Skip advert
Advertisement

Coupe of the Year 2022: BMW 2 Series

The BMW 2 Series is the 2022 Auto Express Coupe of the Year, with the Alpine A110 and Porsche 718 Cayman commended

If you want to succeed in the coupé class, then you need a car that combines style and sophistication with synapse-snapping driver engagement. Happily for BMW, the all-new 2 Series ticks every one of these boxes.

As with its predecessor, the BMW is still more of a sleek two-door saloon than a true coupé, but with a more muscular stance than before, it’s certainly not short of kerb appeal. Under the skin, the 2 Series now features a cut-down version of the German firm’s CLAR platform, which also underpins the larger 3 Series. As a result, the newcomer’s beauty is much more than skin deep.

Advertisement - Article continues below

With meaty steering, a traditional rear-wheel- drive layout and relatively compact dimensions, even the entry-level 220i and 220d versions encourage you to seek out twisty back roads. In the flagship M240i, the combination of four-wheel drive, cast-iron control and a snarling 369bhp straight-six means few rivals are as fast from point-to-point – and there’s a full-fat M2 on the way for performance car fans, too.

Yet like all the best coupés, the 2 Series is just as adept at being an everyday runaround or long-distance cruiser. Refinement is strong, and while the low-speed ride is a little firm, it’s never uncomfortable. What’s more, there’s room for four and a decent 390-litre boot, plus the 3 Series-sourced interior is dripping in upmarket appeal and comes with all the brand’s handy tech and advanced driver aids.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

If you’re after a coupé with beauty and brains, look no further than the hugely talented 2 Series.

Our choice

BMW 230i M Sport (£39,655)

While the 220i is predicted to be the most popular model among buyers, the extra 61bhp of the 230i (which uses the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder) boosts performance; the 0-62mph time drops from 7.5 seconds to 5.9 seconds. The standard kit list includes 18-inch wheels, M Sport suspension and LED headlights. A £4,000 deposit on a three-year PCP brings the total figure to £596 per month.

Commended

Alpine A110

Advertisement - Article continues below

Our coupé king for the last couple of years has to settle for a commendation this time around, but the flyweight French machine’s appeal remains undimmed. A facelift late last year added extra performance and improved infotainment, but the involving handling remains untouched. The flagship S version is faster still, but the standard car delivers all the flair and fun you’ll need.

Porsche 718 Cayman

When it comes to driver thrills, few coupés come close to the Cayman. Adjustable handling and beautifully judged controls ensure the perfectly balanced Porsche is more involving than most, yet it’s also easy to live with as a daily driver. The turbocharged four-cylinder engines offer plenty of muscle, but the howling 4.0-litre flat-six in the GTS is worth every extra penny.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

The 2022 New Car Awards are brought to you in association with Hankook tyres

New Car Awards 2022: the winners

Special edition of Auto Express

Auto Express Issue 1,736

Subscribe to Auto Express magazine

You can buy individual issues of Auto Express or subscribe for even bigger discounts on the print magazine cover price. You can also subscribe or download individual issues of our digital edition direct to your desktop, phone or tablet as well.

Stay right up to date with the latest from the world of cars in 2024 and beyond, subscribe to our email newsletter and follow us on social media...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Coupe of the Year 2025: BMW 2 Series
Coupe of the Year 2025: BMW 2 Series

Coupe of the Year 2025: BMW 2 Series

The BMW 2 Series is the 2025 Auto Express Coupe of the Year, with the Ford Mustang and Maserati GranTurismo commended
Awards
2 Jul 2025
Auto Express New Car Awards: all the previous winners
New Car Awards 2024 header

Auto Express New Car Awards: all the previous winners

A look back at previous winners of the Auto Express New Car Awards
Awards
27 Jun 2025
New BMW M235 2025 review: is it a proper M car?
BMW M235i - front tracking

New BMW M235 2025 review: is it a proper M car?

BMW has given its smallest sports saloon a big overhaul, but is it enough to deliver the full M experience?
Road tests
23 May 2025
Best coupes on sale 2025
Best coupes - header image

Best coupes on sale 2025

We pick out the cream of the coupe crop
Best cars & vans
17 Dec 2024

Most Popular

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports
MST Ford Escort - front 3/4

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports

While not officially Fords, the MST Mk1 and Mk2 Sports should drive as sharply as they look
News
7 Jul 2025
New Mazda CX-5 revealed with fresh looks, more space and far fewer buttons
Mazda CX-5 - front

New Mazda CX-5 revealed with fresh looks, more space and far fewer buttons

The Mazda CX-5 has been revolutionised to take on the Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson
News
10 Jul 2025