BMW ups 2 Series prices

BMW Australia has announced pricing and specifications for its updated 2 Series Coupe and Convertible — excluding the M2 Coupe — and the bad news is that prices have increased in line with equipment levels.

Unlike pricing for the newly announced 1 Series hatch update, 2 Series pricing is up across the board and now opens at $52,900 plus on-road costs for the 220i Coupe (up $1600).

The mid-range 230i Coupe, meantime, costs $63,000 plus ORCs ($1100 more than before) and the same price hikes have been applied to convertible versions, meaning the $59,900 220i Convertible continues to cost $7000 more than the equivalent coupe and the $73,000 230i Convertible remains $10,000 pricier than the hard-top version.

However, in a move that may not bode well for customers of the facelifted version of the hugely popular M2, which also arrives in showrooms in September, prices of the popular M240i Coupe and Convertible are up by $1900, to $76,800 and $85,800 respectively.

That’s in contrast to the near-$5000 price cut recently announced for the upgraded M140i hatch, which now costs $59,990.

We understand 2017 M2 pricing will be announced next week and, with demand continuing to exceed supply Down Under, it could increase from the current model’s relatively affordable $90,500 starting price.

Headlining the equipment upgrades are bi-LED headlights now fitted as standard to the 220i and 230i, and adaptive LED headlights for the M240i, which also scores new L-shaped LED tail-lights.

All 2 Series Coupe and Convertible models feature fresh front and rear bumper designs, an app-style iDrive6 infotainment system, upgraded black-panel instrument cluster, updated interior details and enhanced cabin materials.

Four new alloy wheel options are offered, including a new 17-inch standard for 220i Luxury Line, and three alternative 18-inch M alloys for M Sport-equipped vehicles (all are available on M240i at no cost).

Opt for BMW’s Navigation system Professional (standard on 230i and M240i), and the large 8.8-inch screen features touch-screen capability.

New design stitching features throughout the updated cabin, highlighted by Pearl Chrome trim finishers, chrome window button elements, a centre console in high-gloss black and the new option of Cognac colour for the Dakota leather trim at no extra cost.

Ten exterior colours (including eight metallic) are now on offer, with Sunset Orange metallic, Seaside Blue metallic (220i, 230i Luxury Line) and Mediterranean Blue metallic (220i, 230i Luxury Line) joining the range.

There are no mechanical changes, meaning the 135kW/270Nm 2.0-litre turbo-four 220i continues to hit 100km/h in a claimed 7.2 seconds (7.7sec for the convertible) and consume 5.9L/100km (convertible: 6.1).

Similarly, the higher-output (185kW/350Nm) 230i hits 100km/h in 5.6sec (convertible: 5.9) and consumes 5.9L/100km (convertible: 6.2), while the M240i hit 100km/h in 4.6sec (convertible: 4.7) and consumes 7.1L/100km (convertible 7.4).

“Compact rear-drive coupes and convertibles have long been part of the BMW DNA,” said BMW Group Australia CEO, Marc Werner.

“The 2 Series Coupe and Convertible have always been seen as dynamic leaders in their segments, and this latest update adds further desirability with sharp looks, a high-quality interior and a strong mix of performance, dynamics and efficiency.”

Standard 220i features:
Luxury Line
17-inch light-alloy wheels
LED Headlights
LED Fog Lights
Driving Assistant
DAB+ Digital radio capability
Interior and exterior mirrors with anti-dazzle function
Eight-speed sport automatic transmission
Navigation System Business with iDrive6 functionality
Automatic climate control
DAB+ radio capability
Rear view camera
Speed Limit Info
Sport leather steering wheel
Sports seats for driver and front passenger
Dakota leather upholstery
Front and rear park distance control
Extended smartphone connectivity
Extended instrument cluster contents
BMW ConnectedDrive suite with ConnectedDrive services, remote services, Teleservices, emergency e-call and Real-Time Traffic Information

Additional 230i features:
M Sport Package with M Sport suspension
18-inch light-alloy wheels in Ferric Grey
M Aerodynamics Package
M Sport brakes
High-gloss Shadow line exterior trim
BMW Individual anthracite roofliner
M leather steering wheel
Cloth/Alcantara upholstery (Coupe)
Dakota Leather Upholstery (Convertible)
Navigation System Professional
iDrive6 and 8.8-inch touch-screen
Electric seat adjustment
Comfort Access
Variable Sport Steering
Seat Heating (Convertible)

Additional M240i features:
18-inch light-alloy wheels in Bicolour Jet Black
12-speaker harman/kardon surround sound system
Adaptive M Suspension
Adaptive LED Headlights
Dakota leather upholstery
Seat Heating

220i Innovations package ($1700):
Navigation System Professional
Seven-speaker HiFi Loudspeaker System
Additional Concierge Services

220i Comfort Package ($2400):
Comfort Access
Electric seat adjustment with memory function
Front seat heating
Driver’s lumbar adjustment

220i/230i Driver’s Assistance Package ($1350):
High-Beam Assist
Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function
Parking Assistant

2017 BMW 2 Series pricing (plus ORCs):
220i Coupe — $52,900 (+$1600)
230i Coupe — $63,000 (+$1100)
M240i Coupe — $76,800 (+$1900)
220i Convertible — $59,900 (+1600)
230i Convertible — $73,000 (+$1100)
M240i Convertible — $85,800 (+$1900)