2022 BMW 2 Series Reviews, Pricing & Specs

The second-generation BMW 2 Series is given a new exterior design but does not feature the aggressive front fascia that is making the rounds with the rest of the Bavarian lineup. No chomping beaver-esque grin here. Not to say that the new 2 Series exterior is subdued.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series is currently offered as a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) 230i Coupe and all-wheel-drive (AWD) M240i xDrive Coupe. Both two-door trims were previously offered with either RWD or AWD configurations.

The four-door 2 Series Gran Coupe is still around as well. Its base model is the front-wheel-drive (FWD) 228i sDrive while the AWD 228i xDrive and M235i xDrive are available as well. The 2 Series Convertible has been dropped for 2022. The next-generation M2 Competition has yet to be announced but is expected to arrive late next year, possibly as a 2023 model.

For this review, we test drove the 2 Series Coupe variants. Both sit on a wheelbase that has been extended two inches and are longer, wider, and lower than their predecessors. The 230i Coupe is 4.3 inches longer overall, 2.6 inches wider, and 1 inch lower. The M240i xDrive Coupe features an equally expanded waistline but is stretched only 3.5 inches longer and lowered 0.1 inch.

In keeping with the low-slung theme, the signature kidney grille is wider and the front air curtains feature an upright triangular shape to give the 2 Series a leaner, aerodynamic appearance. Coupled with flared fenders plus reshaped headlights and taillights and this subcompact coupe exudes big-time agility.

Naturally, though, the styling of the M240i xDrive Coupe is more performance-oriented. The vehicle features more shadowy shades of the M-type variety. This includes the grille surround, mirror caps, exhaust tips, badging, and air intakes. The M240i xDrive also features the M Shadowline package as standard which extends the dark finishes to the rear bumper inlay and side skirts. The 230i can be optioned with similar styling features.

Standard on the base 230i Coupe are 18-inch light-alloy wheels paired with 225/45R18 all-season run-flat tires. Optional wheel designs and tire packages up to 19 inches are available. The M240i xDrive Coupe gets 19-inch M light alloys and 225/40R19 all-season run-flats as standard. Nineteen-inch wheels fitted with performance tires are available options. The standard blue-colored calipers of the M240i’s M Sport brakes (optional on the 230i) further add to its performance storyline.

There are eight color choices for the new 2 Series Coupe. The metallic Mineral Grey and Seaside Blue are no longer available, however, having been replaced with Phytonic Blue and Skyscraper Grey.

The 2 Series Coupe interior is straightforward and driver-oriented. New perforated SensaTec synthetic upholstery is standard with genuine Vernasca leather available on both models. Sport seats provide well-bolstered premium comfort while optional lumbar support is available for either 2 Series Coupe model.

At the center of the updated interior is a standard 8.8-inch infotainment touchscreen. If that’s not large enough, you can upgrade to a 10.25-inch display. Tri-zone automatic climate control is standard but if you want more creature comforts, that’ll be extra. Keyless entry, heated seats, a heated steering wheel, a moonroof, and ambient lighting are all options for the 230i Coupe. Move up to the M240i xDrive and keyless entry, mood lighting, and the moonroof are standard. Note that this year’s skylight is 20 percent larger than last year’s.

Then there are interesting flourishes like inverted triangle details in the door panels. On the M240i xDrive Coupe, the distinctive blue, violet, and red color scheme of the BMW M sub-brand make a tasteful appearance below the door handles. The 2 Series interior gives off a high-end vibe, especially with the mixed material finishes of brushed aluminum and gloss blank. But upon closer inspection, it’s not without penny-pinching plastics, particularly the iDrive controller, air vents, and even some exterior trim. Unappealing? Sure. But remember that the 2 Series is the entry-level Bimmer.

In spite of its subcompact size, the new BMW 2 Series Coupe packs plenty of performance and power. The 230i Coupe is equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that offers 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. That’s 7 hp and 37 lb-ft more than the outgoing model. The M240i xDrive also gets a little boost to its 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six. Up 47 hp and 1 lb-ft, the turbo-six now produces 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The 230i Coupe sprints to 60 mph within 5.5 seconds but the M240i xDrive needs only 4.1 seconds to cover the same distance, according to BMW. The top speed for both coupes is either 130 mph or 155 mph, depending on specifications.

However, BMW not only giveth but taketh away as the manual transmission is no more. The 2 Series comes with one, and only one, transmission: an eight-speed Sport automatic. If it’s any consolation, the transmission is calibrated for smooth shifts but is even quicker when using the standard paddle shifters. And should the road ahead suggest you drive with haste, Sport Plus mode is the way to go.

The engine of the 2 Series’ turbo-six is wonderfully grunty and its exhaust note offers an enjoyable backfire. The M240i xDrive Coupe comes standard with performance goodies like an aerodynamic kit, rear spoiler, variable Sport steering, an adaptive M suspension, M Sport brakes, and an M Sport rear differential. An available M Sport Package will add these same features to the 230i Coupe as well. All in all, it’s a recipe for balanced and refined handling and dynamics. The xDrive AWD system gives the M240i stability, especially when cornering.

