Hinted Changes to the BMW 1 Series Tell Us About the 2 Series Future

Recent spy shots were caught of the BMW 1 Series Hatchback which could lead to upgrades for the 2 Series.

The latest version of the 1 Series Hatchback has only been around since 2019, but it seems BMW is ready to make changes to this car to offer a new model sometime in 2023. Because we don’t see the 1 Series model in the United States, we normally wouldn’t have much interest in this car, but changes to this small hatchback might appear in the next 2 Series Grand Coupe from this brand.

What Do We Learn from the Spy Shots?

The spy shots were caught by the Motor Authority team, giving us a look at the new 1 Series. The car was covered heavily in camouflage, showing us there should be some significant changes to the car. The headlights showcase a new look and a new grille could be part of the next model of tis car. Around back, we see an improved pattern to the taillights that also offer an improved appearance for a high-quality design.

Going inside, a new, larger infotainment screen is present and a new center console with new controls showed up in this testing mule. The new dashboard shows hints of the 2-Seres Active Tourer, but we don’t know if this will remain part o the mix or not.

It’s possible the new BMW 1 Series and 2 Series model will have improved powertrains for the drive. The current models have a turbocharged engine that makes 301 horsepower. Could we see a plug-in hybrid powertrain when these two cars arrive for the next generation? Its possible. Most likely, if we do see a hybrid model, it will come from the 2 Series Active Tourer, but we won’t know for sure until the next versions of these cars arrive.

What Does the Current BMW 2 Series Offer?

The current 2 Series is a small, premium car that’s offered as a coupe and a four-door Gran Coupe. This is a car that is seriously fun to drive, regardless of the trim. This car is upgraded to offer more of what you want with a new 230i Coupe, M240i xDrive Coupe, 228i Gran Coupe, and M235i Gran Coupe models to make sure you have a full slate of options when you want to experience a small and active car on any road.

What Makes this Car Great to Drive?

The pros and cons of this new BMW get us started with the information we need.

Pros

    • BMW driving talents in small packages
    • Quality cabins
    • Good fuel economy
    • Gran Coupe offers hatchback practicality

 

Cons

      • Pricey
      • Very little rear passenger space

It’s possible to take the negatives and work with them. You know this is a BMW, which often translates to a higher price when you shop for the vehicle you want to drive. As for the rear passenger space, turn that into more cargo room and let this car be a two-seat coupe that you love to drive.

How Does the Cabin of the 2 Series Appeal to You?

Open the doors to this little BMW and you’ve got a car with the upscale cabin and quality you want from this brand. The layout is perfect and the front seat roominess is ideal for most drivers. You’ll find comfortable, supportive seats with the feeling you’re after. The Coupe offers a longer wheelbase than before, giving you plenty of space for some comfort. The Gran Coupe delivers a cargo area that measures 15.2 cubic feet while the Coupe has a bit less with 10 cubic feet behind the rear seats in the trunk.

This BMW is More Aggressive

The latest version of the BMW 2 Series is longer, lower, and wider than before. This makes the car more performance-oriented to give you the build and feeling you want on the road. You won’t see any radical grille treatments or over-the-top styling. Instead, you’ll find a mature, conservative appearance that exudes confidence. This is a car that looks fun to drive and then delivers on that look with the performance feeling you want when you take it for a spin.

What Does the 2 Series Include?

230i Coupe

      • 18-inch alloy wheels
      • LED headlights with automatic high beams
      • Simulated leather upholstery
      • Leather-wrapped steering wheel
      • Power-adjustable front sport seats
      • Tri-zone automatic climate controls
      • Self-dimming rearview and driver’s-side mirrors
      • 8.8-inch infotainment screen
      • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
      • Wi-Fi hotspot
      • Satellite radio
      • Bluetooth connectivity
      • Two USB ports
      • Voice control
      • Amazon Alexa
      • 10-speaker/205-watt audio system
      • Rain-sensing wipers
      • Forward-collision warning
      • Automatic emergency braking
      • Blind-spot monitoring
      • Parking sensors

M240i xDrive Coupe

      • 19-inch alloy wheels
      • M Sport brakes/rear differential/steering wheel
      • Keyless entry/ignition
      • Moonroof
      • Ambient cabin lighting

M235i Gran Coupe

      • M Sport brakes/ suspension, steering
      • Torque-sensing limited-slip differential
      • 18-inch alloy wheels
      • Keyless entry/ignition
      • Hands-free tailgate operation
      • Real leather upholstery

Four Different Power Levels for the BMW 2 Series

There are a few different ways you can enjoy the power of the 2 Series. Every model uses an eight-speed automatic transmission, but there are four different power levels for your driving pleasure.

The 230i Coupe uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 2550 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque. The 228i Grand Coupe uses the same engine but the power comes in at 228 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque. Moving to the M235i Gran Coupe, we see 301 horsepower and 331 lb.-ft. of torque coming from the same powertrain.

The M240i xDrive Coupe is the only version of the BMW 2 Series that uses a different engine. This model has a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine that makes 382 horsepower and 369 lb.-ft. of torque.

What Will You Do?

Will you wait and see if the new items coming in the European BMW 1 Series make their way to the next versions of the 2 Series or will you purchase this small and active luxury car now? This could be a difficult decision for some, but many will likely enjoy this car and what it offers in its current form.

This post may contain affiliate links. Meaning a commission is given should you decide to make a purchase through these links, at no cost to you. All products shown are researched and tested to give an accurate review for you.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *