Car

BMW 2 Series F22 (2014-2021) – The Compact Coupe That Embodies M-Power

Introduction – Reviving the Spirit of the 2002 Turbo

In 2014, BMW introduced the 2 Series F22, a compact sports coupe that replaced the 1 Series Coupe (E82). With its sleek design, rear-wheel drive (RWD), and thrilling performance, the F22 revived the spirit of classic BMW coupes like the legendary 2002 Turbo.

The BMW 2 Series F22 quickly became the go-to choice for enthusiasts seeking pure driving pleasure, setting a new benchmark in the compact sports coupe segment.

Let’s dive into the story of the BMW 2 Series F22, one of the most beloved BMW models of the past decade.

Design – Elegant, Sporty & Pure BMW DNA

The BMW 2 Series F22 was built on the BMW 3 Series F30 platform but featured a more compact and aggressive design.

🔹 Smaller kidney grilles, paired with sharp LED headlights for a bold look.
🔹 Coupe-style sloping roofline, enhancing aerodynamics and elegance.
🔹 Premium interior, driver-focused cockpit, offering a true sports car experience.
🔹 M Performance versions (M235i, M240i) featured more aggressive body kits, larger air intakes, and sporty exhaust systems.

With this design, the BMW 2 Series F22 maintained German luxury while embracing a performance-driven, sporty character.

Performance & Driving Experience – A Pure BMW Machine

The BMW 2 Series F22 came with rear-wheel drive (RWD) as standard, delivering precise handling, thrilling acceleration, and a dynamic driving experience—hallmarks of BMW’s heritage.

🔥 Notable engine variants:

✅ 218i (1.5L, 136 HP, FWD/RWD) – Fuel-efficient, ideal for urban driving.
✅ 220i & 230i (2.0L, 184-252 HP, RWD) – A perfect balance of power and practicality.
✅ M235i & M240i (3.0L I6, 326-340 HP, RWD/xDrive) – High-performance models, 0-100 km/h in under 5 seconds.
✅ M2 (3.0L I6, 370-410 HP, RWD) – The ultimate 2 Series, rivaling even the M3!

Why Does the BMW 2 Series F22 Deliver an Incredible Driving Experience?

✔️ Rear-wheel drive (RWD) for superior cornering and drifting potential.
✔️ 50:50 weight distribution, ensuring maximum stability at high speeds.
✔️ M Adaptive sports suspension, enhancing road grip and precision.
✔️ 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic ZF gearbox, optimizing acceleration and responsiveness.

With these elements, the F22 became one of the most exciting compact coupes, outperforming many of its rivals in handling and driving pleasure.

BMW M2 – The Small Coupe with M3 Performance

The pinnacle of the 2 Series F22 lineup was the BMW M2, developed by BMW M to offer the purest driving experience in a compact package.

🔹 BMW M2 (2016-2018) – 3.0L N55 I6 Turbo, 370 HP, 465Nm, 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds.
🔹 BMW M2 Competition (2018-2021) – 3.0L S55 I6 (from M3/M4), 410 HP, 550Nm, 0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds.
🔹 M-Sport brakes, Active M differential, providing track-level performance.

Why Is the M2 F87 So Special?

✔️ Driving feel close to the legendary BMW E46 M3, one of the most loved M3 models.
✔️ Available 6-speed manual gearbox, perfect for driving purists.
✔️ Rigid chassis and suspension, making it ultra-stable at high speeds.

Even though the M2 was smaller than the M3, it was considered one of BMW M’s greatest performance cars, balancing power, driving dynamics, and stunning design.

BMW 2 Series F22 vs. Its Competitors

🔥 Audi TT RS – Powerful but lacks BMW’s sharp handling.
🔥 Porsche 718 Cayman – Superior handling but not as practical as the F22.
🔥 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 – AWD makes it fast but lacks the RWD agility of the F22.

While competition was fierce, the BMW 2 Series F22 stood out with its unique RWD layout in the compact coupe segment.

BMW 2 Series F22 Today – A Collectible Coupe

Although the F22 was replaced by the BMW 2 Series G42 (2021-present), it remains a highly valued car among enthusiasts.

✅ Strong resale value, especially for the M240i and M2 models.
✅ Easily modifiable, with widebody kits, engine upgrades, and tuning options.
✅ One of the last compact BMW coupes with a pure RWD platform.

With these characteristics, the BMW 2 Series F22 is destined to become a future classic in BMW’s lineup.