We laid our hands on the entry-level BMW 220i Coupe, which we drove for a few days to bring you this review.

BMW has certainly reduced its current portfolio of local offerings. There was a time when there were multiple trim levels of every model in the range. Tough times call for smart thinking and BMW SA only offers the current 2 Series Coupe in three options. There are two four-cylinder versions badged 220i and 220d and the range-leading M240i xDrive.

Click here to read our BMW M240i xDrive review.

It is the ‘entry-level’ BMW 220i that we had parked in our driveway for a few days. We placed entry-level in quotes because there are other 2 Series models, such as the Gran Coupe with smaller engines and also at a lower price point. However, if you are a budget conscious buyer who wants a Coupe version the 220i is where you’re aiming.

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Familiarity

There were many moans and groans when the 2 Series Coupe made its debut. Its appearance is no match for the sexy, first generation (F22) that preceded it. We like the boxy fenders of the new car and the traditional coupe silhouette. While the G42 may have some awkward angles, the design seems to have been adopted as acceptable.

The standard fitment of an M Sport package does help somewhat. Among the highlights are an aero kit and 19-inch alloys. The rims are fitted with wide, low-profile rubber of different sizes front and rear. The wheel gap to the fender has been reduced thanks to standard sports suspension.

Click here to check out a beautiful BMW 850i.

High-Tech Interior

BMW’s interiors are consistently among the best in the class. The 2 Series range has the firm’s latest infotainment system with touchscreen interface as well as a digital instrument cluster. Incidentally, the M Sport package adds sports seats with a mix of leather and Alcantara. In addition there is a leather-wrapped sports steering wheel. Our OCD could do without the piano black trim that is a magnet for dust.

The 2 Series range is not aimed at families, as a result the rear seats are not the largest and access to them is best left to someone agile. The boot space, however, proved pleasantly large. BMW quotes a figure of 390 litres, which should be more than handy for long weekends away.

Check out a gallery of images and video from the recent BMW M Fest held at Kyalami by clicking here.

Turbocharged Power

All derivatives in the 2 Series Coupe range have turbocharged engines. In SA we have just a single inline, petrol-fed four cylinder on offer. The BMW 220i Coupe is powered by a 2,0-litre engine that produces 135 kW/300 N.m. In true BMW fashion power is directly solely to the rear wheels. Oh, there is no manual transmission on offer anywhere in the range until the apex BMW M2 variant is launched here in 2023. For now torque is directed through an eight-speed torque converter automatic in all versions.

On The Move

Our first impression of the BMW M220i on the move is how well it rides. We checked and the tyre profiles are 40 on the front and 35 on the rear wheels. With that in mind we expected a much harsher ride from the run-flat tyres. The technology, it seems, has come along away from the early days. Don’t get us wrong, the ride isn’t soft and cushy, it’s overtly sporty but it isn’t brittle.

The turbocharged engine is largely characterless in its power delivery. It’s a hard-working unit that tends to get vocal higher up in the engine speed range. The BMW 220i Coupe can really be hustled along thanks to the sporty suspension set-up and relative lack of power. You don’t need racing driver-like skills (as with the hardcore M cars) to extract proper pace from this little car.

A quick steering action and an abundance of grip from the wide footwear means that you can get into a real flow with the car, sometimes at higher speeds than you expect. The platform is a good one and we think it’d be a bit more entertaining with about 50 more kW, which is what BMW offers with the 230i in some markets.

Summary

So where does that leave us? BMW’s press material stated that the company took inspiration from cars such as the 2002 when it created the latest 2 Series Coupe. That seems to apply the most to the 220i. Here is a car in the classic BMW RWD Coupe mould, without an abundance of power. It also reminded us a bit of cars such as the BMW 323i from the 1980s.

Click here to read about a classic BMW 2002.

The BMW 220i Coupe will, most likely, be overlooked for its headline-stealing siblings. However, to do so would be to miss an agreeable little car, the kind that made driving enthusiasts flock to the brand en masse in times gone by.

Model: BMW 220i Coupe
Price: R822 590
Engine: 2,0-litre inline four, turbocharged
Transmission: eight-speed automatic, RWD
Max power: 135 kW
Max torque: 300 N.m
0-100 km/h: 7,5 seconds
Top speed: 236 km/h
Fuel consumption: 6,3 L/100 km