BMW’s G42 2 Sequence Coupe has carved out a loyal following, particularly in M240i xDrive kind. It’s not as hardcore because the G87 M2, however it nails that candy spot—highly effective, balanced, and simply sensible sufficient to be a year-round each day driver. However for a way for much longer? In keeping with our sources, the G42 2 Sequence and G87 M2 are each scheduled to exit manufacturing in 2029. Sometimes, a next-gen mannequin would already be within the pipeline. This time, although, there’s allegedly no combustion-powered successor deliberate. As a substitute, BMW is engaged on a completely electrical i2, which is predicted to debut after 2029.
And right here’s the actual kicker: the i2 might not even be a coupe. As a substitute, sources recommend it may arrive as an i2 Gran Coupe (four-door), aimed toward a broader world viewers. If that’s true, it could mark a serious departure from the compact rear-wheel-drive sports activities coupe formulation that has made the two Sequence such a success since its inception in 2014. There’s a caveat although: plans may certainly change, even when that can imply a large hole between product lifecycles. We’ll clarify beneath why that’s nonetheless a risk.
To grasp automotive product planning, particularly at BMW, we’ve to rewind a number of years. When the G42 launched, the EV market was booming, and automakers had been betting huge on electrification. BMW deliberate future fashions underneath the belief that sure segments—like compact coupes—could be able to transition to electrical energy. Quick ahead to at present, and issues look very totally different. The EV market has slowed, authorities laws are shifting, and prospects haven’t deserted inner combustion as rapidly as anticipated. However by the point this shift turned clear, long-term product planning was already in movement.
That’s how we ended up right here: the G42 and G87 M2 may very well be phased out in 2029, however on the identical time, they might obtain a lifecycle extension to be bought in parallel with an i2 electrical. Why is {that a} risk? BMW’s product technique is kind of versatile, due to its three-platform method:
- CLAR (Rear-wheel-drive-based) – Helps ICE, EVs, hybrid and hydrogen fashions.
- FAAR (Entrance-wheel-drive-based) – Used for fashions just like the 1 Sequence and X1, and MINIs
- NCAR (Neue Klasse EV-based) – The following-gen electric-only platform for future BMWs, together with the i2.
Much more attention-grabbing, BMW is upgrading a few of its inner combustion engines to fulfill Euro 7 requirements—together with the B58 inline-six and the B48 turbo-four. If BMW is holding these engines alive for the following decade, it means they haven’t absolutely deserted combustion-powered efficiency automobiles simply but. That leaves the door open for a possible future 2 Sequence Coupe revival within the 2030s or the extension of the present mannequin with one other facelift, particularly if demand for small ICE sports activities automobiles stays robust.
For those who love compact, fun-to-drive sports activities automobiles, the following few years could be your finest likelihood to safe one—whether or not it’s a 230i or an M240i—earlier than they may disappear from BMW’s lineup. And as many shoppers state, you gained’t be disenchanted with both variant.
