Yahoo Autos 2022 BMW 2 Series Coupe Review: The sport coupe lives
BMW, despite its seemingly constant evolution from the brand that brought us “the Ultimate Driving Machine” tagline to the brand that brought us the biggest kidney grilles the world has ever seen, still makes cars that are really enjoyable to drive. The 2022 BMW 2 Series Coupe is a prime example. It’s bigger than before, is no longer offered with a manual transmission and is packed with all sorts of technology, but it is perhaps the one BMW that most resembles the Roundel of old. And we definitely mean that in a good way.
Of course, the 2 Series Coupe isn’t perfect. Some will surely be turned away by its avant-garde styling — though it’s still comparatively toned down compared to other modern BMWs — with sharp creases and boxy lines instead of streamlined sheetmetal. It’s also a lot larger than before despite the fact that it’s still compact on the inside. Nevertheless, it’s one of our favorite current BMW models, and it doesn’t have any real direct competitors. There are alternatives, to be sure, including those with only two seats (the Toyota Supra), those powered by all-American muscle (Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro) and those boasting four doors (Audi S3, Cadillac CT4, Mercedes CLA), but nothing’s quite like the BMW 2 Series Coupe.
Interior & Technology | Passenger & Cargo Space | Performance & Fuel Economy
What it's like to drive | Pricing & Trim Levels | Crash Ratings & Safety Features
What's new for 2022?
The BMW 2 Series Coupe is an almost total redesign for 2022. The engines are more powerful, the bodywork is bigger and crisper, and the interior design now closely mirrors that of the latest 3 Series. It’s also important to note that this 2 Series Coupe shares practically nothing with the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, which has four doors despite its name and is based on a front-wheel-drive chassis.
What are the 2 Series Coupe interior and in-car technology like?
The BMW 2 Series Coupe interior is virtually identical in design and materials as its bigger, pricier 3 and 4 Series siblings. This was not the case in the last 2 Series, nor the previous 1 Series. Being able to enjoy BMW’s luxury fittings and best tech in the smaller 2 Series package is a boon for those who want the smallest and lightest rear-drive BMW model (or a two-door BMW without the larger 4 Series’ controversial snout).
While other, newer BMWs are dropping a number of physical controls, the 2 Series retains its horizontal row of physical buttons. It makes climate control adjustments, volume fine tuning and other vital car controls a straightforward procedure. BMW’s “driver assistance systems” shortcut button right next to the hazard button is super smart. No menu diving is necessary when you want to fiddle with the controls. Just tap the shortcut, and you can quickly turn everything off when encountering a twisty stretch of pavement that you’d prefer the lane-keeping system not interrupt.
Ergonomically, the 2 Series is almost there as a driver’s car. You can move the seat far down into the car to feel closer to the ground (or should you have extra-long legs), but the steering wheel doesn’t offer anywhere near enough downward tilt to accommodate the lower seating position. Visibility is solid all around for a two-door coupe. Just make sure you remember that the doors are long and heavy when you swing them open to get out — this is a coupe after all.
BMW’s iDrive 7.0 interface is pretty good. The combination of the available 12.3-inch touchscreen (a 8.8-inch screen is standard) and rotary dial controls that are intuitive to use makes for an enjoyable digital experience. The iDrive rotary knob is neatly positioned in a natural spot to the right of the shifter, but those who prefer using the touchscreen will enjoy that it’s canted toward the driver and responds to inputs instantly.
How big is the 2 Series Coupe?
From a pure numbers standpoint, it’d make sense to assume the new 2 Series would be more practical than the outgoing one. It’s 4.3 inches longer, 2.6 inches wider and has a 2.0-inch longer wheelbase. In fact, this 2 Series Coupe is nearly identical in footprint to the E90 BMW 3 Series Coupe (2006-2011 in the U.S.). That’s great for anybody yearning for an old 3 Series, but less great if you were looking for a uniquely tiny luxury car. The 2 Series Coupe isn’t that anymore.
Thing is, this extra girth has not been put to use expanding the passenger compartment. Rear legroom is down by 0.8 inch, shoulder room ticks down by 1.7 inches and headroom is down an even more impactful 1.5 inches thanks to a minor reduction in overall height. Even the trunk space is down by 3.8 cubic-feet.
Even if all the above is a result of BMW changing the way it measures interiors, which is certainly possible, that wouldn't change the fact that the new 2 Series backseat and trunk aren’t that hot despite the bigger exterior dimensions. The length and width are there for handling, stability and design purposes, not for turning the 2 Series into a family car. If you want a BMW coupe with a sizable rear seat, the 4 Series Coupe awaits.
