 Series, had. In addition, the automaker offered a few options for the bumper. While the base versions were fitted with ones that featured an average-sized air intake in their lower area, the automaker also offered an M-package that brought wide air scoops on the sides that cooled the front brakes. The car’s profile was also slightly modified thanks to new side skirts, while at the rear, BMW introduced new, L-shaped, LED taillights.

Inside, customers could order the vehicle with comfortable bucket seats covered in fabric or sports seats with leather upholstery. The driver fronted an analog instrument cluster with large dials for the tachometer and speedometer that flanked a color display for various information provided by the onboard computer. In addition, BMW installed an 8.8” screen for the infotainment system that the front occupants could control via the well-known rotary knob of the iDrive system. On the 2017 2 Series, the automaker installed an upgraded infotainment unit that allowed customers to connect better with their vehicles via an integrated SIM card for the BMW ConnectedDrive service. Moreover, the navigation unit provided real-time traffic information. Last but not least, it offered Apple CarPlay connectivity but not Android Auto. In the back was a bench seat profiled for two, but with very limited legroom. The trunk volume remained the same as on the non-facelifted version and provided 390 liters (13.7 cu-ft.) of storage.

Under the hood, the automaker offered a range of seven engines, either gasoline or diesel, all turbocharged, with three, four, or six cylinders. The automaker paired these powerplants with either six-speed manuals or eight-speed automatics, but several models were available exclusively with a two-pedal setup, such as the 220i, 230i, 225d, and M240i xDrive Coupe. Depending on the engine and options, customers could order the 2017 2 Series with either rear or all-wheel-drive systems.

At first, based on the Series 1 hatchback, BMW offered the sportier BMW 1 Series Coupe. The BMW 2 Series replaced the 1 Series, but the German carmaker didn’t just change its name.

Only available in a coupe body style, the 2013 2 Series featured lots of styling and mechanical changes, as well as more interior room and cargo space.

With its sharper headlights and the redesigned taillights, the 2 Series was an attractive coupe with a saloon style trunk.

Inside, the coupe offered a high quality interior with a premium design, as well as lots of standard equipment. Most materials used throughout the cabin were soft to touch and the sporty-elegant design gave a pleasant feeling.

The cabin was fitted with multiple storage spaces, including cupholders, central storage and well-designed door bins. In the rear cabin, the passenger space was better than in other coupes in the class and they benefited of a central armrest, as well as cupholders.

Pretty well equipped in the standard package, the 2 Series offered automatic climate control, USB connectivity, Bluetooth connectivity, a multi-function steering wheel and rain-sensing wipers. Other optional features included leather upholstery, parking sensors, large alloy wheels and others.

With different driving modes and a great suspension, the coupe felt sporty and glued to the road, driving it becoming real fun.

For those customers looking for the thrill, the powerful M235i was the best choice, reaching 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds, mated with a 8-speed automatic transmission. All engines available could be mated with a 6-speed manual transmission at no cost, but the automatic gearbox was standard.