Fully-Loaded 2022 BMW 2 Series Is A Performance Bargain

Despite our initial fears that theBMW 2 Series Coupemight transition to a front-wheel-drive platform, BMW has kept the flame of RWD performance alive for another generation. The G42-generation 2 Series Coupe will arrive in the US as a 2022 model, and while the styling of the newcomermay be polarizing, BMW's retention of the rear wheels as a primary choice of propulsion is cause for celebration.

Initially, two models will be sold. A rear-driven 230i, powered by a 255-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder, will serve as the entry point into the range while the M240i xDrive will top the range with a 382-hp, 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six.Both will be automatic-only. For the time being, the latter will be AWD-only, but a RWD version will join at a later date,as will a new M2. Ahead of the 2 Series' market introduction, production has officially begun at BMW's San Luis Potosi production facility in Mexico. To coincide with this landmark, the US configurator for the 2 Series has gone live.

Pricing starts at $36,350 for the 230i and $48,550 for the M240i xDrive, topping out at just shy $60,000. The most expensive M240i xDrive configuration starts with the $400 Shadowline exterior option with blacked-out detailing all around. We then paired this with one of the 6 optional metallic paints at $550 a pop. We chose Thundernight Metallic - the purple hue from the launch images and one of two colors specific to the 2 Series Coupe - the other is Brooklyn Grey. The San Luis Potosi plant is the only BMW plant in the world that currently works with Thundernight Metallic.

A set of 19-inch double-spoke bicolor 893M wheels with the Cooling and High Performance Tire Package adds a further $2,400, while black Vernasca leather with blue contrast stitching costs $1,450, paired with the mandatory $350 for power lumbar adjustment. Just two interior trims are available, with high gloss black at no cost and Aluminum Tetragon at $150.

The options list is comprehensive, but not overly complicated, with the $2,750 Premium Package already included in the M Performance specification. The Parking Assistance Package rings in at $700, while adaptive cruise control and a drive recorder add $750 and $100 respectively. Park assistance is another $700. Remote start can be added for $300, the interior trim can beilluminated in M colorsfor $200, and a 600-watt Harman Kardon sound system with 16 speakers costs $875. All in, a fully-specced M240i xDrive as described has an MSRP of $60,245 including a $995 destination charge.

In order to gear up for production of the 2 Series, the San Luis Potosi Plant received an additional investment of $125 million. This included 82 new robots in the bodywork area alone. The plant has already produced 170,000 3 Series sedans, with the 2 Series Coupe being the second model line added to its roster. The plant will be the exclusive producer of the 2 Series Coupe for the global market. While production is already underway, the first 2 Series Coupes will only hit showroom floors this November.