Introduction

The BMW 2 Series brings the two-door lineage of the iconic sporty 2002, and is more thrilling to drive than the 3 Series. 

The BMW 230i comes with a four-cylinder turbo, the BMW M240i with a turbo six. Both engines are new, with more power and lower emissions than previously. 

Each is available as a coupe or convertible. 

The 230i uses a 2.0-liter making 248 horsepower, the M240i a 3.0-liter making 330 horsepower; each comes with either an eight-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission. 

There's an xDrive all-wheel drive available with either engine, with the automatic transmission only. 

The standard 230i coupe with rear-wheel drive is not well-equipped, with fabric seats with manual adjustment, and no backup camera. Options can add more than $9,000. 

The 230i gets a government-rated 24 miles per gallon City, 35 Highway, or 28 Combined, with rear-wheel drive and automatic. The M240i xDrive gets 21/31/25 mpg, not too bad for 330 horsepower and four-wheel drive. 

The 2 Series aces the IIHS tests. 

The M2 is a performance model, using its own engine (and reviewed separately). 

Lineup

The BMW 230i coupe ($33,150) with rear-wheel drive comes with fabric seats with manual adjustment. Premium Package adds power seats with adjustable lumbar, satellite radio, moonroof, and self-dimming mirrors. The 230i xDrive Coupe ($35,150) adds all-wheel drive. (Prices are MSRP and do not include destination charge.)

The M240i ($44,450) features the more powerful inline-6 and is available with xDrive ($46,450). 

Walkaround

The shape of the 2 Series successfully follows the classic lines of the revered 2002. It's taut and simple, with a fairly big greenhouse. It clearly shows German design and detail. 

The cloth top of the convertible comes in several colors. 

Interior

The dashboard is like that in the 3 Series only smaller. 

The standard cloth seats make the 2 Series feel basic, the optional leather more BMW-like. The thrifty side appears again with some hard plastics tucked in low-traffic places. 

For a sports coupe, the cabin is spacious. The front seats offer ample space, and optional power adjustment, including the steering wheel. There is a glove box, two cupholders, and roomy pockets in the doors. 

The rear seat is a long way from being comfortable for everyone, but at least there's a function that makes climbing in and out easier. It's particularly useful in the convertibles, whose rear seat is narrower to fit the top and its mechanism. 

The convertible's power top can be dropped or raised at speeds up to 30 mph, and in can do this in about 20 seconds. 

The rear seat's ability to split and fold allows room for cargo. The trunk is 13.8 cubic feet, about average for a compact coupe. 

Driving Impression

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Summary

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