2022 BMW 2-Series

The gateway to the BMW passenger car lineup comes in two distinctly different forms: a front-wheel-drive-based sedan and a coupe that rides on a rear-wheel-drive platform.

The sedan (which BMW calls Gran Coupe) has curvy, sporty lines and a comfortable cabin, while the coupe aims to be something of a pocket rocket for driving enthusiasts.

Most versions use a turbo-4 rated at 228 hp in the 228i Gran Coupe or 255 hp in the 230i two-door. The M235i Gran Coupe versions have a stiffer suspension and a 301-hp turbo-4, while the M240i coupe is a different bird entirely with its boosted 6-cylinder engine. No matter the car, an 8-speed automatic transmission delivers power to the wheels. All-wheel drive is available on 228i and 230i cars, and it’s standard on M-tweaked versions.

Fuel economy varies by body and underhood motivation. Those with 4-cylinder power come in as high as 29 mpg combined according to the EPA, but that figure drops precipitously with more power and more drive wheels. The M versions both come in at 26 mpg despite their markedly different ways.

The 2-Series Gran Coupe earned a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS, but it’s the only model tested so far by either independent or federal agencies. Standard safety equipment on both versions include automatic forward emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, lane-departure warnings, and front and rear parking sensors. A surround-view camera system and adaptive cruise control are also available for an extra cost.

Model Lineup

The 2-Series Gran Coupe – which is really a sedan with a sloping roofline – starts a little under $37,000 in 228i guise. That money buys a 10.3-inch digital cockpit display and a 10.3-inch infotainment touchscreen inside, plus synthetic leather upholstery, power front seats, and two front USB ports. Its infotainment system features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

All-wheel drive costs $2,000 more.

The M235i Gran Coupe checks in for about $46,500, and it builds on the base car with more power, a stiffened suspension, uprated brakes, and larger wheels, plus various interior and exterior styling bits.

If you’re after a two-door, the 230i costs about $37,500 and it dials back standard displays to 5.1 inches in the instrument cluster and 8.8 inches in the center stack. The Gran Coupe’s bigger screens are optional.

An M240i coupe runs nearly $50,000 before options. Adding leather seats, adaptive cruise control, and a few other luxuries notches that number even higher.

Exterior

A tale of two 2s, these models share little other than some basic styling themes and trunk-mounted badges – though even those aren’t quite the same.

The Gran Coupe has a sleek profile with a low roof and en vogue three-window styling from the side. Its lines are clean but subdued, a relatively conservative shape against the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class with which it competes.

Two-door models are edgier and more muscular. They take a decidedly angular approach to styling, starting up front with tall inlets on the front bumper echoed at the rear. Busy but not brash, the 2-Series coupe is a definite styling statement.

A host of wheel options allow for more customization than in many mainstream rivals.

Interior

Inside, these two models have distinct dashboards that share many switches and knobs. This year’s upgrade to larger digital displays gives the Gran Coupe a more tech-heavy feel than the two-door, though that model is available with bigger screens for an added cost.

M versions of both cars up the ante by pairing those racier looks outside paired with zippier trim finishes inside, though a wide variety of upholstery colors ensures a reasonable degree of customizability.

Gran Coupes are more spacious inside with good comfort up front and reasonable room for two or even three in a pinch in the rear. The 2-Series coupe is best appreciated from the front seat; your luggage won’t mind being thrown in the rear seat.

Trunk space maxes out at a decent 15.1 cubic feet in the Gran Coupe, or 10 cubes in the coupe.

Driving Impressions

It’s hard to group these two models together, though they both drive well and offer terrific acceleration from refined, smooth powertrains that pair well with their automatic transmissions.

Gran Coupes perform well in day-to-day driving, and they’re set up to provide a relatively comfortable ride even over rough pavement – at least in standard form. M versions are a bit stiffer, so try before buying if you live in the land of rough roads. Even the 230i’s optional sport suspension can ride too busily for some tastes.

Two-door models deliver exceptional grip and balanced handling. They’re among the most fun cars to drive at their price point, with fantastic responses and well-weighted steering. Coupes also benefit from near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution.

Final Word

No matter the body – and drive wheels – the BMW 2-Series offers sharp styling, lots of in-cabin tech, and terrific powertrains. Gran Coupe models offer a dose of practicality at the expense of driving entertainment, while two-doors prioritize an entertaining drive above all else.

—by Andrew Ganz, with driving impressions from The Car Connection