BMW 2 Series range grows with 218i and rear-drive M240i

The 2022 BMW 2 Series Coupe range is set for expansion later this year with the addition of two new variants in the form of entry-level 218i and high-end M240i variants.

An Australian introduction is yet to be confirmed for either new variant – but is likely – which they will join the global 2 Series portfolio this July, presenting fans of BMW’s new compact coupe with a better variety of powertrains to choose from.

Serving as the new entry point to the 2 Series Coupe line-up, the 218i is powered by a watered-down version of the familiar 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine as found in the 220i and 230i, with peak outputs of 115kW/250Nm.

While modest in comparison with the rest of the range, these figures are still up on the BMW 218i Gran Coupe and its smaller force-fed 1.5-litre triple (103kW/220Nm).

As with most 2 Series coupes, drive is sent exclusively to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, yielding a claimed 0-100km/h time of 8.7 seconds.

That time is slashed to 4.7 seconds by the new M240i; a rear-drive version of the snarling BMW M240i xDrive packing a marginally reduced 275kW punch as opposed to the all-paw version’s 285kW/500Nm.

A torque figure for the newcomer is yet to be published, but the lack of an all-wheel drive system means it boasts a lower kerb weight than the M240i xDrive, thereby evening out the respective power to weight ratios.

Nevertheless, a limited-slip differential is on hand to help keep things in check in the twisties – or help it cut bigger skids on a track – with transmission duties taken care of by the aforementioned eight-speed auto.

The good news doesn’t stop there, however; BMW has confirmed the entire 2 Series Coupe range, including the newcomers, will ship as standard with the new ‘BMW Curved Display’ as of July this year, comprising a 14.9-inch infotainment screen and a 12.3-inch digital cockpit.

“With the BMW Curved Display and the enhanced capabilities of the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, the user experience in the BMW 2 Series Coupe is now also consistently oriented towards touch and voice control,” said BMW.

Four-cylinder variants will also score paddle shifters in a bid to ramp up driver involvement.

carsales has contacted BMW Australia for confirmation on when the expanded and/or upgraded 2 Series range will arrive Down Under.

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