BMW 2-Series Coupe G42

The controversially confused 2-Series branding managed to live on with the latest version of BMW's baby two-door coupe and unlike today's 1-Series hatchback and its 2-Series Gran Coupe relative, this two-door 2-Series Coupe prefers to be rear-wheel drive just like its predecessor, something akin to Toyota's AE86 from the past. Never mind the Axis nonsense because it's time to have a word with the all-new 2-Series Coupe.

2022 BMW 2-Series Coupe

Priced at 39,700 Euros plus additional costs, the all-new 2-Series Coupe retains the rear-wheel-drive layout from its predecessor, a nod for hardline Bimmer purists who felt disgusted over the luxury carmaker's trends of today.

Beginning with the design, the G42 2-Series Coupe can be easily mistaken for a Rover 200 Coupe juiced up by the yardies. Yardies aside, it's nearly identical to the previous model it replaces, and thanks to such compact proportions, despite being slightly bigger than its predecessor, you can truly slip through the streets like a show-off.

2022 BMW 2-Series Coupe interior

Step inside and its familiar Bimmer interior layout is not like the ones found in its unrelated machines such as the 1-Series and the totally unrelated 2-Series Gran Coupe as expected because the folks from BMW wanted their new 2-Series Coupe to be away from the pack and be original because this is the only rear-wheel-drive 2-Series car you'll be getting.

For a two-door sports coupe with two extra seats in the back, the new model hasn't escaped the tech reality because it's armed with the available BMW Live Cockpit Professional powered by BMW Operating System 7, allowing drivers to take advantage of its technological marvel including its smartphone integration, OTA updates, Driving Assistant, and the most annoying feature of all, the Amazon Alexa Car Integration. Don't worry, you'll be using this by yourself because you're driving solo while toying around with its toys.

2022 BMW 2-Series Coupe

Being the only small rear-wheel-drive luxury sports coupe in existence, the all-new BMW 2-Series Coupe loves to handle like a serious sports car because of its reworked aerodynamics, suspension, and chassis, not to mention lightweight materials involved in the making of this car as well as Variable sport steering, M Sport braking system, Adaptive M suspension, and the M Sport differential. When you take it to the corners, it feels so dramatic and enjoyable to drive full-stop. You'll spend a couple of minutes appreciating just how great its dynamics are.

Under the hood, the new 2-Series Coupe is powered by a choice of a 2.0L petrol, 2.0L diesel, and in the case of the M240i xDrive, a 3.0L 6-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine with 374PS of power while mated with 8-speed Steptronic transmission.

While the 2-Series Coupe is meant to be enjoyed on a daily basis, its driver assistance systems rather spoil its sporty character. Such example is the standard Front-collision warning, Speed Limit Info, and Lane Departure Warning, not to mention the available Driving Assistant and Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function.

With the new 2-Series Coupe no longer related to its front-wheel-drive equivalents, this is nearly a win for the purists because, despite its controversial styling, it's still one of the most enjoyable sports cars for the price of a Honda Civic Type R FK8. A real bargain.

Photo: BMW AG