BMW 2-Series engines, drive and performance
- Three engines offered
- 220i and 220d adequate
- M240i is a riot
Petrol engines
The cheapest petrol engine is the 220i. But just because it’s entry level doesn’t mean it’s slow. It’ll complete the 0-62mph sprint in 7.5 seconds.
We’re yet to sample this engine in the 2 Series yet, but have thoroughly tested it in other BMW models. This is predicted to account for 60% of sales in the 2 Series lineup and it’s easy to see why. Its 184hp ensures it’s plenty fast enough, and it’s broadly smooth and effortless.
It can get a bit gruff if you really rev it to its limit, but in day-to-day driving it’s more than fine. It’s just about responsive and quick enough to make it a bit of fun.
The M240i is the performance model of the range, until the full-fat M2 model comes along. The M240i claims a 4.3 second 0-62mph time thanks to its 375hp 3.0-litre straight six engine.
It’s a superb piece of kit. Completely effortless and doesn’t feel turbocharged. It just zings through the revs greedily gaining momentum, yet it’s smooth and unobtrusive if you want to go gently.
It does make you think, how much faster the M2 will need to be to make it worth the extra cash.
Diesel engines
A diesel engine in 2022 might sound peculiar but BMW reckons the 220d still has its place for high mileage drivers. It has 190hp and is actually quicker than the 220i, with a 0-62 time of 6.9 seconds.
Once again, we’re yet to sample this in the Coupe but have driven it in other models. It’s not as fun to use as a petrol because it doesn’t rev as high or as sweetly, but it is economical and good on a motorway slog.
What’s it like to drive?
Given it’s so closely based on the 4 Series, a car we really rate, it should come as no surprise that we like the way this car drives. If you’re a keen driver and value feedback and agility, along with a punchy engine, this will be your go-to small Coupe.
So far, we’ve only driven the M240i xDrive with four-wheel drive. It flows naturally and it never feels like the front wheels are engaged until you’re really struggling for grip.
We found there’s plenty of balance and poise in bends, and it’s highly agile too. There’s super-responsive steering which not only is beautifully weighted but rapidly geared for fast cornering.
Only the lumpy ride quality counts against it. We recommend optioning the adaptive suspension. This allows drivers to choose hard, medium and soft damper settings. Soft is good for long distance, and hard is better for spirited driving. Even in full-on Comfort mode, with everything set to soft, the ride is pretty firm.
Nudging it into Sport really brings out the best of the 2 Series Coupe. The steering gets weightier, which maximises road feel, giving you enough confidence to really lean on it in bends.
On track, power slides are easy to achieve, and highly controllable thanks to its rear-biased four-wheel drive system – on the road, the margins of safety are highly impressive.
