BMW 2 Series spec'ed to impress

The new BMW 2 Series will go on sale in Australia in March 2014 with an entry price of $50,500 (plus on-road costs).

The (F22) 2 Series -- which essentially replaces two-door versions of the outgoing (E88) 1 Series -- is to be offered initially in 220i (petrol), 220d (diesel) and high-output M235i (petrol) variants, but will be joined by a mid-grade 228i (petrol) expected in October 2014. A Convertible line-up is set to follow in 2015.

But in the here and now, it’s the base grade 220i and 220d that impress with their generous kit-for-coin ratio. The entry variants are offered with identical trim levels, and include equipment items befitting the price tag such as rear parking sensors, auto headlights and wipers, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and dual-zone climate control.

The diesel-powered model is priced at $52,500 (plus ORCs), but is otherwise identical in terms of its amenity levels to the 220i. Both variants ride on 17-inch alloy wheels as standard, and are also fitted with Bluetooth connectivity, sat nav, an idle stop-start system and sports seats with Sensatec faux-leather upholstery.

A six-speaker audio system is offered as standard and like most in the BMW range is equipped with USB and 3.5mm auxiliary ports, voice control, Smartphone functionality and a high-res 6.5-inch colour screen.

Both the 220i and 220d get an eight-speed automatic transmission though BMW says it will happily offer a six-speed manual gearbox as a no-cost option.

Also offered at no-cost are BMW’s Line packages, which in the case of the 220i and 220d, extend to Modern Line and Sport Line grades. The packages -- which cost $1600 apiece on the current (F20) 1 Series Hatch -- are said by BMW to be “harmoniously coordinated” to the new 2 Series and offer differing alloy wheel designs, individual interior and exterior trim highlights, and even Line specific keys.

Of course the 220i and 220d are also available with an extensive option and accessory items with four neatly bundled equipment packages combining the most popular add-ons.

The Advanced Parking Package adds front and rear acoustic parking sensors, Parking Assistant (automated parking) and a rear-view camera for $1400 (excluding LCT, where applicable) on 220i and 220d variants or $1000 (excluding LCT) on top-grade M235i.

Country drivers will likely appreciate the Visibility Package which improves night driving by adding adaptive bi-xenon headlights (bi-xenon standard on M235i), anti-dazzle wing mirrors and high-beam assist. The package is offered for $2500 (excluding LCT) on 220i and 220d, or $1200 on M235i variants.

Keeping tech junkies happy is the Professional Multimedia Package. It extends the capabilities of the navigation system, offers 20GB storage for audio files and a larger 8.8-inch colour screen, adds a harman/kardon premium audio system with digital receiver, extended instrument cluster functionality and Internet connectivity for $2400 (excluding LCT) on all variants.

Finally, the Comfort Package sees all three models receive keyless entry and puddle lights, electric seat adjustment with memory, lumbar support and front seat heaters for $2400 (excluding LCT).

Moving up to the M235i we find 18-inch alloy wheels, a visually more athletic aero body kit, dual exhaust outlets, Dakota leather upholstery, sports brakes, Adaptive suspension and variable sports steering included in the list price.

The M235i is further bolstered by bi-xenon headlights, front parking sensors, an interior lighting package and a seven-speaker 205-watt audio system with upgraded navigation and internet functionality. Like all automatic 2 Series variants, the M235i is also equipped with paddle shifters and launch control, and can be optioned with a six-speed manual gearbox free of charge.

Many of the sporting highlights of the M235i are also available as part of the M Sport Package, which is available on 220i and 22d variants for $4385 (excluding LCT). Highlights include 18-inch alloy wheels, M Sport steering wheel, M Sport suspension, leather upholstery, a rear spoiler and a high-gloss black eight-slat kidney grille.

Of course, the usual and extensive array of BMW options and accessories remain available across the range.

"The 2 Series Coupe blends stunning good looks with the kind of incredible dynamic talent that can only be delivered by a truly refined driver's car," said BMW Australia managing director, Phil Horton.

"Add to this the generous specification levels loaded with the latest in innovative technology and we are very confident that we have a winner on our hands," he said.

The previous 1 Series Coupe sold approximately 5000 units during its tenure Down Under with a model split favouring high-grade, high-performance variants by as much as 50 per cent. It is anticipated the 2 Series successor will achieve similar numbers.

Visit motoring.com.au again soon for our launch review of the 2014 BMW 2 Series.

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