The market launch of the BMW 2 Series Coupe also heralds the arrival of an imagination-capturing performance model in the premium compact segment. The BMW M235i Coupe is the latest member of the BMW M Performance Automobile family. It embodies intense driving pleasure that is instantly signalled by its specially modified, aerodynamically optimised body design, and is propelled by the most powerful petrol engine developed so far for a BMW M Performance Automobile. The six-cylinder in-line engine with M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology generates maximum output of 240 kW/326 hp and accelerates the BMW M235i Coupe from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.0 seconds. Other ingredients in the unique character of the BMW M235i Coupe include the interplay between engine output, bespoke chassis technology and brake system as well as aerodynamic balance that is achieved with hallmark M precision.
The vehicle concept of the BMW M235i Coupe responds to the desire of sporty drivers for more driving pleasure without compromising on everyday usability. Its handling properties are defined by impressive agility and precision, the result of extensive modifications made by BMW M GmbH to the components involved in maximising the car’s sporting ability. The precisely adjustable driving characteristics of the BM M235i Coupe reflect the expertise and experience of BMW M GmbH in both motor sport and the development of high-performance sports cars.
Addictive power: six-cylinder in-line engine with M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology.
The straight-six engine powering the BMW M235i Coupe benefits from the latest development stage in M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology and specific modifications to the cooling system, power management and sound tuning. A twin-scroll turbocharger, High Precision Direct Injection with centrally positioned multi-hole injectors, VALVETRONIC variable valve timing and Double-Vanos variable camshaft control team up to ensure instantaneous power delivery and the free-revving characteristics typical of the brand – not to mention exceptional efficiency for this output class. The engine generates maximum output of 240 kW/326 hp between 5,800 and 6,000 rpm from its 3.0-litre displacement, while peak torque of 450 Newton metres (332 lb-ft) between 1,300 and 4,500 rpm gives the engine its imposing pulling power.
The BMW M235i Coupe is fitted as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox, which, in this new BMW M Performance Automobile, comes with dry sump lubrication and a short shift facility for particularly sporty gear changes. As a result, it dashes from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.0 seconds. The BMW M235i Coupe can also be ordered with an eight-speed Sports automatic, complete with Launch Control, as an option. With Launch Control activated, the 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) sprint is all over in 4.8 seconds. And thanks to the high output and thirst for revs of the six-cylinder in-line engine, impressive reserves of power are still on hand for dynamic mid-range sprints at higher speeds. Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph) with both types of gearbox.
The BMW M235i Coupe records average fuel consumption, as calculated in the EU test cycle, of 8.1 litres per 100 kilometres (34.9 mpg imp) and CO2 emissions of 1 gram per kilometre. If the eight-speed Sports automatic gearbox is specified, these figures improve to 7.6 litres per 100 kilometres (37 m imp) and 176 g/km respectively.
Bespoke chassis tuning for maximum precision.
In order to translate this outstanding engine power into dynamic performance with an equal measure of excitement and authority, the B M23 Coupe features model-specific chassis technology. This includes individually configured spring and damper systems, and specific elastokinematics for the front axle. Added to which, the BMW M235i Coupe comes as standard with the M Sport braking system and variable sport steering, which determines its own characteristics.
The standard, exclusive 18-inch M light-alloy wheels of the BMW M235i Coupe are fitted with mixed tyres in 225/40 R18 format for the front wheels and 245/35 R18 at the rear. The specially developed high-grip tyres guarantee optimum transfer of acceleration and braking forces to the road surface. Customers can also opt for the 19-inch BMW M Performance forged light-alloy wheels available from the Original BMW Accessories range.
Exclusive to the BMW M235i Coupe: a BMW M Performance limited-slip differential.
Another suspension-related retrofit product offered exclusively for the BMW M235i Coupe from the car’s launch to enhance its dynamic potential is the BMW M Performance limited-slip differential. This mechanical rear axle differential system optimises traction in suitably dynamic driving situations. When the DSC stability system is switched off, this torque-sensitive limited-slip differential ensures drive is split between the rear wheels to optimum traction-maximising effect. Reacting to differing torque between the driven wheels, it reduces slip at the wheel with low grip by channelling surplus drive to the other wheel through a locking effect. This controlled drive distribution leads to optimised traction and allows for even more dynamic handling at the limit. Engine power is translated into propulsion as effectively as possible to provide even more dynamic acceleration out of corners, for example.
Optimised aerodynamics, high-quality sports car ambience.
