BMW Oz plugs 2 Series Coupe line-up
BMW Australia has added a third variant to its 2 Series Coupe range. The 230i comes to market with a 190kW/400Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbopetrol engine and, apart from having a 55kW power advantage over its 220i sibling, its specification is slightly higher too.
BMW Group Australia launched the second generation 2 Series Coupe (known as the G42) on local soil late last year. Underpinned by the brand’s CLAR platform, the rear-wheel-drive compact sportscar is 105mm longer, 64mm wider and 28mm lower, as well as notably stiffer-bodied (it has 12 per cent better torsional rigidity) than its predecessor.
However, there was a chasm, performance-wise, between the 135kW/300Nm 220i and 285kW/500Nm M240i xDrive variants of the Mexican-made model, the former of which has a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbopetrol engine and the latter a 3.0-line inline-six turbo-petrol in conjunction with all-wheel drive. All versions have an eight-speed auto ‘box.
The 230i, which will be available for customer deliveries from next month, produces 55kW and 100Nm more than the 220i and, as a result, shaves 1.7 seconds off its sibling’s stated zero-to-100km/h time (the new variant is said to complete the sprint in 5.8 seconds).
Like the 220i, the new variant features an M Sport Package (M Sport multifunction ‘wheel, sport seats, Alcantara/Sensatec upholstery, BMW Individual headliner in Anthracite), M Sport suspension, 18-inch M light alloys, as well as LED head- and taillights.
Inside, the 230i has a Sports transmission with ‘shift paddles, idle-stop, electric variable sport steering, M interior finishers, a 100W six-speaker audio system with DAB+, Live Cockpit Professional (12.3-inch instrument cluster, 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system and Intelligent Personal Assistant), Connected Package Professional, wireless charging pad, storage compartment package and ambient lighting.
Driving Assistant and Parking Assistant (including PDC front and rear, rear-view camera, automatic parking assistant and reversing assistant) are also fitted as standard.
Over and above the 220i, the 230i also features M Sport brakes, Adaptive LED headlights (including high-beam assistant), comfort access (with BMW Digital Key), electric front-seat adjustment, Active Cruise Control (with Stop&Go) and a Hi-Fi Loudspeaker system.
The new variant is also available with four option packages.
The Enhancement Package adds metallic paint, an electrically operated glass sunroof and 19-inch M Light alloy wheels for $3900; the Comfort Package adds steering-wheel and front-seat heating, as well as lumbar support for the latter for $1400; the M Sport Plus Package adds M Lights Shadowline, M Seat Belts, M Rear Spoiler and M High-Gloss Shadowline (with extended contents); finally, the Executive Packs includes remote engine start, tyre-pressure monitoring system, alarm system, sun-protection glazing,
harmon/kardon Surround Sound System and BMW Drive Recorder.
The 230i variant retails for $70,900 (before options and on-the-road costs) and comes standard with a three-year/unlimited kilometre warranty.
2022 BMW 2 Series Coupe pricing*:
| 220i (a) | $61,900 | |
| 230i (a) | $70,900 | (new variant) |
| M240i xDrive (a) | $89,900 |
*Pricing excludes on-road costs.
