2021 BMW 2 Series Coupe officially previewed

Official images of near-production versions of the next-generation BMW 2 Series Coupe in development have been released in the build up to its launch later this year.

Built to rival cars like the Audi TT and even the next-gen Toyota GR 86, the incoming 2021 BMW 2 Series Coupe retains its current platform, so remains rear-wheel drive – unlike the latest BMW 1 Series hatch and 2 Series Gran Coupe.

This set-up ensures the 2 Series Coupe delivers BMW's famed 50:50 front-to-rear weight distribution for optimal handling.

Like before, the most powerful versions will come equipped with the same turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine as the current BMW M440i that under the smaller 2 Series Coupe's bonnet produces 275kW.

Ensuring optimal traction, the M240i gets BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive plus a quick-shifting eight-speed automatic.

Combined, the enhanced get-up-and-go off the line sees the M240i sprint from 0-100km/h in just 4.5 seconds before going on to top out at a limited 250km/h.

Said to have a rear-end bias, the M240i comes with a standard electronically locking differential on the rear axle that's claimed to allow for "easily controllable drift manoeuvres".

The entire range is said to have enhanced dynamics thanks to a 12 per cent stiffer body. There's also a wider track for the new coupe, boosting mid-corner grip.

Keeping it stable at high speed, the 2 Series Coupe is claimed to benefit from a flat undertray that features new air bending aids that include blades and a new splitter to reduce front axle lift by up to 50 per cent.

Despite releasing shots of a heavily camouflaged car, the next BMW 2 Series is promised to offer sleeker looks than before, with the coupe keeping its traditional long bonnet, rising shoulder line and rakish rear-end.

Up front, we expect a toned-down version of the polarising enlarged kidney grille, as seen on the current BMW 4 Series, while at the rear expect the BMW two-door to get a pair of bespoke tail-lights.

Under the bonnet, as well as the powerful inline-six turbo, a smaller 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder will also be available that produces 180kW and will power the 230i.

For those with less of a budget, entry-level models will bag a 1.5-litre turbo three-cylinder from the MINI Cooper.

There's no word on diesels, but the 140kW 2.0-litre turbo-diesel from the 320d is likely.

Later on in 2022, BMW M will launch its next-gen BMW M2 Competition that's expected to shun the M240i's all-wheel drive and produce upwards of 300kW.

Missing from the line-up will be a BMW 2 Series Convertible that's thought to have been dropped following a decline in sales.

Confirmed to go on sale in Europe in the coming months, the new second-gen 2 Series is expected to land in Australia before the end of this year, with pricing announced closer to launch.