Like its chassis technology, the aerodynamic properties of the BMW M235i Coupe have also been tweaked to take into account the output of its six-cylinder engine. The front apron of the two-door car bears the hallmarks of M design. Its large air intakes, with flaps adapted from racing car design, also occupy the space reserved for foglamps in the other BMW 2 Series Coupe model variants. In the now customary style for BMW M Performance Automobiles, they are transected by horizontal crosspieces in Ferric Grey metallic. Other features of the exterior design are BMW Individual High-gloss Shadow Line trim, exterior mirror caps in Ferric Grey, particularly striking contoured side skirts and a rear apron whose lower section is finished in Dark Shadow metallic paintwork and also incorporates the exhaust system’s twin tailpipes. The package of aerodynamically optimised body features is rounded off by the standard-specification gurney on the boot lid.
The car also features door sill strips with aluminium inserts bearing “M235i” lettering and a specially “tuned” interior design. It offers sports seats for the driver and front passenger, an M leather steering wheel with multifunction buttons, a BMW Individual roof liner in Anthracite, Aluminium Hexagon interior trim with accent strips in matt Estoril Blue or high-gloss black, leather trim for the gearshift lever / selector lever and handbrake lever gaiter, an M driver’s footrest, a special instrument cluster with digital model designation together with red dials and numbers for the speedometer and rev counter, as well as variable use of colour for the interior lighting and blue detailing for the car key.
Body, safety and equipment: Intelligent lightweight design, smart details.
The development of the BMW 2 Series Coupe has seen significant progress made in terms of spaciousness, functionality and occupant protection compared with its predecessor. The new car’s larger dimensions benefit both interior space and boot capacity. At the same time, even higher standards of passive safety have been achieved thanks to optimised material selection and innovative body construction technology, while weight has been minimised. The BMW 2 Series Coupe also includes a number of innovative pedestrian protection measures.
Its broader spread of standard equipment is another aspect of the new model that clearly sets it apart from the BMW 1 Series. And the BMW 2 Series Coupe can also be specified with a host of high-quality options that underline its premium character.
Intelligent lightweight design optimises agility and safety.
The construction techniques and materials used for the body of the BMW 2 Series Coupe are underpinned by the principle of intelligent lightweight design. This approach allows agility and occupant protection to be enhanced while keeping the car’s weight as low as possible. For example, the increased rigidity of the car’s front end has a direct effect on the dynamic properties of the BMW 2 Series Coupe.
Measures such as considered use of high and ultra-high-tensile steels lend the body increased torsional stiffness and ensure the strength of the safety passenger cell. The mean strength of the materials used in the new Coupe is 13 per cent higher than was the case in its predecessor.
All-embracing concept for occupant and pedestrian protection.
The precise interplay of numerous safety components as part of a far-reaching overall concept guarantees an impressively high level of occupant protection in situations where a collision is unavoidable. This means the BMW 2 Series Coupe has everything it needs to achieve outstanding ratings in all the relevant crash tests around the world.
Extremely durable supporting structures, large deformation zones and highly efficient restraint systems coordinated by powerful control electronics form the basis for the high standard of passive safety in the new BMW 2 Series Coupe. The forces generated in a collision are diverted via precisely defined load paths, absorbed in the deformation zones and thus kept away from the extremely rigid passenger cell. In addition, further developed load path design optimises compatibility when it comes to minimising the consequences of accidents for other vehicles involved.
Added to which, wide-ranging measures have been implemented in the development of the BMW 2 Series Coupe as far as pedestrian protection is concerned. Relocating the intake air duct for the engine plus the air filter for the interior allowed the creation of a larger deformation zone in the bonnet area. The BMW 2 Series Coupe has also been designed with an “active” bonnet system: in the event of a collision with a pedestrian or cyclist, the system automatically raises the rear part of the bonnet. This creates additional deformation capacity, and the risk of injury in a collision with particularly unyielding sections of the engine is reduced.
The safety equipment fitted as standard in the BMW 2 Series Coupe includes front airbags, side airbags integrated into the seat backrests, head airbags for the front and rear seats, three-point inertia-reel seatbelts for all seats, belt force limiters and belt tensioners in the front, and ISOFIX child seat attachments in the rear. The standard-fitted Tyre Defect Indicator registers a loss of pressure in individual tyres and warns the driver by activating a signal in the instrument cluster.
Comfortable entry and more legroom in the rear compartment.
The BMW 2 Series Coupe is significantly larger than its predecessor in terms of exterior length, width, wheelbase and track width. These increased dimensions are evident in areas such as headroom in the front seats, which has grown by 19 millimetres, and rear-seat legroom, which is up by 21 millimetres. In addition, the access space through to the rear is now 11 millimetres larger which, when combined with the standard Easy Entry function for the front seats, means that using the rear seats is a significantly more comfortable experience.
