Buyer's Guide
Pros
- Quick M235i model
- Good standard tech features
- Responsive transmission
Cons
- Cramped cabin
- Rough ride quality
- Sedan isn't very attractive
What is the BMW 2 Series? In 2021, it's two very different vehicles that share the same name. The 2 Series started in the U.S. as a small rear-wheel-drive two-door coupe or convertible. That model is now sold in parallel with the 2 Series Gran Coupe, which is an all-wheel-drive subcompact sedan. Both mark an entry point for BMW ownership but still offer fun-to-drive reflexes and lots of tech.
What's New
On the 2 Series Gran Coupe:
- All-digital gauge cluster display becomes standard
- Android Auto capability is added
- One-year SiriusXM satellite radio subscription now included
- New automatic transmission tuning on 228i Gran Coupe
On the 2 Series coupe and convertible:
- Apple CarPlay becomes standard
- One-year SiriusXM satellite radio subscription now included
- Real-time traffic information is added
What We Think
The BMW badge stands for luxury, technology, and driving performance. Is the 2 Series Gran Coupe worthy of it?
Inside, materials and build quality feel only decent. There's not a lot of passenger space, especially in the second row—those rear doors are tiny. Ride quality is rough, and the car is noisy, too.
The 2 Series Gran Coupe features much of the same technology as other BMWs, including its improved iDrive user interface. The standard digital gauge display is cool, and the optional upgraded audio system sounds great. Frustratingly, adaptive cruise control is an extra-cost option here, though it's standard on some much less expensive compact sedans.
Is the 2 Series Gran Coupe fun to drive? Sort of. It's certainly quick, especially in M235i spec, and it feels light and tossable in corners. Still, it's hard to disguise the fact that it's based on a crossover platform. It's entertaining enough, but it's not a true driver's car.
In a stark juxtaposition, the 2 Series coupe and convertible are a joy to drive. Poised and playful, these 2 Series' rear-drive handling balance harkens back to iconic BMWs of yore. The M2 coupe never ceased to thrill over its year in our long-term test fleet.
Performance and Fuel Economy
All 2 Series Gran Coupe models are powered by a 2.0-liter turbo-four connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD.
In the 228i, the engine produces 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. In MotorTrend testing, 0-60 mph acceleration took 6.0 seconds. EPA-rated fuel economy is 23/33 mpg city/highway.
Performance increases in the M235i, which produces 301 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. Acceleration to 60 mph drops to a MotorTrend-tested 4.8 seconds. Fuel economy is 23/32 mpg.
The 2 Series coupe and convertible are RWD, and offer AWD. A six-speed manual is standard, and an eight-speed automatic is available.
The 230i has a 2.0-liter turbo-four making 248 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. When equipped with the manual transmission, 0-60 mph acceleration took 5.8 seconds in MotorTrend testing. Fuel economy ranges between 21/30 mpg and 25/32 depending on configuration.
The M240i gets a turbocharged 3.0-liter I-6 producing 335 hp and 368 lb-ft of torque. In MotorTrend testing, a manual-equipped M240i hit 60 in 4.3 seconds. Fuel economy rates between 19/27 mpg and 21/30 mpg.
How Quick Is the BMW M2 Competition?
BMW's legendary motorsports division transforms the standard 2 Series coupe into the M2 Competition. This little sports car packs a turbocharged 3.0-liter I-6 making 405 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. True to form, a six-speed manual is standard, but a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic is also offered. In MotorTrend testing, the M2 Competition's 0-60 time measures 4.0 seconds. Besides the extra power, the M2 Competition receives numerous styling and chassis enhancements.
Safety
In the 2 Series Gran Coupe, standard driver-assist and active safety features include automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, automatic windshield wipers, and front and rear parking sensors. Adaptive cruise control with lane-keep assist is an optional feature. It's the same situation in the 2 Series coupe and convertible, except blind-spot monitoring is not available.
From the IIHS, the 2 Series coupe receives the top score of Good in five 2020 crashworthiness tests. The standard LED headlights get a second-lowest score of Marginal, and the optional adaptive LED headlights get the second-highest Acceptable score. The 2 Series Gran Coupe has not been evaluated for crash safety.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
In the 2 Series Gran Coupe, trunk capacity measures 15.1 cubic feet, with standard split-folding second-row seats to expand cargo space into the cabin.
