Overview

The 2021 BMW 2-series delivers everything we love about BMW's sporty driving dynamics in a handsome, well-priced package. Offered in both hardtop coupe and softtop convertible body styles, the 2-series is a compact sports car with plenty of compelling traits. The 230i model is powered by a 248-hp turbocharged four-cylinder, but upgrading to the M240i swaps in a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six that makes a stout 335 horsepower. Rear-wheel drive is standard, but BMW offers its xDrive all-wheel drive system as an option on both models. If you're looking for more practicality, you might find that one of this car's four-door rivals—such as the Audi A3, the Mercedes-Benz A-class, or even BMW's own 2-series Gran Coupe—fits the bill, but the 2-series coupe and convertible will be the choice of those who value driving verve over day-to-day usefulness.

What's New for 2021?

For 2021, BMW has made only minimal changes to the 2-series lineup. SiriusXM satellite radio is now standard and comes with real-time traffic updates. Apple CarPlay compatibility is also provided free of charge, and the optional in-dash navigation system is $800 cheaper than it was in last year's model. You can no longer order the 2-series with the Luxury Line package or the Track Handling package. We expect a new generation to debut soon, likely for the 2022 model year. Leaked photos show it will receive a thorough redesign, but we expect it'll retain its standard rear-wheel-drive setup.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Although the M240i model costs over $10,000 more than the 230i, we wholeheartedly recommend the ballsier Bimmer. Its turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six brings big power to the smallest BMW, and it's the engine this chassis truly deserves. To help justify the increase in expense, the M240i also comes with more standard equipment, including 10-way power-adjustable front seats, an adaptive suspension, racier exterior trim, a power sunroof, and adaptive cruise control.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

You can't go wrong with either of the engines in the 2-series. BMW gets bonus points for offering a manual transmission with both engines, though you can spec a 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. 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 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 were on a penny-pony ride. An adaptive suspension with adjustable dampers is standard in the M240i, and that, plus grippy summer tires, gives this car seriously responsive handling.

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Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

You might think the 2-series wouldn't be very fuel efficient, given how powerful and playful its engines are, but it's actually fairly frugal for this segment. The all-wheel-drive 230i we tested on our 200-mile highway testing route outperformed its EPA rating, boasting 35 mpg. That makes it one of the most efficient cars in its class and a relatively thrifty highway cruiser for a high-performance coupe.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The cabin is well designed, with comfortable front buckets with adequate room for front-seat passengers. 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 the materials are uninspired for a car in this price range. 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. 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 works only for as long as you can avoid the Starbucks drive-through.

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Infotainment and Connectivity

The standard infotainment system in the 2-series benefits from a well-organized menu structure and an easy-to-use rotary knob for simple operation. With just one available USB port, though, it's not a perfect setup. In-dash navigation is optional, but SiriusXM satellite radio, a real-time traffic feature, and the Apple CarPlay interface are all standard. Android Auto capability is not available.

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 has standard driver-assistance technology. Key safety features include:

Standard forward-collision warning with 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 this car's warranty lines up closely with its luxury competition.

Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles

Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles

Complimentary scheduled maintenance is covered for three years or 36,000 miles

More Features and Specs