Overview

Should you buy a BMW 2 Series?

If you want a brand-new small coupe, the BMW 2 Series is your only option now the Audi TT, Toyota GR86 and Toyota GR Supra have been discontinued from the UK market. But it’s not a case of beggars can’t be choosers – this is a really impressive car.

It’s a good-looking thing – at least compared to some other BMW coupes – it’s relatively practical, the tech-forward interior works well, and it feels great to drive. Balanced handling combines with accurate steering to give the car an engaging, agile feel. Comfort hasn’t been sacrificed entirely, either. The M240i xDrive model in particular is a real gem. Its engine’s powerful and responsive when you want to make rapid progress, quiet and refined when you don’t.

There are some issues. The ride can feel a bit too firm at times, and the interior is rather austere. The four-cylinder models sound a bit coarse lack that engaging feeling that would make them truly fun, as well. Regardless, the 2 Series appeals on a lot of levels.

What’s new?

The 2 Series received a very light refresh in 2024, three years after it was first launched. How light? Some interior and exterior trim finishes changed, BMW’s latest infotainment system was added, a new selector inserted into the centre console, there are new colours and wheel designs and… that’s it.

This is the second generation of BMW 2 Series Coupe and its lineage and connections to the other 2 Series models in BMW’s range are a bit knotty. The first 2 Series Coupe was based on the same rear-wheel drive platform as the contemporary 1 Series hatchback. That subsequently switched to front-wheel drive hardware shared with MINI, so this latest 2 Series switched to a shortened version of the rear-drive BMW 4 Series underpinnings. Meanwhile, the other 2 Series models – Gran Coupe saloon, Tourer MPV and X2 SUV – have the same MINI-derived platform as the 1 Series. That all clear?

The current 2 Series Coupe range includes the 220i, 230i and M240i xDrive, all petrol engined. A 220d diesel was previously available. All engines come with an automatic gearbox. We have separate a BMW M2 review for that high-performance version of the 2 Series.

There are two trim levels. The 220i and 230i come in M Sport guise; the M240i is treated as a separate model but has basically the same trim and equipment package. Both variants come with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, satnav, air conditioning, heated seats, cruise control and parking assist.

As we mentioned at the top, the 2 Series doesn’t have any smallish, two-door coupe rivals anymore. Indeed, coupes generally are a rare commodity these days. Below stratospheric prices, there’s really only BMW’s own 4 Series and the Mercedes CLE, both bigger cars. At 2 Series size, we’ll lump in the four-door Mercedes CLA as a similarly sleekly stylish option, and the Audi S3 and Cupra Leon hot hatchbacks that offer a similarly sporty driving experience.

We have extensive experience of the pre-update M240i and have spent some time with the latest 230i. Over the following pages we cover every aspect of the 2 Series including what it’s like to live with, how it feels to drive and how much it costs to run. You can also read more about how we test cars at Parkers to reach the conclusions given here.