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2019 BMW 2-series

Starting at $36,295

9/10 C/D RATING
Specs
2017 bmw 230i xdrive
Alex Conley|Car and Driver
9/10 C/D RATING

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  • Highs A pair of truly great engines, big fun to drive, looks every bit a BMW.
  • Lows Cramped back seat, interior is plain for the price.
  • Verdict Small and relatively affordable (for a BMW) and a good way for Bimmerphiles to get their fix.
By Eric Stafford

Overview

The 2019 BMW 2-series is quick, nimble, and engaging the way that some of our favorite Bimmers of yore were. Two models, the 248-hp 230i and the 335-hp M240i, span the distance from slightly sportier than average to nearly track ready. Both powertrains are available with all-wheel drive and as convertibles, and while the interior is cramped for four, it could be the perfect chariot for a single person in search of a more exciting commute. Others in the class have more in the way of driver-assistance technology, luxury materials, and connectivity options, but we're still happy whenever we can get behind the wheel of this gift to BMW's faithful.

What's New for 2019?

For 2019, the 2-series remains mostly unchanged other than adding several newly standard features and revising certain option packages. Every model now has an updated gauge cluster along with driver-assistance equipment that includes forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection and automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and front and rear parking sensors. Likewise, the Premium package now adds real-time traffic information, a one-year subscription to Apple CarPlay, and remote services that allow users to locate their vehicle as well as lock and unlock it via a smartphone app.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The M240i is the hot rod of the family, always ready for action, with eye-popping acceleration just a nudge of the throttle away. A sweet-shifting manual transmission is a no-cost option, and all-wheel drive can replace rear-wheel drive for $2000. The convertible version is $4600 more than its fixed-roof twin. We'd go big with the M240i coupe, which comes standard with an adaptive suspension, 10-way power-adjustable front seats, and adaptive cruise control.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Likes: Two incredible engines, snappy and smooth automatic, very satisfying to drive.
Dislikes: Ride can be harsh at times, exhaust note could be throatier.

You can't go wrong with either of the engines in the 2-series. It gets bonus points for offering a manual transmission with both engines in addition to well-coordinated eight-speed automatic transmission. The 230i's 248-hp turbocharged four-cylinder is always on call, responding quickly to your right foot with little to no turbo lag. It revs smoothly, accelerates with alacrity, and sounds reasonably refined—if not enthralling at all except at the top of its rpm range. The automatic transmission on our 230i test car danced with it beautifully, providing smooth, quick shifts and ready kickdowns for passing. The combination was good for a zero-to-60-mph sprint of 5.3 seconds. The M240i is another story, and a lightning-quick one: its turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six sings a mechanical aria as it rockets the small coupe to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds.

The 2-series handles itself with aplomb, thanks in part to its quick, accurate steering responses and its solid, capable chassis. The ride over uneven pavement is generally good, and passengers are isolated from most bumps by the firmly controlled suspension. Over repeated expansion joints, however, the 2-series rocks passengers as if they're on a penny-pony ride. An adaptive suspension with adjustable shocks is standard in the M240i, and that, plus grippy summer tires, gives this car seriously responsive handling capability. The ride does become progressively stiffer as the driving-mode selector moves from Comfort to Sport and then Sport+. The brake pedal feels firm and substantial, and it delivers on that promise with short 70-mph-to-zero stopping distances.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

With engines this powerful and playful, it wouldn't be a surprise if the 2-series wasn't particularly fuel efficient, but the opposite is true: it's one of the more frugal cars in this segment. The all-wheel-drive 230i we tested on our 200-mile highway testing route outperformed its EPA rating during our highway test, but so did every other car tested. At 35 mpg, the 2-series is still one of the most efficient in its class, and a relatively efficient highway cruiser for a high-performance coupe.

Interior, Infotainment, and Cargo

Likes: Excellent outward visibility, handy infotainment controller, big trunk for a small car.
Dislikes: Convertible top reduces rear-seat legroom, limited interior cubby space.

The interior of the 2-series is where great turns to merely good. The cabin is well designed, with adequate room for front-seat passengers and comfortable standard front buckets. Legroom in the rear, however, is so cramped that adults will have a hard time riding back there for long. Straightforward gauges and a simple instrument panel speak to this car's sporty intentions, but some of its interior materials are uninspired for a car in this price range.

The standard infotainment system in the 2-series benefits from a logical menu system and an easy-to-use rotary knob for simple operation. With just one available USB port, though, it's not a perfect setup. The optional Premium package adds navigation, real-time traffic information, and a one-year subscription to Apple CarPlay; Android Auto is not available.

The 2-series has a relatively large trunk for a compact sedan, but its small back-seat area doesn't leave much space for extra cargo when the rear backrest is folded down. What's more, cubby storage space is lacking, and the center-console bin is small. We resorted to stowing our effects in the center-console-mounted cupholders during our time with the car, a solution that only works as long as you can avoid the Starbucks drive-through.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The 2-series received solid ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, but it has not been tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Every model also has standard driver-assistance technology. Key safety features include:

  • Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
  • Standard front and rear parking sensors
  • Standard lane-departure warning

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

BMW's three years of complimentary scheduled maintenance is a standout feature of the corporate warranty. The rest of the 2-series' warranty lines up closely with its luxury competition.

  • Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
  • Powertrain warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
  • Complimentary maintenance is covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles

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