BMW 2 Series Coupe revealed

The BMW 2 Series Coupe arrives as part of a new naming system for BMW - just as the 3 Series Coupe became the 4 Series, so the 1 Series Coupe has now officially become the 2 Series. We’ve seen spy shots before, but now we have full details and pictures of this sportier alternative to the Audi TT and Peugeot RCZ.

• BMW 2 Series news and reviews

The BMW 2 Series makes its public debut at the Detroit Motor Show 2014 in January, before going on sale in March, and its styling is entirely different to the 1 Series hatch. All-new bumpers and narrow swept-back headlights create a wider, more planted stance.

From the rear, the 2 looks even more like a mini 4 Series, with a subtle flick in the bootlid. The short overhangs, Hofmeister kink and flared rear wheelarches are all signature BMW styling cues. The wheelbase is the same as the 1 Series’, at 2,690mm, but the stretched boot takes overall length from 4,324mm to 4,432mm. That has also freed up an extra 30 litres of boot space over the hatch with the rear seats in place, giving a total of 390 litres. However, unlike the hatch it’s based on, the 2 Series is only available with two individual seats in the back.

BMW says it’s focused on a sporty driving experience with the new car, which is why it’s left out lower-powered engines from the 1 Series line-up. There are three versions of the latest 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel, with 141bhp in the 218d, 181bhp in the 220d and 215bhp in the 225d. Fuel economy and emissions range from 67.3mpg and 111g/km in the 218d to 60.1mpg and 124g/km in the 225d.

Petrol choices include a 181bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo in the 220i, while at the top of the range is the model in our pictures: the M235i. This isn’t a fully fledged ‘M’ car, but part of BMW’s new M Performance family. And it gets a version of the 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo with 321bhp (6bhp more than in the M135i and the same output as in the original E36 M3). The M235i sprints from 0-62mph in five seconds flat with a six-speed manual box; with an eight-speed auto, it’s 4.8 seconds.

Regular 2 Series models come in Sport, Modern or M Sport specs (the latter features 10mm lower suspension, 17-inch wheels and sportier looks). But the M235i has uprated M Sport brakes, variable-ratio steering and lightweight 18-inch wheels – options on other models. A mechanical limited-slip diff can be added at extra cost.

As with any BMW, the unveil of the new 2 Series doesn’t just signal a new model, but 
a whole new family of cars. Next up will be a 2 Series Convertible, spied testing (above) with the fabric roof stowed. Expect it to follow the Coupé later in 2014.

A slinky four-door is said to be in the pipeline, too, but it’s not clear yet whether this will be badged as a BMW 1 Series saloon or a BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé. This model will rival the Audi A3 Saloon and Mercedes CLA.