BMW has unveiled its new 2 Series Coupe - which will be priced from £34,980 and comes without the controversial 'big grille' look of its larger 4 Series stablemate.

The market launch will get underway at the beginning of 2022 with three model variants initially available.

Topping the range will be the all-wheel-drive BMWM240ixDriveCoupe, which is powered by a 369bhp six-cylinder in-line engine, while customers will also be able to choose from four-cylinder petrol and diesel versions in the standard M Sport specification.

The standalone vehicle concept of the BMW2 SeriesCoupe, says BMW, puts clear water between itand the BMW 1 Series models (which are based on a front-wheel-drive architecture) and borrows extensively from the technology used inthe BMW 3 Series and BMW 4 Series.

A length of 4,537mm and width of 1,838mm represent increases over the predecessor model of 105mm and 64mm respectively. The new car is 28mm lower, however, with a vehicle height of 1,390mm. Its wheelbase is also 51mm longer at 2,741mm.

The new BMW2 SeriesCoupe's boot offers load capacity of 390litres - a 20-litre increase in primary capacity over its predecessor - and the height of the loading edge is 35mm lower.

Standard equipment includes a Sport leather steering wheel with newly designed multifunction buttons. The standard M Sport specification come with alcantara/Sensatec upholstery in black with blue contrast stitching and the BMWM240ixDriveCoupé comes with Vernasca leather.

Highlights of the chassis technology include a two-joint spring strut-front axle, five-link-rear axle, wheel bearings that are 2.7kg lighter and have 45 per cent less friction than before, lift-related dampers with bespoke characteristics, and weight-saving construction throughout.

Adaptive M suspension spans an extremely wide spectrum between sportiness and comfort, says BMW.The adaptive M suspension available as an option for the new BMWM240ixDriveCoupe allows drivers a wide possible spread between sporty and comfort-oriented responses.

The flagship model in the 2 Series Coupe range is equipped with the most powerful six-cylinder in-line petrol engine in the core BMW brand engine portfolio. The the 3.0-litre unit develops 34hp more than the engine in its predecessor, helping it accelerate from 0 to 62mph in only 4.3 seconds.

As well as the latest version of BMW TwinPower Turbo technology with twin-scroll turbocharging and High Precision Injection, the four-cylinder 2.0-litre petrol engine of the new BMW220iCoupé also has a cylinder head with integrated exhaust manifold.

Making its debut in the 181bhp unit, this design helps to minimise emissions. It can reach 62mph in 7.5seconds.

The enhanced 2.0-litre diesel power unit in the new BMW220dCoupé develops 187bhp and now features two-stage turbocharging. A 48V starter generator takes the role ofan electric drive system, providing an extra 11bhp of power.

Thiselectric boost enhances dynamic response when accelerating offthe line and overtaking. The BMW220dCoupe sprints from 0-62mph in 6.9seconds.