The BMW 2-Series is available in four models the 230i which is offered as a rear-wheel drive coupe, the 228 Gran Coupe which can be had as a front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive while the M235 Gran Coupe and M240 both come standard with all-wheel drive.
The 228 Gran Coupe powered by a 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The 230i uses the same engine tuned to 255 horsepower while the M235 Gran Coupe is tuned to 301 horsepower. For buyers looking for more power the M240 features a turbocharged 3.0L straight-six powerplant that produces 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet. All models come standard with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
A big part of the mission of the 2-Series is to be fun to drive. BMW has accomplished this through an all-independent suspension with a 5-link rear suspension setup, a fairly unique feature in this class. The 2-Series is thus able to out-handle most of its competitors in addition to being quite quick in a straight line. Body roll, dive and squat are all nicely controlled without compromising the car's ride quality.
The BMW 230i is the more pedestrian of the two models but still comes reasonably well equipped. Standard features include 18-inch alloy wheels, 40-20-40 folding rear seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with controls for the stereo and Bluetooth setup, sport buckets front seats, automatic dual-zone climate control, push button start, rain-sensing wipers, power folding heated mirrors, LED headlight a and a memory system that remembers the driver's favorite settings for everything.
The 2-Series' infotainment system comes with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, ten-speaker sound system, SiriusXM satellite radio, voice-activated navigation, USB port, Apple CarPlay compatibility, and three 12v power sockets.
The M240i comes better equipped, starting of course with the stronger engine. Other features on the M240i include bigger brakes, painted front and rear calipers, a sport tuned suspension, 19-inch alloy wheels, a 14.9-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, and a power sunroof.
Safety features include anti-lock brakes, stability/traction control and several airbags. Safety features across the whole 2-series lineup include front and rear parking sensors, an active lane departure warning system, blind spot warning, forward collision mitigation, rear collision warning and a pedestrian detection system.
Sporty
Compact
Fun To Drive
Rear-wheel Drive Or All-wheel Drive Availability
European Feel
Convertible Option
The BMW 2-Series carries over with minimal changes while the M2 gets a full redesign for 2023 based off last year's redesign of the 2-Series.
The BMW 2-Series is a sporty luxury compact that competes with other small European cars such as the Audi A3, the MINI Cooper and the Mercedes CLA. The BMW 2-Series, however, is significantly sportier than its competitors and features better handling and a more hardcore, driver-oriented demeanor. The BMW 2-Series offers a nice compromise between an all-out sports car and a sophisticated German compact.
