2024 BMW 2-Series

The 2-Series Coupe has a long, low look, with muscular haunches. Its front fascia is more conventional in 230i guise than it is as an M240i or M2; the high-po version has squared-off kidney grilles and huge intakes that look a bit too blocky compared to the rest of the car. 

Gran Coupes are hardly tall vehicles, yet they have more greenhouse than we’re used to seeing in a low-slung sedan. Their details are much softer throughout. 

Inside, the Coupe has a 12.3-inch instrument cluster next to a touchscreen as big as 14.9 inches, both of which sit under a single pane of glass that gives them a modern, widescreen vibe. The Gran Coupe carries over an older BMW cabin that’s still quite nice, if not as high tech. On the bright side, the Gran Coupe has more buttons and knobs than its two-door stablemate.

M2s are rear-wheel drive only.  

How fast is the BMW 2-Series?

It’s a rapid choice, even with the 2.0-liter turbo-4 that’s rated at 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque in 230i Gran Coupe form and 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque as a 230i Coupe. Either way, an 8-speed automatic transmission (of differing design, depending on the drive wheels) delivers power with authority. These cars zip to 60 mph in less than six seconds, and they’re slightly more rapid with all-wheel drive. 

The M235i Gran Coupe gets a 301-hp version of the turbo-4 to fire off the 60-mph run in about 4.5 seconds. It’s genuinely quick, but it’s no match for the thrust of the 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 in the M240i Coupe. That engine is a thrill machine, good for a 4.1-second rip to 60 mph and it boasts effortless highway passing. 

The difference between the way the cars handle is clear. Front-drive models benefit from a standard limited-slip differential to help better transition power between the front wheels for good grip, but they never have the balance of the rear-drive Coupes. Those cars boast spectacular weight distribution for a neutral, predictable feel.

BMW turns up the wick considerably in M guise, though again it’s the M240i that shines far brighter. Adaptive dampers work well to overcome thrum from its big wheels and grippy tires (which you’ll want to swap out for dedicated winter rubber when the snow flies). These cars are a delight on a winding road and they’re ready for a track day with good brakes ready for a morning of fun. BMW M2 performance

The M2 is a rocket with a 3.0-liter inline-6 that posts up at 453 hp, some 48 hp more than its predecessor, and twists out 406 lb-ft of torque as it winds toward a 7,200-rpm redline. Its 6-speed manual gearbox is an absolute joy to operate. 

It’s a winding road champ, with massive Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer tires (275/35-ZR19 in front, 285/30-ZR20 in back). Those conspire with a host of upgrades, from an active rear differential to a stiffer chassis, aluminum suspension pieces, adaptive dampers, and more finely tuned electric steering. It begs to be driven with gusto. 

The M2 makes for a stiff-kneed long-distance tourer as it drones too much on textured concrete pavement. For daily driving, stick to the M240i. 

The 2-Series Coupe’s second row is barely tolerable for anyone taller than a teenager. Gran Coupes are much better, but they still have limited head room and narrow door apertures. If you’re after a spacious BMW, keep shopping. 

Standard synthetic leather can be upgraded to the real stuff for about $1,500, depending on the trim. Two-door models have a more svelte look and they have nicer materials with more metal-finish accents than what you’ll find in the Gran Coupe. Either way, these cabins benefit from brighter and lighter interior hues than all-black.

Gran Coupes have a 15.1-cubic-foot trunk, which is actually fairly good for a small sedan. The Coupe offers just 10.0 cubes, though the split-fold rear seats can help haul longer items in a pinch.

Outward vision is good in Coupes, but Gran Coupes have a pesky over-the-shoulder blind spot. 

Both cars have synthetic leather over seats that are power-adjustable up front. 

Which BMW 2-Series should I buy?

That depends on how many doors you want. The 2-Series Coupe starts at $39,795, or $2,000 more with all-wheel drive. Gran Coupes are a bit less.

If you’re after a two-door, our advice is to either go light on the options with a 230i or step up to the M240i for about $10,000 more. It doesn’t take long to load up a 230i to the point where an M240i isn’t much of a swing, especially if you want the M Sport trim ($3,350) and Dynamic Handling package ($1,900) with its electronic rear differential and uprated brakes. 

Conversely, Gran Coupes make the most sense in 228i guise with relatively limited options. Budget a few grand for metallic paint, real leather, and an $1,800 package with a moonroof and keyless access, and that’s probably about all the 228i Gran Coupe you need. Otherwise, BMW’s 3-Series is a compelling option that drives better than an M235i Gran Coupe. 

How much is a fully loaded BMW 2-Series?

The new M2 runs just shy of $65,000 to start, and you can add a few features including an 8-speed automatic transmission (which is required for adaptive cruise control) and a wireless charging pad.  

The M2, meanwhile, is estimated at just 16/24/19 mpg with the manual, and 16/23/19 mpg with the automatic.