New BMW 2 Series leaked

Is this the new BMW 2 Series Coupe?

The image was posted to Instagram by spy photographer @wilcoblok over the weekend, with the tagline: “Is this the new BMW 2 Series coupe?? Leaked? Or render?”

It comes a few days before the new BMW 2 Series’ official global launch this Thursday (July 8), and unlike the front-drive four-door BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, with which it shares its name and general size, the BMW 2 Series Coupe will retain its ‘purist’ rear-drive layout.

And if the images are legitimate – and they appear to marry with recent spy photos – it suggests BMW’s next-generation compact coupe will retain its sporty, low-slung proportions housing turbocharged petrol engines driving the rear wheels, although some models will be offered with AWD.

The slight blurring suggests it’s a screenshot nabbed from a BMW promotional video and, given the ground-hugging body kit in evidence, it may be the flagship M240i model – at least until the next-generation M2 flagship rocks along.

Showing off a more conventional – and smaller – twin kidney grille than the controversial BMW 4 Series, the overall proportions of the next BMW 2 Series appear to echo those of its predecessor with a long bonnet, short boot and an aggressive overall stance.

There are also bold triangular shapes etched into the lower bumper below the reprofiled headlight clusters.

Expect a similarly bold rear-end treatment with new LED tail-lights and a sporty rear diffuser, along with significant interior changes. Bigger, higher-resolution LCD screens will be in evidence in the cabin, along with the brand’s latest iDrive 8 operating system.

The 2022 BMW M240i will be powered by a 3.0-litre turbo-petrol inline six-cylinder engine that could pump out up to 285kW and 500Nm. The engine hooks up with an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission sending power to all four wheels (with a rear bias) for what will be a very rapid vehicle with 0-100km/h acceleration in just 4.5 seconds.

Top speed will be 250km/h for the new German sports car, which will bring 50/50 front/rear weight distribution. BMW says the new model will deliver improved handling thanks in part to a 12 per cent stiffer body and a wider track.

There’s even talk of a flat underbody for the new model, which along with the new body work and a more aerodynamic front-end are claimed to improve downforce over the front axle by up to 50 per cent compared to its predecessor.

M240i models will even allow for a bit of tomfoolery, with an electronically locking rear differential that will deliver “easily controllable drift manoeuvres”.

Other models expected to be offered in the new BMW 2 Series range include 220i, 225i and 230i turbo-petrol variants and a 220d turbo-diesel version of the sporty BMW.

BMW Australia hasn’t confirmed which engine types and models will be offered locally but given the current all-petrol range, a diesel is unlikely here. Instead, the 220i, 240i and M2 models are likely.

Expect to see the new models arrive in Australia either late this year or early 2022 after it launches in Europe in the next couple of months.

The scorching next-gen version of the track-ready BMW M2 will follow after it break covers in late 2022, packing a 300kW-plus wallop from its turbo-petrol inline six, and plenty of go-fast tech besides.

Stay tuned for more details later this week.