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, but it surely nails that candy spot—highly effective, balanced, and simply sensible sufficient to be a year-round every day driver. However for a way for much longer? In response to 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 an alternative, BMW is engaged on a totally electrical i2, which is anticipated to debut after 2029.
And right here’s the actual kicker: the i2 might not even be a coupe. As an alternative, sources counsel it may arrive as an i2 Gran Coupe (four-door), aimed toward a broader international viewers. If that’s true, it might mark a serious departure from the compact rear-wheel-drive sports activities coupe components 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 may imply a large hole between product lifecycles. We’ll clarify beneath why that’s nonetheless a chance.
To know automotive product planning, particularly at BMW, now we have to rewind just a few years. When the G42 launched, the EV market was booming, and automakers had been betting massive 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 right this moment, and issues look very totally different. The EV market has slowed, authorities rules are shifting, and clients haven’t deserted inner combustion as rapidly as anticipated. However by the point this shift grew to become clear, long-term product planning was already in movement.
That’s how we ended up right here: the G42 and G87 M2 could possibly be phased out in 2029, however on the similar time, they might obtain a lifecycle extension to be offered in parallel with an i2 electrical. Why is {that a} chance? BMW’s product technique is sort of versatile, because of its three-platform strategy:
- 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 satisfy Euro 7 requirements—together with the B58 inline-six and the B48 turbo-four. If BMW is preserving these engines alive for the subsequent decade, it means they haven’t absolutely deserted combustion-powered efficiency vehicles 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 vehicles stays sturdy.
For those who love compact, fun-to-drive sports activities vehicles, the subsequent few years could be your greatest likelihood to safe one—whether or not it’s a 230i or an M240i—earlier than they could disappear from BMW’s lineup. And as many purchasers state, you gained’t be dissatisfied with both variant.
