MUNICH: When BMW rolls out the new generation of the 2 Series Coupe to dealers in the coming months, starting at US$37,345 (RM156,000), the German carmaker will continue to rely on rear-wheel drive.
However, the architecture of the 1 Series and 2 Series will no longer be used for this purpose, says the carmaker. Instead, the 3 Series will serve as the basis for the new edition. The M240i, the top model for the time being, comes with all-wheel drive as standard.
Compared with its predecessor, the new two-door model has grown considerably: At 4.54 metres, it is 10cm longer than before, the width has increased by 6cm to 1.84 metres, and the wheelbase of 2.74 metres is now 5cm longer.
According to BMW, this should not only improve handling, but also the space available for occupants. The boot still only holds 390 litres.
An M Performance version will be available right at launch: Starting around US$49,545 (RM206,206), there is the M240i with a three-litre, six-cylinder engine that, according to BMW, produces 374hp, reaches 250kph and manages the sprint from 0 to 100kph in 4.5 seconds.
In addition, there is the 220i as a base model and the diesel 220d with 184hp each. A 230i with 245hp and an M2, whose output BMW has not yet named, will follow later in the range.
