- bmw has released details of the new 2022 2-series coupe, along with photos of a camouflaged prototype.
- it will be available in 230i and m240i forms, both with either rear- or all-wheel drive.
- the new model will start production this summer, with the rwd 230i and awd m240i xdrive arriving first and the awd 230i xdrive and rwd m240i to follow.
one of our favorite bmw models is entering a new generation soon. even as new front-wheel-drive sedan variants crop up around it, the new 2022 2-series will continue to offer a rear-wheel-drive coupe model with either an inline-four or an inline-six engine. bmw has confirmed that the m240i model will offer a more powerful turbo 3.0-liter inline-six with 382 horsepower, while we expect the 230i to continue with a turbo 2.0-liter inline-four with around 250 hp.
these photos of a camouflaged prototype don't show much but do hint that the 230i and m240i will avoid the polarizing kidney grille treatment seen on the 4-series coupe. earlier leaked photos showed the new model's rear end, which has modern-looking taillights. we've heard that the convertible won't return for this generation, but the even higher-performance m2 will.
so far bmw has only shared details about the m240i's eight-speed automatic transmission, which has us worried that the more powerful 2er might drop its manual-transmission option. we sincerely hope that a six-speed manual will still be offered at least on the 230i. both engine choices will be offered with either rear- or all-wheel drive.
more information is coming in late july or early august and the 2-series should arrive at u.s. dealerships by this fall. the rear-drive 230i and m240i xdrive will go on sale first, with the 230i xdrive and rear-drive m240i arriving later, possibly for the 2023 model year.