The boot of the BMW 2 Series Coupe has grown by 20 litres and now offers 390 litres of capacity. The width of the tailgate aperture between the rear lights is 38 millimetres greater than that offered by the outgoing Coupe. And the standard 60 : 40 split/folding rear seat bench ensures additional variability when it comes to making maximum use of the car’s load-carrying potential. A three-section split rear seat backrest can also be specified as an option, its individual elements folding either together or individually with a 40 : 20 : 40 split. With large door pockets, a roomy glove compartment, two cupholders in the centre console and a storage compartment under the armrest, the BMW 2 Series Coupe also offers increased stowage capacity inside the passenger compartment. The lower section of the door trim offers space for drinks bottles up to one litre in size, the optional storage package includes features such as cargo nets on the back of the front seats and securing lugs and nets in the boot, and a trailer coupling with removable hitch ball can be ordered for all model variants of the BMW 2 Series Coupe with the exception of the BMW M235i Coupe.
Standard equipment includes automatic climate control and the Driving Experience Control switch.
As well as remote central locking, height adjustment for the driver’s and front passenger seat, the BMW Business radio with CD player, six loudspeakers and an AUX-in socket, standard equipment for the BMW 2 Series Coupe also includes the Driving Experience Control switch – which allows the driver to adjust the suspension set-up as desired – and automatic climate control. Among the items on the options list are electrically adjustable and heated seats, a multifunction steering wheel, automatically dimming exterior and rear-view mirrors, front foglamps, an electrically operated glass roof and Comfort Access.
If specified with the BMW Professional radio (standard in the BMW M235i Coupe) or a navigation system, the car will also be fitted with the iDrive operating system. With the Navigation system Professional on board, iDrive brings with it an 8.8-inch Control Display and a Touch Controller with touch-sensitive surface which allows the driver to input characters. Among the equipment available to fulfil individual communication and entertainment requirements are a hands-free system complete with USB socket, a Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) receiver and the Harman Kardon HiFi system.
BMW ConnectedDrive in the BMW 2 Series Coupe: Connectivity with added variety.
The range of standard and optional equipment available via BMW ConnectedDrive ensures the BMW 2 Series Coupe occupies a leading position when it comes to the intelligent link-up of the driver, car and outside world. BMW ConnectedDrive offers a selection of innovative driver assistance systems and mobility services designed to optimise comfort, safety and the use of infotainment functions. Among the driver assistance systems available for the first time in a compact model from BMW are the anti-dazzle High Beam Assistant and optional Driving Assistant. The optional ConnectedDrive Services provide an optimised platform for using telephone and internet-based services, while a range of other innovative functions can be integrated into the car’s operating system via apps.
Driver assistance systems enhance comfort and safety.
The range of BMW ConnectedDrive features available for the BMW 2 Series Coupe includes a rain sensor with automatic headlight activation. If the optional bi-xenon headlights are specified, the two-door model can also be equipped with Adaptive Headlights including cornering light, variable headlight distribution and adaptive headlight range control for city and motorway driving. Customers can also order their car with the anti-dazzle High Beam Assistant. This function allows the main beam light to be left on even if traffic is approaching from the opposite direction. The headlights are partially masked as and when required in order to prevent other road users from being dazzled as they approach.
Other features available for the BMW 2 Series Coupe are Cruise Control with braking function and the Speed Limit Info system with No Passing Info display. Park Distance Control and the rear view camera, which displays its images on the iDrive operating system’s Control Display, help to ensure precise and comfortable manoeuvring. The likewise optional Parking Assistant aids the driver in choosing and making use of parking spaces parallel to the road. The system identifies suitable spaces and, if desired, carries out the steering movements required to park the car.
The innovative Driving Assistant option comprises the camera-based Lane Departure Warning and Collision Warning systems. The Lane Departure Warning system can be used at speeds over 70 km/h (43 mph) and alerts drivers with a visible signal in the instrument cluster and a vibration though the steering wheel rim if they have inadvertently drifted out of their lane. At speeds upwards of 15 km/h (9 mph), Collision Warning recognises if the distance to the vehicle travelling in front has become too small. As well as triggering visual and acoustic warnings, this system primes the brakes to help the driver achieve the shortest possible stopping distance if he or she has to intervene.
Internet-based services can be integrated into the car via apps.
Innovative technologies also optimise the integration of the Apple iPhone and other smartphones, as well as music players, into the car, including the use of internet-based services. The ConnectedDrive Services option lays the groundwork for in-car connectivity by means of a built-in SIM card. This allows customers to access the internet, the Concierge Service telephone-based information facility, remote functions, the BMW Online portal, the BMW ConnectedDrive range of online entertainment features, BMW TeleServices and the Intelligent Emergency Call function while inside the car.
Numerous other functions can also be integrated into the car at a later stage using apps – via a smartphone or the built-in SIM card. These include Real Time Traffic Information, web radio functions and use of social networking services such as Facebook and Twitter. The flexible app concept allows the integration both of applications developed by the BMW Group and of BMW Apps-ready applications from external providers. Looking forward, this will allow BMW drivers to seamlessly transfer numerous familiar functions into their car.
