2022 BMW 2 Series Debuts With Modern Styling, Retro Proportions
The BMW 2 Series coupe is in many ways a successor to the automaker’s legendary 2002, and the resemblance grows closer with the 2022 model.
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For starters, this is one of the more conservatively designed BMWs in recent history, retaining the long hood and short deck of its predecessors that clearly denote its rear-drive architecture. Unfortunately for purists, the 2 Series will no longer be available with a manual gearbox, receiving a standard eight-speed automatic transmission for both models: the rear-drive 230i and the all-wheel-drive M240i xDrive.
The standard engine, found in the 230i, is a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet (190 kilowatts and 400 newton-meters). Meanwhile, the M240i’s turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six makes a prodigious 382 hp and 369 lb-ft (285 kW and 500 Nm). Both numbers represent improvements over the corresponding engines found in the outgoing 2 Series, with better performance coming along – BMW says the 230i will hit 60 miles per hour in 5.5 seconds, with the M240i cutting that time to 4.1 ticks. Both models can hit a top speed of 155 mph, properly equipped.
The 2022 BMW 2 Series has finally done away with its standard manual transmission, with both 230i and M240i models coming exclusively with an eight-speed Steptronic gearbox. That’s a real shame, particularly in a car that’s supposed to recall the 2002, a holy grail for performance purity. At least it boasts launch control and a “Sprint” function, which switches to the lowest possible gear when after the driver holds the left shift paddle for one second.
BMW hasn’t released pricing on the 2022 2 Series just yet, but it likely won’t come cheap. The current 230i starts at $35,900, while the 2021 M240i xDrive is $48,350. Don’t expect the new model to cut anything from the price either – we doubt you’ll get much change back from a $40,000 bill on the 2022 230i, while the M240i may cost $50,000 before options. Also in question are potential variants, such as the 230i and M240i cabrio and full-blown M2. Both will likely arrive within a year of the coupe, which hits dealers in November.
We applaud BMW for giving the new 2 Series some styling restraint, with excellent rear-drive proportions and a subdued front grille. The lack of a manual transmission option is sad and there are definitely some confusing design choices, but that likely won’t matter to BMW’s current clientele, who seem to appreciate exuberance more than classical styling and an involving driving experience. While it might not be the 2002 redux we all dream of, the 2022 BMW 2 Series should still be a hot seller for the company.