Front-row headroom measures 38.2 inches in the 2 Series Gran Coupe, which compares to 38.5 inches in the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class. Second-row headroom is 35.6 inches in the 2 Series, similar to the CLA's 35.7 inches. Front-row legroom is 41.4 inches in the BMW, a bit less than 41.8 inches in the Benz. Second-row legroom is 34.4 inches in the 2 Series, a little more than the CLA's 33.9 inches.
The 2 Series coupe has 13.8 cubic feet of trunk capacity. Front-row headroom is 40.1 inches, and legroom is 41.5 inches. Second-row headroom and legroom measure 36.5 and 33.0 inches, respectively.
Technology
The 2 Series Gran Coupe is equipped with an 8.8-inch infotainment touchscreen; a 10.3-inch unit is also available. The iDrive user interface features over-the-air update capability. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity are standard, and built-in navigation comes with the larger touchscreen. For 2021, a previously optional 10.3-inch digital gauge display becomes standard on all models. Two USB ports are included for each row of seats. Premium technology options include a wireless charging pad, head-up display, and infotainment gesture controls. A 10-speaker audio system is standard, and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon premium setup is available.
In the 2 Series coupe, a 6.5-inch touchscreen is standard, and an 8.8-inch upgrade display is available. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity are included, with built-in navigation added on the larger touchscreen. Front-row USB ports are standard, and a wireless charging pad is available. A 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system can be optioned to replace the standard seven-speaker system.
What Is the Difference Between the 2 Series Coupe and Gran Coupe?
The BMW 2 Series is a coupe and convertible, whereas the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe is a sedan. Confused? Let's break it down.
Introduced for 2014 to replace the 1 Series, the 2 evokes classic BMWs of yore. It's compact, RWD-based, and has two doors and an available manual transmission. A soft-top convertible is also offered. From the base 230i up to the track-ready M2 Competition, it provides driver-focused fun more than space or practicality.
The 2 Series Gran Coupe made its debut for 2020 and exists mainly to provide an entry point to BMW ownership. It's a subcompact four-door sedan based on a front-wheel-drive crossover platform. Two tunes of a 2.0-liter turbo-four are available, both connected to an automatic transmission. Although it's not as pure of a BMW as the original 2 Series, the Gran Coupe is more practical and has newer technology and design.
Trim Levels
2021 BMW 228i xDrive Gran Coupe
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Leatherette seating upholstery
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Push-button engine start
2021 BMW M235i xDrive Gran Coupe
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Sport exterior styling
- Performance brakes and suspension
- Perforated leather seating upholstery
2021 BMW 230i (coupe and convertible)
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Leatherette seating upholstery with red contrast stitching
- Power-adjustable front seats
- Physical gauge dials
2021 BMW M240i (coupe and convertible)
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Sport exterior styling
- Performance brakes and suspension
- Blue interior trim details
2021 BMW M2 Competition (coupe)
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Aerodynamic exterior styling
- High-performance brakes and suspension
- Sport bucket seats
Key Competitors:
| Package | Invoice | Retail |
|---|
| Amount | Description | Expiry Date |
|---|---|---|
| $2000 | BMW announces a Military Program for cash customers. | 02-01-2021 |
| $500 | BMW announces a Military Program for customers who Lease/OwnersChoice/Retail Finance/Select Finance through BMW Financial Services that is good towards a purchase or lease of select models. | 02-01-2021 |
| $2000 | BMW announces a Customer Cash Credit on select models. [Regional Incentive. See dealer for availability.] | 02-01-2021 |
| $2000 | BMW announces APR Credit that is good towards a purchase through BMW Financial Services of select models. [Regional Incentive. See dealer for availability.] | 02-01-2021 |
| $2000 | BMW announces Lease Credit on select models. [Regional Incentive. See dealer for availability.] | 02-01-2021 |
| $0 | 0.9% Financing available for varying term lengths : 36, 48, 60 Months - BMW announces APR rates on select models. [Regional Incentive. See dealer for availability.] | 02-01-2021 |
| $0 | 1.9% Financing for a maximum term of 72 Months - BMW announces APR rates on select models. [Regional Incentive. See dealer for availability.] | 02-01-2021 |