BMW’s numbering scheme is a system that, while indicative of the brand, seems to grow slightly more complex with each passing year. There seem to be as many series as there are numerals, these days, and they vary from year to year and market to market. Now the 2 series is replacing the 1 series here in the states, and whatever the difference may be, just know that this new coupe is still a prime vehicle.
If you really want to get into the nitty gritty of Bavarian numerology, Motor Trend discusses it at the beginning of their review of the 2014 BMW M235i. The important stuff is after that, though, when they discuss the car itself and how it drives. The 2 series is slightly larger than the outgoing 1, registering an extra inch or three on almost every measurement. The car that Motor Trend drove has an M in front of it, and while it isn’t an M series, this 2 series does take advantage of BMW’s M Performance parts. It has sporty accents and a fine-looking front fascia.
Underneath, the M235i is riding on a McPherson suspension. The US model also uses adaptive damping to switch between Comfort and Sport driving modes, and Motor Trend says the difference is noticeable. Other performance features include M specific chassis tuning, M sport braking, and variable steering. There’s an option for either a 2.0L 240hp turbocharged DOHC I-4 engine or a 3.0L 320hp turbo DOHC I-6, and either a 6-speed manual or a 8-speed automatic transmission. Clearly the 2 series has the right tools to work with, but how did it fare on the test track?
Most positively, according to Motor Trend. Fast and quick, the 2 series takes advantage of “advanced kinematics” to deliver the near-perfect handling you should expect from BMW.
We’re looking forward to when the 2 series arrives in our showroom this March. If you want to read more about the 2014 BMW M235i, read the full review on Motor Trend. For questions about availability, leave a comment or stop by Leith BMW.