BMW is keeping the compact sports car fire burning for at least one more generation.
The 2022 BMW 2 Series has been teased for the first time, and it’s every bit as drifty as you’d hope.
BMW hasn’t confirmed if it’s bound for our shores. Given Australia’s penchant for performance cars, it’s almost certain to come Down Under.
Unlike the 2 Series Gran Coupe – which is built on the same front-wheel drive platform as the 1 Series, X1, and Mini range – the new 2 Series will be rear- or all-wheel drive.
BMW has a long history of small, two-door sports cars… and it knows it. It says the new 2 Series continues in the tradition of the 2002, the car that saved BMW and continues to inform (loosely, in some cases) its identity.
Of course, the 2 Series won’t be a 2002 reincarnate. Unlike the current model, the 2022 car will be all-wheel drive at the top of the range, with BMW confirming the M240i will feature the same xDrive system as the most powerful 3 Series.
Want tail-out thrills? A proper M2 is expected to follow the M240i, and it’s likely to be rear-drive.
With 275kW of power from a turbocharged inline-six engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission, expect even the M240i to be properly rapid in a straight line.
The larger, likely heavier M340i completes the 100km/h sprint in 4.4 seconds.
BMW also says the 2022 2 Series will have a near 50/50 weight distribution and a stiff body for sharp handling.
The current 2 Series was revealed in 2014 as a coupe and convertible twin to the 1 Series hatchback.
It’s still a decent seller in Australia in 2021.
208 have been sold to date this year, putting it ahead of the Mazda MX-5 in the relatively niche sports car below $80,000 sales segment.
