BMW HQ must have the leakiest internet connection known to man. Images of new models seem to filter onto the internet ahead of their official introduction with regularity. This happened again earlier this week with the BMW 2 Series Coupe, which has now made its official debut. The all-new small coupe will go on sale in SA in the first quarter of 2022. We have info on the the initial range, below.

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Unique proposition

In a massive departure for any manufacturer the BMW 2 Series Coupe and its 1 Series hatchback counterpart are heavily removed from each other in terms of concept, styling and powertrain options. As far as the appearance goes, we’ll leave that up to you to decide. BMW’s styling department has created plenty of online chatter of late and we think this car will do the same.

The BMW 2 Series Coupe is pretty unique in the new car market. It is the only offering that has rear-wheel-drive and the option of a six-cylinder engine for buyers to choose from. Main rivals from Audi and Mercedes-Benz are either front- or all-wheel-drive and, at most, offer a five cylinder motor (as is the case with the upcoming Audi RS3).

Check out our Merc-AMG A45S track video at this link.

Range at launch

At the time of introduction early in 2022 BMW SA will offer three BMW 2 Series Coupe variants: a 220i, M240i xDrive and 220d. The former two are petrol-fed whereas the latter is an oil-burner. All engines are mated, as standard, with eight-speed automatic transmissions.

The 220i puts out 135 kW/300 N.m from its 2,0-litre turbocharged engine. BMW says it can sprint from 0-100 km/h in 7,5 seconds and has a top speed of 236 km/h. Using a 48V mild hybrid system the 220d delivers 140 kW/400 N.m. It’s key performance stats are 7,0 seconds for the accel test and a 237 km/h top speed. Both of these derivatives are rear-wheel-drive.

Headlining the range, until hard-core M versions arrive, is the M240i xDrive. Its 3,0-litre turbocharged inline six puts out 205 kW/500 N.m. With the help of launch control it can run from rest to 100 km/h in 4,3 seconds; it has a top speed of 250 km/h. Power is directed to all four wheels in the sportiest 2 Series.

Read our BMW M340i xDrive review by clicking here.

Standard features

Buyers of the new BMW 2 Series Coupe can expect a raft of features. Among these are 19-inch alloys wheels, three-zone automatic climate control, sports seats, ambient lighting, BMW’s fully digital 12,3-inch instrument cluster and 10,25-inch touchscreen infotainment system.