It’s a pretty common sentiment among BMW enthusiasts that the 2 Series has sort of replaced the 3 Series as the small, fun-to-drive daily BMW. It’s the car that enthusiasts buy as their daily driver now, rather than the 3 Series. If those same 2 Series owners are worried that the next-gen 2 Series might get softer or less exciting, fret not, as the next-gen 2 Series is said to be nicknamed “Drift Machine” among BMW folks.
According to Australian publication, Motoring, who recently spoke with Klaus Frohlich BMW’s head of development, the 2 Series is known as the “Drift Machine” internally. Frohlich said that he wanted to make sure that the 2 Series not only remained rear-wheel drive but remained a proper driver’s car. And it was Frohlich that came up with the “Drift Machine” moniker as a way to keep the designers and engineers on the same page.
“The next-generation 2 Series will be called the drift machine, so whenever I look at the design I can say ‘Adrian [van Hooydonk, BMW design chief], does that really look like a drift machine? It should have more thrill, do something more’. said Frohlich. “If I drive the car I say ‘is it a drift machine?”
This is refreshing to hear, as the current 2 Series is still a blast to drive and even so in the entry-level BMW 230i. In fact, some enthusiasts prefer the entry-level car, as it’s lighter, simpler and easier to drive quickly.
What’s interesting is that Frohlich claims all upcoming BMW models have simple nicknames, which help give both the design and engineering teams a singular focus for each car. This helps give each car a unique character, despite being based off of similar chassis and powertrains. “By this approach, even if you are using the same toolboxes, every car has to have a different character.” said Frohlich. “In design, for example, we do not morph one design to different sizes. We do special designs for special cars.” For instance, the new BMW X5 is internally known as “The Boss”. The BMW X6? “The Beast”.
[Source: Motoring]
Hell, apparently even the 3-cyl 218i is a blast.
I test drove a 228i for fun in late 2016 and was absolutely amazed by how good it drove. I never drove a BMW before that. It was hard to explain but it felt like car and driver were one. I decided I would get one for my 50th birthday and 1.5 years later, got a 2018 230i. It’s the base Sportline model without optional Track Handling Package. It’s a blast to drive and I bet even better with THP (no THP models on lot to test drive). Out of curiosity, I also tested a 2018 330i and walked away disappointed. It was a lovely luxury car, but not fun, and not what I imagined a BMW to be. The handling of the 330i v 230i was night and day. I wanted to like that 330i as it is bigger and more practical, but it didn’t make the cut (plus more expensive too). Hoping the 2019 330i is better.
I wonder what they call the 7 and 8series.
Profit.
X7 = The monster?
Yeah, this car is really the right size/balance ratio to carry the feel of the older BMW cars that made the brand great. Wonder if they’ll do a CSL version? I think BMW should continue the 1 series as well even though the 1 and the 2 might generally be the same segment. Having a small little lightweight coupe at an entry point might be the best seller. We all look back longingly at the old 2002tii and e30 with nostalgia but that could be modern enthusiasm as well.