2014 BMW 2 Series Coupe First Look

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Evoking a legendary number is a dangerous tactic -- it can lead to big expectations. No NHL player would dream of wearing Wayne Gretzky's number 99, and a rookie NBA player better be able to back-up wearing Michael Jordan's 23. And yet just four pages into the 2014 BMW 2 Series Coupe's 20-page long press release BMW makes its first of several mentions of the legendary 1968 2002. Could the 2014 BMW 2 Series have what it takes to follow in the classic coupe's footsteps?

At the face of it, the new 2014 BMW 2 Series, which will debut at the 2014 Detroit auto show, certainly has the goods to back up the 2002 connection. There are going to be two versions of the rear-drive coupe: the 2014 BMW 228i, and the 2014 BMW M235i - the very first M Performance Bimmer offered in the U.S. The 2014 228i gets the 328i's 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 under the hood, making 240 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, while the M235i gets BMW's 3.0-liter turbo I-6 pushing out 322 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. Both cars come standard with an eight-speed automatic, with an available six-speed manual.

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Both versions of the 2014 2 Series certainly look to be quite the performers on paper. Equipped with standard-across-the-board launch control, the base 228i can reportedly accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 5.4 seconds when equipped with the automatic. Top speed is limited to 130 mph; though opting for the Sport Line or M Sport packages raises the limiter to 155 mph. The M235i is, not surprisingly, even quicker - 0-60 mph reportedly comes in just 4.8 seconds with the auto, with top speed limited to an autobahn-friendly 155 mph. The manual is expected to take 5.0 seconds for the 0-60 mph run.

Both 2014 2 Series models seem thrifty at the pump, with the 228i predicted to net 22/34/26 mpg city/highway/combined with the manual and 23/35/26 mpg with the automatic. The M235i is expected to get 19/28/22 mpg with the manual and 22/32/25 mpg with the automatic.

But who cares about fuel economy? An Ultimate Driving Machine must perform just as well in the corners as it does in a straight line. To that effect, the 2014 M235i comes impressively equipped for good times on back roads. The M235i gets an M Adaptive Suspension, and M brakes standard, as well as a sport-tuned steering setup. BMW also fits the M235i with standard 18-inch M wheels shod in ultra-sticky Michelin Pilot Super Sports. The M235i's option list includes 19-inch M forged-alloy wheels, and a mechanical limited-slip diff.

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Though it doesn't come standard with the performance goodies of the M235i, the 228i can be performance-focused, too. Like the rest of the BMW lineup, the 2014 228i is designed to be individually tailored around the driver with various trim lines. The 228i's Sport Line brings 18-inch alloys and various M235i-inspired interior and exterior trim pieces to the base car. The M Sport package adds an M-tuned suspension to the 228i, as well as M wheels, and much of the M235i's exterior and interior pieces.

Though we can't yet test the 2 Series' 2002 connection, it certainly looks the part. The 2014 BMW 2 Series has the traditional three-box coupe design that BMW made so popular on cars like the 2002 and E30 3 Series. The 2 Series is most certainly an evolution of the 1 Series, with sharper-looking headlights and taillights, crisp body lines, and an overall less-frumpy appearance than the outgoing car. All the traditional BMW touches, from the kidney grille, to the Hofmeister kink are there, as are some of BMW's latter design features, like the "Air Curtains" from the new 4 Series Coupe. Dimensionally, the 2 Series is larger in every dimension than the 1 Series. The 2014 2 Series is as long as an E36 3 Series at 174.5 inches, though wider at 69.8 inches, and with a shorter wheelbase, at 105.9 inches. BMW says both cars have a 50:50 weight distribution, though it doesn't mention the car's estimated curb weight.

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Inside, the new 2 Series is typical BMW, with a 2+2 design similar to that of the 4 Series, with a driver-oriented cockpit. A 6.5-inch center-stack mounted screen with iDrive is standard, while those who want navigation get a larger 8.8-inch unit. BMW's Sensatec leatherette is standard, while real leather is optional. Matte silver is the standard interior trim, while brushed aluminum and wood are available. BMW says the 2 Series' cockpit is roomier for passengers in all seats with boosted headroom and legroom.

Though the smallest BMW, the new 2 Series isn't the cheapest -- that honor still goes to the related BMW X1 crossover. The 2014 BMW 228i starts at $33,025, while the 2014 BMW M235i begins at $44,025. Both prices include $925 in destination. We expect the 2 Series Coupe to be complemented by a 2 Series Convertible in the future. On paper, the 2014 BMW 2 Series coupe appears to have what it takes to live up to the expectations set up for it with the 2002 connection, and when the car debuts at the Detroit auto show in January and hits dealers early next year, we'll be sure to test out those claims.