i 2dr Rear-Wheel Drive Coupe
2022 BMW 230

If forced to choose the true "Ultimate Driving Machine” from BMW’s lineup over the past few years, the BMW 2 Series Coupe would rise to the top of our list every time. It embraced core enthusiast desires in that it was small, lightweight and rear-wheel drive, fitted with spectacular-sounding inline-six engines and offered a manual transmission option. The spunky, classic BMW proportions only sweetened the deal for BMW diehards. Even when the old 2 Series was singing its goodbye tune, we were still singing its praises. That means this new 2022 BMW 2 Series Coupe has a lot to live up to. As is quickly becoming tradition at BMW, though, the next generation of a car many loved before is not sticking with the status quo. The new 2 Series is considerably larger, slathered in controversial styling and no longer offers a manual transmission on its 230i and M240i models. To be succinct about it, this new 2 Series Coupe is the mature, grown-up version of the somewhat childish model that came before it. This applies to both its character and size. Compare the old 230i to the new one, and the 2022 car is 4.3 inches longer, 2.6 inches wider and 1.0 inch lower. To bring you even further back, this 2 Series Coupe is nearly identical in footprint to the E90 BMW 3 Series Coupe. That’s great for anybody yearning for an old 3 Series, but less great if you were looking for a uniquely tiny luxury car. The 2 Series Coupe isn’t that anymore. BMW took this transformation opportunity to experiment with a new styling direction for the 2 Series, and similar to the new M cars, photos don’t bring you the full picture. The brutalism of its sharp, straight edges give the design a look and personality different than any BMW of recent memory. This is no rounded, flowy coupe like the 4 Series, and the punchy, compact persona of the old car is gone, too. Diagonal lines, boxed fenders and straight lines dominate. You won’t mistake it for a shrunken this or baby that. It’s the new 2 Series Coupe, and you’re either going to like it or hate it for the unique touches — the odd kidney grille with the active shutters that simulate traditional slats, oddly spread-out taillights, and retro cues. One aspect of the car that should garner universal love is the new interior. It closely resembles that of the more expensive 3 Series in design, uses premium materials throughout and comes off as thoroughly luxurious. The previous 2 Series was severely lacking in BMW’s latest tech in its final few years, but that’s all fixed for 2022 with the latest iDrive 7 infotainment system and big screens galore — a 10.25-inch infotainment system and 12.3-inch digital cluster are optional over top of the standard 8.8-inch infotainment and analog gauges. You can add a head-up display for the first time in a 2 Series, plus a full suite of driver assistance systems …
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