BMW’s all-new 2 Series Coupe recently arrived in South Africa and while much praise has been heaped on the 3.0-litre inline-6-engined M240i xDrive, we tasked Gero Lilleike to weigh up the pros and cons of the range-topper’s more accessible 4-cylinder 220i sibling. Does it offer enough driver engagement – let’s call it “fizz” – to justify its price tag? Let’s take a closer look!
We like: Dynamic handling ability, kerb appeal, robust interior
We don’t like: It would benefit from the 230i’s extra poke, pricey
Fast Facts
- Model Tested: BMW 220i Coupe M Sport
- Price: R772 590 (May 2022)
- Engine: 2.0-litre turbopetrol
- Power/Torque: 135 kW/300 Nm
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Fuel Consumption: 6.3 L/100km
- Load Capacity: 390 litres
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Where does it fit in?
The new 2 Series Coupe retains its rear-wheel-drive layout, but has a larger overall footprint than its predecessor.
Like its predecessor, the 2 Series Coupe appeals greatly to BMW enthusiasts because it incorporates many of the ingredients that made the Bavarian brand’s two-door 3 Series variants from the Eighties and Nineties so popular and revered: stout styling, a road-hugging stance, a rear-wheel-drive configuration and engaging dynamics. As such, the BMW 2 Series has been an attractive package for buyers looking for a capable driver’s car with a whack of style to keep the ol’ ego fluffed. It’s a recipe that worked for the 1 Series Coupe and previous-gen 2 Series and it’s no surprise that the Bavarian brand has followed the recipe for the latest iteration of the 2 Series Coupe, albeit with some notable improvements.
These key attributes of the 2 Series Coupe reach their zenith in the range’s high-performance derivatives, such as the much-lauded M2 Coupe (a new M2 Coupe is in development) and to a lesser degree, the current range-topping M240i xDrive, on which all-wheel drive made its debut in the compact sportscar range.
However, what if your budget can’t stretch beyond R1-million for the M240i xDrive? Is it worth considering the 220i, which comes standard with the M Sport package? Does it offer enough performance to justify its purchase price of R772 590, before options? This review aims to provide some answers to these questions and will, hopefully, help you make an informed buying decision.
How the BMW 2 Series Coupe performs in terms of…
Kerb Appeal
The front 3-quarter view of the G42-generation 2 Series Coupe is its most pleasing aspect, most onlookers say.
Let’s be honest, as a prospective purchase, the 2 Series Coupe is a heart-over-head kind of car… Suffice to say, kerb appeal will play a pivotal role in a potential buyer’s decision, especially if they’re considering a sportscar. Styling is subjective and, considering the recent spate of controversial exterior designs BMW has foisted on us, the 220i drew a mix of positive and negative feedback. However, the test team mostly liked the coupe’s looks; BMW’s design team was perhaps wise to leave the firm’s oversize kidney grille in the pantry for the G42-generation model. Note that the “conventional” kidney grille features active slats that open and close depending on the engine’s cooling requirements.
While the front-end certainly looks purposeful (handsome, even), the rear-end styling proves more divisive. The combination of the new taillight design and oddly-angled rear bumper and diffuser may take some time to get used to. We like that the door handles now sit flush with the bodywork – they make the flanks look sleeker. Despite all the criticism lobbed at BMW, we think the German firm has done enough to bring fresh design appeal to the 2 Series Coupe. Do you agree?
This test unit that was dispatched to our office wore Brooklyn Grey metallic paintwork. Courtesy of its M Sport package, the Bimmer looks decisively purposeful with its 19-inch double-spoke, light-alloy wheels (shod with low profile rubber) that fill the wheel arches nicely, while the subtle M fender badges, M Aerodynamic kit and BMW Individual High-Gloss Shadow Line add further visual appeal to the overall package.
Interior execution and features
The interior is enhanced with M-themed door cards that add colourful character to the cabin.
Inside, you are met with a familiar BMW cabin environment that’s enhanced with some M Sport detailing such as a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel and Aluminium Tetragon trim finishers, but the major visual interior highlight is the M-coloured door cards that look especially impressive at night. Not only do they lift the cabin ambience appreciably, but they also add an element of razzmatazz to an otherwise dark-themed cabin.
The sports seats are well-bolstered and specced in a combination of Alcantara and black Sensatec (synthetic leather) with blue contrast stitching. As far as onboard tech is concerned, the large digital instrument cluster can be configured using the mounted steering-wheel controls, while the easily-legible infotainment touchscreen offers not only Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability, but integrated navigation, Bluetooth telephony and access to the vehicle’s system settings.
Apart from the iDrive controller knob, the centre console houses an array of soft-touch buttons (located to the right of the stubby transmission lever) with which to toggle between drive modes; they include Sport (for dynamic driving situations), Comfort (for general driving, it prioritises ride- and steering comfort) and Eco Pro (to maximise efficiency).
Rear passenger legroom is tight, but the seats can fold down to create extra loading space.
The 2 Series Coupe is a compact 2-door car, so while the front occupants are seated in comfort, rear passengers will find leg- and headroom decidedly tight. To gain access to the rear bench (technically a pair of single seats), you need to pull a lever atop a front seat and slide its backrest forward. BMW claims a boot capacity of 390 litres, which is fairly useable, plus the rear seats can also be folded down (in a 60:40 split configuration) should you need to load longer items.
