babypuppi: [9] Bmw 2 Becomes This Year Headline

Monday, December 31, 2018

[9] Bmw 2 Becomes This Year Headline

The 2-Series is one of our favorite cars in the BMW lineup. In fact, the high-performance M2 variant was voted Motor Authority’s Best Car to Buy 2017.

It’s mostly because the car reminds us of BMWs of old, where rear-wheel drive, inline-6s and manual transmissions ruled.

Yes, the 2-Series is breath of fresh air at a time when BMW seems to be focused on filling every niche possible, even if it means launching front-wheel-drive minivans.

The complete range, including the M2, has just been updated, but the changes are relatively minor as the 2-Series already received a round of mechanical updates just last year.

2018 BMW 2-Series Convertible

The biggest change is the sharper look brought about by the revised front bumpers and full-LED headlights featuring a hexagonal shape for the signature BMW “angel eyes” daytime running lights. The grille was also enlarged to give the car a more aggressive look. On top of this, buyers have more wheel patterns and exterior colors to choose from.

Changes to the interior are just as minor. There’s a new steering wheel and the center stack and console have been cleared up. New details such as contrast stitching and high-gloss black accents have been added and buyers have more trim options to choose from plus new tech goodies such as a wireless charging and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration. Finally, the 8.8-inch infotainment screen now comes in touchscreen format if the available nav system is added.

In the United States, the base model continues to be the 230i fitted with a 248-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4. Above this sits the M240i M Performance model with a 335-hp 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6.

Alongside the regular models is the M2 which we can confirm is continuing with its 365-hp 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6. The car is also continuing in coupe form only.

2018 BMW 2-Series Convertible

Transmissions for the 2-Series include 6-speed manual and 8-speed automatic options while the M2 can be had with either a 6-speed manual or 7-speed dual-clutch unit. Rear-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive continues to be available on the M Performance model.

Note, we’re expecting a more hardcore M2 CS model to eventually join the range. Like the M4 CS unveiled at the recent 2017 Shanghai auto show, the M2 CS should feature more power, a more aggressive aero package, and some weight-saving mods.

Availability and pricing are yet to be confirmed but expect the starting price of the updated 2-Series to remain in the low-$30K region.

For more on the BMW 2-Series, read in the in-depth reviews at The Car Connection.