BMW 2 Series to Debut in 2014
Yesterday, we brought to you a few leaked shots of the high-performance BMW M235i. Today, we have a plethora of official photos, plus more information about the 2 Series set to make its debut during the 2014 North American International Auto Show prior to going on sale in the first quarter of the new year.
As noted by Automotive News, the 2 Series — consisting of the aforementioned M235i and the 228i (no 220i or 220d — for diesel — for the U.S. market) — will take the place of the 1 Series coupe that first turned up on lots in 2008. While both come turbocharged, don’t let the M badge of the former fool you: it’s an M Performance model, with almost all of the goodies that make for a high-performance BMW minus the rest of the ingredients that would otherwise make it an M2.
Speaking of performance, the M235i is set to send 322 thoroughbreds around the final turn through a 3-liter I6, while the 228i does the same with 240 horses through an 2-liter I4.
The price of admission: $44,025 for the M235i, $33,025 for the 228i.
The nomenclature given by BMW follows a new trend for the German automaker, where coupes and convertibles take the even numbers — such as the upcoming 4 Series coupe and convertible — while sedans take the odd numbers; don’t ask where the Z4M or X Series fits into any of this.
Regarding the 1 Series, a front-wheel drive sedan is expected to arrive in 2017, based upon the architecture that will pull together the upcoming Mini set to debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November.
Photo credit: BMW
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"with almost all of the goodies that make for a high-performance BMW minus the rest of the ingredients that would otherwise make it an M2." Can you be more specific? I'm guessing the difference is the lack of an M-specific engine and LSD, but I am just guessing. It looks like this car is going to amount to an E46 M3 with less horsepower, more torque, and the added complication of a turbo. The good news is it is cheaper when considering inflation. I forget what the E46 M3 sold for new, but at $44k for the M235i it might be cheaper even without the inflation handicap.
I'm confused with the new nomenclature with odd and even numbers, and what they imply. If the 4 is a coupe version of the 3, I would expect the 2 to be the coupe version of the 1. Yet the new 1 is going to be FWD? This change from RWD to FWD is long rumored, but is it confirmed by BMW? Is the 2 a unique platform then, or a shrunken 3/4? With the new 1 not arriving until 2017, is the old 1 being discontinued, or will it sell alongside the 2 for a couple of years? Why no 220i if there is a 320i? BMW isn't interested in a low-cost coupe? Is there a 420i for the US market?