2018 BMW 2-Series range gets minor updates

BMW gave their entry level coupe/convertible, the 2-Series, a refresh which includes a list of minor tweaks. The refresh applies to the whole range of 2-Series cars, starting from the pedestrian base models all the way up to the fire-breathing M2. A new model, M240i M, is also slipped in to form a link between the normal 2-Series and the M2.

The visual tweaks start with the new bi-LED headlamps that will be standard across the range. An adaptive full-LED unit is an optional extra. The angel lamps are now hexagonal instead of the round ones in the pre-facelift model. The signature kidney-grill has grown along with the air intakes. The M2 features a new sculpted front bumper with more aggressive air intakes.  At the rear, the LED taillamps are also updated. An enlarged color palette consisting of three new colors, Sunset Orange, Seaside Blue, Mediterranian Blue, is also a part of the update. Two 17-inch and 18-inch alloys are added to the brochure. The brawnier M2 is fitted with quad exhaust tips with two at either side while the standard car gets twin tips at one side.

The new variant, the M240i M, adds another “M” thanks to its visual and performance upgrades. The exterior of this car is finished in Alpine White with a black grill, carbon-fibre mirror caps and carbon-fibre side skirts highlighting it to give a more aggressive stance. The rear spoiler, diffuser and the twin exhaust tips are also finished in carbon-fibre. It sits on 19-inch Orbit Gray alloy wheels.

The interior gets some updates as well. The instrument panel gets a black panel treatment and the air vents have been slightly modified. The 8.8-inch display of the optional navigation system now offers touchscreen functionality to fiddle with. Another addition to the cabin is an induction charging tray that allows you to charge your smartphone via wireless charging. The 2-Series will also support Apple CarPlay and WiFi hotspot for up to 10 devices.

The engine options on the 2-Series will remain the same for 2018. The 4 cylinder 2.0-litre turbo in the base 230i produces 248 hp. The gearbox options include an 8-speed automatic and a 6-speed manual. Rear-wheel drive is standard and an xDrive all-wheel drive is an option that can be added. The M2 on the other end of the spectrum wields a 365 hp 6-cylinder 3.0-litre engine mated to a 7-speed dual clutch automatic. The M2 also comes with the same axles from the BMW M3 and M4 along with sportier steering, brakes and suspension setups.

The M240i M will be offered with a revamped version of the old 3.0-litre inline-6 cylinder engine which now churns out 340 hp, just 25 less than the 2018 M2. The gearbox choices remain the same as the ones on the base model, but the all-wheel drive is only available in automatic.

Expect the 2018 BMW 2-Series facelift to arrive in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and other GCC countries sometime early next year.