share on BufferSimilarly to what happened with the 3 Series, BMW has decided to split the 1 Series family into two separate lines, with the new 2 Series Coupe replacing the previous three-box-styled 1 Series Coupe.
Compared to the 1 Series from which it derives, the new 2 Series features an increase in length of 11 centimeters and a redesigned front end, which replaces the controversial styling of the 1 Series with a more classic design influenced by the 3 Series and the recent 4 Series Coupe.
When compared with its predecessor, the BMW 1 Series Coupe, the increase in dimensions is even more evident: the overall length has increased by 72 mm to 4,432 mm, the width by 32 millimetres to 1,774 mm, wheelbase by 30 mm to 2,690 mm. At the same time the height has been lowered by 5 mm to 1,418 mm.
The result is an increase in interior space and 20 litres of extra trunk capacity (now 390 litres). The BMW 2 Series Coupe also features an improved drag coefficient of 0.29.
Left: the 4 Series Coupe – right: the new 2 Series Coupe
The overall proportions along with the surface treatments, make the 2 Series Coupe look as a compact variant of the 4 Series Coupe, with which it also shares the sculpted flanks and the DLO graphics.
The new 2 Series Coupe will be available with a wide choice of gasoline and diesel engines, with outputs ranging from 135 kW/184 hp up to 240 kW/326 hp for the BMW M235i Coupe.
Below we report the official video presentation featuring Domagoj Dukec, head of exterior design at BMW and Thomas Ebner, product manager of the BMW 2 Series. We also report an excerpt from the press release with some details on the design.
Exterior Design
The individual vehicle concept of the BMW 2 Series Coupe is underlined by its specific front and rear end design, dynamically stretched lines and an almost 11-centimetre increase in body length over the BMW 1 Series. Characteristic design elements of a BMW Coupe have been carried over into the compact segment and signature brand features given a fresh twist.
Another stand-out feature of BMW Coupes – the hallmark three-box body structure with a clear distinction between roofline and boot – has a particularly clear presence in the new compact model.
Like the side swage lines that wrap around into the rear end, this feature picks up on characteristic styling elements of the BMW 02, drawing a link between the new car and the brand’s long tradition of sporting and agile compact models.
Lines tapering down dynamically towards the BMW kidney grille lend the front end of the BMW 2 Series Coupe a forward-surging presence. The modified contours of the headlight units narrow at their inner extremes, while a standard accent strip – or, if the optional bi-xenon lights are fitted, an LED accent light – cuts across the top of the hallmark BMW twin circular lights.
The BMW kidney grille, which is separated from the headlights by narrow strips on either side, protrudes clearly from the front of the car and slants forward at a slight angle. The three-dimensional design of the grille surround and its 11 vertical bars reinforce the car’s striking appearance.
The lower air intake is split into three sections. The two outer elements are particularly large and their outlines replicate the form of the headlight units. Air Curtains are integrated harmoniously into an additional section at the outer edges of the front apron and channel the onrushing air precisely behind the front side panels, causing it to hang over the wheels like a curtain. This reduces turbulence and further enhances the outstanding aerodynamics of the BMW 2 Series Coupe.
The side view of the BMW 2 Series Coupe sees signature brand features like a long bonnet, short overhangs, set-back passenger compartment, Hofmeister kink (the counter-swing in the window frame at the trailing edge of the C-pillars) and door openers integrated into the swage line blending with coupe-specific design elements, chief among them the slim window graphic and sweeping roofline gliding back smoothly into the rear end.
A prominent character line above the door sill sweeps up rearwards of the B-pillar into the rear wheel arch, whose powerfully flared form focuses the mind on the car’s rear-wheel drive and swells the BMW 2 Series Coupe’s body to its broadest point.
The dynamic wedge shape of the two-door model is emphasised, too, by the door sill line itself, which likewise rises up towards the rear. The BMW 2 Series Coupe also has doors with frameless windows and turn signal indicators integrated into the exterior mirrors.
The rear of the BMW 2 Series Coupe is a broad and powerful affair, an impression reinforced by the single-piece light units reaching far into the car’s flanks in the L-shape familiar from other BMW models. An unmistakable night design is provided by the likewise L-shaped LED rear light strips within the units. The third brake light positioned at the upper edge of the rear window is also fed by LED units.
The lines along the sides of the boot lid taper downwards slightly. This styling cue, along with the additional crease and suggested diffuser element in the rear apron, accentuates the BMW 2 Series Coupe’s road focus and low centre of gravity. And yet the new car also has a wider boot aperture than its predecessor.
The exterior paintwork of the BMW 2 Series Coupe can be ordered in a choice of two non-metallic and 10 metallic shades, while customers can also specify Estoril Blue metallic as part of the M Sport package.
Interior: cockpit design ensures maximum driving pleasure; premium ambience can be enjoyed from four seats.
(Source: BMW)
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