The 2 Series coupe is effectively the torchbearer for what car enthusiasts would call the “quintessential BMW” vibe of practical sport luxury. The vehicle’s new design leaked over the weekend and most who commented on it seemed underwhelmed. Now that the official press pack has dropped, the chatter I’m seeing largely echoes The Drive‘s EIC Kyle Cheromcha’s assessment of “looks fine.”
- Cars: 2022 BMW M240i xDrive Coupé
- Location: Germany (probably)
- Photog: BMW official (for the media packet)
- Camera: Sony ILCE-9, f/16, 86 mm focal length, 1/30 exposure
That’s not a particularly thrilling endorsement, but I have a feeling people will continue to warm up to this car.
I felt pretty much the same way as Cheromcha this morning — not particularly inspired but not offended either. The 2er is a car I really want to like though, as it’s the closest modern thing the Bavarian brand makes to the 2002 coupes of the ’60s and ’70s. After sizing it up from a few angles, this rear three-quarter in particular, I think it’s a little better than fine. When the sun catches those fender flares, I’m optimistic that the new 2 will look downright decent in person.
As our Editorial Director Patrick George put it, “could have been worse.”
I’m pretty impressed the BMW trotted it out in purple (official color name: Thundernight Metallic) but bummed that the M240i has only been shown off with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic so far. I have a feeling a rear-drive six-speed manual will be in the pipeline, and if so, I think BMW could have a tidy little future classic on its hands. The more I look at it, the more I like it.
What say you, Car Autance commenters? Has your appreciation of this thing changed at all in the 24 hours it’s been out in the public eye in earnest?