The 220i’s standard safety specification includes, but is not limited to, 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, brake assist and Electronic Stability Control with traction control.
Overall, the BMW’s interior fit-and-finish is good, with a level of perceived quality that you would expect from a premium product in this price range, but, even so, how does the 220i fare as a driver’s car?
Performance and Efficiency
The 220i’s powerplant will leave enthusiasts wanting more, but it should satisfy most buyers.
Beneath the 220i’s shapely bonnet lies BMW’s 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine that produces 135 kW and 300 Nm of torque; the motor drives the rear wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Look, those headline numbers aren’t going to result in urgent performance (by contemporary standards) – not in a car with a kerb weight of 1.5 tonnes, anyway – but that’s not really what the 220i’s all about. This li’l coupe likes to gather momentum in a smooth, refined manner – the transmission is particularly well-calibrated with the engine’s characteristics. So while the derivative might not offer enough grunt to excite hot- or hyper hatchback enthusiasts, it may suit those who have grown weary of such “hard-edged” machinery. BMW claims a zero-to-100 kph sprint time of 7.5 seconds for the 220i and while there is some discernable turbo lag (as one would expect), it doesn’t ruin the overall driving experience.
With the Sport drive mode engaged, the 220i feels more responsive to throttle inputs and its transmission shifts with greater verve, but even so, it all happens without much drama; the dual exhaust tips’ soundtrack is nothing special either.
The 2 Series Coupe’s rear styling is divisive but its rear-wheel-drive prowess remains.
Still, you can access greater driver engagement by using the BMW’s steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles to actuate manual shifts; the transmission is quite capable of extracting maximum poke from the engine, but the 8-speed ZF ‘box will shift obediently if you need it to. We drove the 220i M Sport on some twisty Cape roads and it served up a fair amount of driving enjoyment thanks to its sorted chassis and sharp steering, but more about the “ride and handling” later…
For those who’ll use the 220i on the daily commute (the majority of buyers), the powertrain delivers relatively strong acceleration from about 70-120kph, which, of course, is useful for executing quick overtaking manoeuvres on the freeway.
As for efficiency, BMW claims an average consumption of 6.3 L/100 km. During our test period, the test unit returned figures of around 7.8 L/100 km, which was not disappointing – considering most of us treated the 220i as a sportscar.
Handling Ability and Ride Quality
The 2 Series Coupe delivers sharp and engaging dynamic handling ability.
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the new-generation 2 Series Coupe is its dynamic ability; yes, even in base 220i M Sport guise. Unlike the 2 Series Gran Coupe, the newcomer shares its (CLAR) underpinnings with its larger 3 Series sedan sibling – not only is it larger than its predecessor, with wider front (+55mm) and rear (+31 mm) tracks, as well as a longer wheelbase (+51 mm), it also sits some 28 mm lower to the road.
Those seemingly incremental changes have made a considerable difference to the 2 Series Coupe’s dynamism, however. The steering response is prompt and sharp, which means the 220i can be utilised to slice and dice corners with utter confidence. Directional changes are near-effortless with minimal body roll. The “G42” feels taut and composed, yet quite wieldy when required. There is also something to be said for not having to urgently rein in your machine at every turn…
Meanwhile, the new 2 Series Coupe is flattered by its M Sports Suspension, which forms part of the (to reiterate, standard) M Sport package. This non-adaptive suspension setup has a moderately higher spring constant and harder stabilisers, but although the ride quality is on the firm side, it’s not so hard as to compromise everyday driving comfort. In fact, the 220i strikes a near-perfect ride/handling balance by blending heightened handling dynamics and with easy daily usability.
Price and after-sales support
The BMW 220i M Sport is priced from R772 590 and is sold with a 2-year/unlimited km warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
See specification details for the BMW 220i M Sport
Buy a used BMW 2 Series on Cars.co.za
Verdict
The 2 Series chassis delivers fine driving pleasure, but this 220i lacks the engine punch to realise its full potential.
This new 2 Series Coupe is a significantly more resolved product than its predecessor and, as far as driver engagement is concerned, BMW has hit the nail on the head with the model’s pin-sharp steering and dynamic handling ability. With that said, we know the 220i’s chassis can handle a lot more power/torque, which, apart from the lofty price tag, is the biggest drawback of this particular package. If you love the look of the new BMW 2 Series, but can’t afford the M240i xDrive, then the 220i M Sport offers enough kerb appeal and interior comfort to keep you satisfied with your “luxury compact coupe”; you will enjoy how effortlessly agile-yet-planted it feels to drive, even if it’s a fleet-footed, as opposed to quick, car.
It’s unfortunate that BMW doesn’t offer the 230i locally, because the feistier 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine’s 180 kW or 190 kW (it depends on the market) and 400 Nm will certainly facilitate greater driving thrills. In its absence, buyers have to consider the torquey 220d with its 140 kW/400 Nm 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine, which will deliver more long-legged performance and (probably) better fuel consumption. The 220d is priced from R819 706, before options.
This 220i M Sport is a pricey proposition considering the relatively workmanlike performance its powertrain offers. Its enviable ride/handling balance largely makes up for it – if you just want an eye-catching small coupe, it’s a solid proposition. However, for R100k more, the 228 kW/380 Nm Audi TT S quattro (R876 500) is also worth a closer look, or even better, if you don’t mind going the second-hand route, you’re likely to find more “bang for your buck” in the used car market.
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