BMW introduces the next generation of its compact rear-wheel drive-based sports coupes, the 2022 BMW 230i and BMW M240i xDrive Coupes
The New 2022 BMW 2 Series Coupe
BMW is proud to introduce the next generation of its compact rear-wheel drive-based sports coupes, the 2022 BMW 230i and BMW M240i xDrive Coupes. Striking, extroverted styling, more powerful engines, improved chassis and dynamics, greater interior room and the latest in infotainment and connectivity are just some of the improvements that await the new BMW 2 Series Coupe driver. The new 2 Series Coupe is focused on delivering maximum driving enjoyment, with every component having been optimized for this purpose.
More than 55 years ago, the first BMW 1600 arrived with compact dimensions, a sophisticated chassis and a powerful engine. When the 2002 designation was attached to the 2-door body, a legendary automobile was born. One that provided an unequaled driving experience through a carefully balanced combination of engine, chassis, braking and driver-focused cockpit. In 1973, the 170 hp BMW 2002 Turbo was the first series production European car to feature turbocharging. 2008 saw the arrival of a new sporty rear-wheel drive 1 Series Coupe and 2014 was the market launch of the new 1st Generation 2 Series Coupe.
Exterior Design
The 2nd Generation BMW 230i Coupe is 4.3-inches longer, 2.6-inches wider, 1.0-inch lower and has a 2.0-inch longer wheelbase than the 1st Generation 230i Coupe. The new BMW M240i xDrive model is 3.5-inches longer, 2.6-inches wider, 0.1-inch lower and has a 2.0-inch longer wheelbase than the M240i xDrive Coupe it replaces.
Front and rear tracks are increased by a significant amount – plus 2.8-inches up front and plus 1.9-inches in the rear on the 230i Coupe and plus 2.5-inches at the front and plus 2.4-inches at the rear for the M240i xDrive Coupe. This pays dividends not only in improved cornering prowess but also in a more aggressive appearance.
The BMW 2 Series Coupe’s striking and athletic new exterior design is the first thing that everyone will notice. Three-dimensional surfaces, triangular forms and diagonal lines bring visual power to the front end. The low front bumper, headlights positioned to the outer edges of the front end and the new, turbine-style BMW kidney grille give the car a wide, low-slung look. The prominently flared fenders and a muscular power dome at the center of the hood give indication of the BMW 2 Series Coupe’s higher dynamic capabilities.
The new performance-oriented BMW kidney grille features vertically arranged air flaps instead of the classic bars. These operate electrically and can open in ten stages to provide increased cooling air when required by the engine. The BMW kidney grille is surrounded by a single-piece frame in a chrome finish on the BMW 230i Coupe and in cerium grey on the BMW M240i xDrive Coupe. A high-gloss black finish is available with the Shadowline Package. The horizontal cooling air flaps in the hexagonal lower area of the front bumper are also adjusted according to need and help to cool the brakes as well. Air curtains are integrated into the triangular inserts at the outer edges of the front bumper. These guide the oncoming air over the wheels to further reduce turbulence.
The strikingly contoured headlights - inspired by the legendary BMW 2002 models - each have a single individual circular full-LED headlight. The daytime running lights take the form of U-shaped light guides, with integrated turn signals, at the lower edge of the headlights. Adaptive LED Headlights are optional with the Premium Package. As well as responding to steering angle, their cornering light function can also “look ahead” – using data from the navigation system data – in order to illuminate the road as effectively as possible. The Adaptive LED Headlights can be identified by gold colored accent trim and light guides for the daytime driving light and turn indicators. And the Adaptive LED Headlights are also available with darkened inlays as part of the Shadowline Package.
A long hood, short overhangs and a set-back cabin – whose rear section rests on powerfully flared wheel arches – give the new BMW 2 Series Coupe a very athletic appearance. The roofline swoops down from the B-pillar to the short trunk lid which culminates in a pronounced spoiler lip. The clean design language brings extra presence to the extended fenders.
The precisely drawn shoulder line emerging from the headlights extends along the sides to the rear lights. The side windows culminate at the rear in a classical interpretation of BMW’s signature Hofmeister kink. A second, low character line links the front and rear wheel arches. It teams up with the side skirt extensions to give the area around the doors a particularly light and compact appearance.
An aluminum hood and front fenders are used to reduce weight at the front of the vehicle for improved front-rear weight distribution.
Pronounced surfaces at the rear of the new BMW 2 Series Coupe produce an appealing interplay of light and shadow effects which enhances the visual power of the car. Like the compact headlights at the front of the car, the contours of the standard darkened rear lights – positioned at the outer extremes of the rear end – embody a more sporting form. Their surfaces are formed by light clusters with three-dimensional sculpting. This provides a unique showcase for the LED technology. The rear light bars illuminate to produce a new, downward-ending interpretation of the familiar L shape. They border the pentagonal brake light units at their upper edge and to the side. Horizontal LED light guides below the rear lights serve as turn indicators. A rear bumper insert finished in matt black and with integral reflectors underscores the sporting look.
Extending out from the right- and left-hand edges of the rear bumper, the exhaust tips are circular on the BMW 230i Coupe and trapezoidal on the BMW M240i xDrive Coupe.
Customers purchasing the new BMW 2 Series Coupe can choose from two non-metallic and six metallic exterior paint shades depending on vehicle specification.
The 6-cylinder BMW M240i xDrive Coupe features a more aggressive bumper design with a black front spoiler. The BMW kidney grille surround and side air intake trim come in cerium grey, as do the M-specific exterior mirror caps, the exhaust tips and the model badges. Also standard on the BMW M240i xDrive Coupe is M high-gloss Shadowline exterior trim for the rear bumper inlay and for the side skirts. An M-specific trunk lid spoiler painted in body color and a black diffuser optimize the airflow at the rear of the car. Above the diffuser, a hexagonal design element reprises the contours of the lower air intake at the front end. Vertically arranged aero extensions with integrated reflectors at the outer edges of the rear apron emphasize the wide and powerful stature of the BMW M model.
Styling components of the optional M Sport Package, available for the BMW 230i Coupe, includes the aggressively-styled front bumper with larger side air intakes, M high-gloss Shadowline exterior trim and side skirts plus high-gloss black window trim and the lower section of the rear bumper with integral diffuser in Dark Shadow metallic.
M Sport Package Pro, which is part of the optional Shadowline Package features M Sport brakes, 19-inch M light-alloy wheels, extended M high-gloss Shadowline exterior trim, darkened M Shadowline headlights, a black front spoiler lip, a black M rear spoiler, black exhaust tips, black kidney grille surround and a Sprint function.
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