BMW updates 2 Series range with new variants, engines, options
By Staff Writers, November 9 2016
BMW’s compact range of 2 Series coupes and convertibles were designed with fun in mind – after all, taking a small car and injecting it with plenty of power has always been a sure fire way to elicit grins from drivers, and in the case of the 2 Series, BMW gets the formula right in many ways.
But with competition heating up from rivals in the form of Audi’s A3 and the Mercedes-Benz CLA, BMW has turned up the pressure with their updated 2 Series range, offering drivers more performance and features in new variants, as well as dropping the diesel-powered model to make the entire range petrol-powered.
Leading the updated range are the new M240i Coupe and Convertible models, replacing the M235i variants, and priced at $74,900 and $83,900 respectively - a $2600 reduction over the outgoing models.
Featuring a redesigned 250kW/500Nm straight-six 3.0-litre twin-turbo engine, the M240i offers 10kW and 50Nm more power and torque than its predecessor, and can cover the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.6 and 4.7 seconds respectively for the Coupe and Convertible models.
The M240i is a fantastic driver’s car that allows you to have plenty of fun on the road, but if that’s not enough there’s also a slightly more powerful M2 Coupe available which adds an extra 22kW of power compared to the M240i.
BMW has also updated other models in the 2 Series range, including the newly minted 230i that replaces the 228i. While sportiness is high on the list of priorities, there’s also a Harman/kardon speaker setup and electric front seats offered as a no-cost option (as part of the Luxury Line package). The 230i also has the M Sport package fitted as standard, which includes M Sport brakes, wheels, and suspension, as well as an aero package that includes a rear spoiler for the Coupe model – so it’s safe to say that BMW knows that buyers of the 2 Series are looking for both driving thrills and luxury.
Starting at $61,900 for the coupe with a $10k premium for the convertible model, the 230i features a 185kW/350Nm 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine allowing it to sprint from 0-100kmh in 5.6 seconds (5.9 for the convertible model). While the standard transmission is an eight-speed automatic, there is also a six-speed manual available as a no-cost option.
The new M240i models, along with the 230i Coupe and Convertible, are also fitted with a new navigation system that features the latest generation iDrive controller and a new menu interface design for the 8.8-inch display screen.