SHEER ENJOYMENT
Looking smart and sounding wonderful, the new BMW Series 2 Coupé, is very desirable – and it’s quick too, writes Paul Agnew. Photography: Andy Tighe
We live in a demanding and often unforgiving world. A lot of what we do, say, wear, watch, eat, visit (you get the drift) is analysed and critiqued to the nth degree.
A world – dominated by social platforms – in which it takes a nanosecond for something to go viral (popular in old money) or slip into the abyss never to be seen or heard of again.
So, just imagine the anticipation among the Bowker sales team when a new BMW model is announced.
And the model under scrutiny here, the new 2 Series Coupé, is every bit deserving of the world-famous badge.
Since its launch in March, industry reaction has been better than good and it’s easy to see why.
The 220i (four cylinder) option I took for a spin is a very desirable motor indeed – a coupé that will appeal to traditionalists and modernists alike.
A treat for the senses in that it looks smart and sounds wonderful, it’s compact yet plenty roomy enough and nippy. No, not nippy, quick (0-62mph in 7.2 seconds with the very powerful, six-cylinder M240i xDrive managing it in 4.3 seconds).
But don’t worry that trips to the filling station will become more frequent as a consequence. The fuel economy is pretty impressive too with petrol engines delivering up to 44.1 mpg and diesel up to 60.1 mpg. Especially economical given the high level of performance on offer.
Despite a rather athletic appearance – one specialist reviewer christened it ‘a little tearaway’ – it would be incorrect to call the BMW 2 Series Coupé an out-and-out sports car, but it is in every sense a sporting car.
It’s got punch and finesse in equal measures, providing an exhilarating experience supported by sound practicality.
Scores well on safety too with Euro NCAP, the European authority that tests the safety performance of cars, giving it a four-star rating.
Amongst a host of design and standard features come 18” M Double-spoke alloy wheels, LED headlights, high-gloss black interior trim, M Sports steering, M Sport body-styling and a striking kidney grille in high-gloss chrome.
The range-topping M240i xDrive (pictured here in Brooklyn Grey) offers a high level of standard equipment that takes this exciting new coupé to the next level – luxurious Vernasca leather Front M Sport seats, distinctive darkened LED rear lights, 19” alloy wheels, kidney frame, exhaust tailpipe finishers and front bumper air inlets.
In terms of technology and connectivity the BMW Live Cockpit Professional highlights a fully digital, customisable 12.3” instrument display with a 10.25” central control display, BMW Operating System 7.0, Intelligent Personal Assistant with personalised user account options, In-car 4G LTE connectivity real-time traffic information, connected parking, In-Car experiences, DAB radio, stereo system with six loudspeakers, quadruple tuner, a couple of USB connections and so much more.
For your added comfort, find heated front seats, Alcantara/Sensatec upholstery with contrast stitching, Active Guard Plus with city braking system and speed limitation, ambient lighting in six colours, M Sport leather steering wheel and 40:20:40 through-loading system.
Much to like, but what particularly impressed was the uncomplicated nature of the car – straightforward to navigate in terms of both the actual drive and the instruments and gadgets.
Don’t misunderstand, everything the modern motorist could possible want is right there, but it is incredibly easy to find and to use, which allows you to focus on the sheer enjoyment of getting from A to B in style and comfort.
So, back to this fast-moving world where we demand so much and are quick to judge, is the BMW 2 Series Coupé a hit and should you buy one? Yes, is the answer to both.
It was interesting to hear the view of Domagoj Dukec, the Head of BMW Design: “For me, the BMW 2 Series Coupé is the embodiment of classic BMW driving pleasure: compact, BMW typical proportions and a wide stance on the street at first glance. Driving the new BMW 2 Series Coupé is a lot of fun.”
A simple assessment. Impossible to disagree.
Bowker BMW
Trident Park, Trident Way, Blackburn BB1 3NU
01254 274444
bowkermotorgroup.co.uk