Although a bit more feisty, the RWD 230i Coupe doesn't feel less planted. But the smaller turbo-four engine doesn’t reverberate like the inline-six. In fact, the sound is noticeably muted. Also, activating Sport Plus in the 230i Coupe doesn’t feel any different from Sport whereas every drive mode feels uniquely different in the M240i xDrive.

Both 2 Series Coupe models are gleefully quick and comfortably controlled. Performance is not an issue here but rather engagement is—or lack thereof. The BMW 2 Series is so well engineered that there’s really nothing left for a driver to do except steer.

Yes, the 2022 BMW 2 Series is fast. And fun. And begging for a speeding ticket. But from an enthusiast standpoint, the steering feel is numb and the driving experience disconnected. The more you push the vehicle in order to feel something, the more it just takes. The return is nothing but spec-sheet bragging rights.

This detachment isn't exclusive to BMW. In fact, it’s a problem with many modern performance cars—from the Honda Civic Type R to the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon. Sure, these vehicles live up to their boastful numbers but, at the same time, offer zero emotional depth because the driver is taken out of the equation.

Let’s not beat around the bush: the BMW 2 Series is small. It technically seats four but the rear seats are really for car seat-bound children or people you don’t like—knees be damned. As in many coupes, there is a quick-release feature that slides the front seats forward for easier ingress and egress but in spite of its larger overall dimensions, the new 2 Series would still be a tight fit for many.

The front seats are relatively spacious for the short-statured but even they won't be able sit behind their own driving positions without inducing claustrophobia. Being a coupe, the slanted roofline and Hofmeister-kinked rear window create an attractive profile but constrict rear headroom.

The design also leaves a shorter trunk lid. This could pose a problem for loading and unloading bulky items. But the 2 Series cargo capacity can be further maximized thanks to its standard 40/20/40-split fold-down rear seats. With the second row up, there is 10 cubic feet of cargo space, which is about middle-of-the-pack for the segment. The Audi A3 sedan offers 8.3 cubic feet for example, while the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class sedan fits up to 11.6 cubic feet of trunk stuff.

There are plenty of soft touch points, though, including cushioned knee pads in the M240i xDrive Coupe. Also, ergonomics have been improved thanks to updated multifunction buttons on the standard leather-wrapped sport steering wheel. The lower console area where the push-button start, shifter, and iDrive controller are located now features a layout similar to other new BMW models as well.

When it comes to technology and connectivity, the BMW 2 Series is no slouch. Standard on the new coupe is an 8.8-inch touchscreen and a 5.1-inch driver information display. Equipped with BMW Live Cockpit Plus, the infotainment system is capable of over-the-air updates and features an iDrive 7 operating system, cloud-based navigation, real-time traffic updates, and connected services like a parking locator.

Additional connectivity features are a WiFi 4G LTE hotspot, two USB ports, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. New for 2022 is a head-up display that is compatible with smartphone apps and shows relevant information within the interface. The optional Live Cockpit Professional includes the new HUD as well as upgrades the infotainment to a 10.25-inch touchscreen and the instrument panel to a 12.3-inch fully digital display.

The 2 Series is also available with remote features like the BMW Digital Key, which can lock and unlock the vehicle in lieu of the actual keyfob. The digital key can be set up via the My BMW App, which itself is an extension of the in-car telematics from which users can remotely access and control a number of vehicle functions and settings.

On the audio side, a 10-speaker, 205-watt Hi-Fi sound system is standard on both the 230i and M240i xDrive Coupe. An optional Harman Kardon 14-speaker system offers 464 watts of surround sound. SiriusXM with 360L satellite radio is included with a complimentary one-year all-access subscription.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series is equipped with Active Driving Assistant, the automaker’s suite of driving assistance systems. Active blind-spot monitoring is now standard along with forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and speed limit information. Other standard safety features on the 2 Series Coupe include a rearview camera, park distance control, and adaptive cruise control.

Both the 230i and M240i xDrive Coupe can be optioned with adaptive front LED headlights, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, and a 360-degree surround view. Another available safety feature is BMW Drive Recorder. Utilizing the onboard ADAS cameras, this system can record up to 40 seconds of driving footage, including 20 seconds before and after a collision. The recorded video can be played back via the infotainment display or exported through the USB interface.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series Coupe has not yet been rated by either the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The 2 Series may be considered the starter BMW but that doesn’t mean it’s cheap. Even so, when considering that the 2022 BMW 2 Series is a redesigned model, its year-over-year price increase is surprisingly low. The turbo-four-equipped 230i Coupe has a starting MSRP of $36,350 while the performance-tuned M240i xDrive Coupe starts at $48,550. Respectively, this represents a markup of merely $450 and $200. Destination, which is unchanged from the previous year, remains an additional $995.

Our test vehicles were not base models, however. The 230i Coupe was optioned in Melbourne Red metallic paint ($550), had Harman Kardon audio ($875), and included Dynamic Handling ($1,900), Premium ($3,250), and M Sport ($2,650) packages for a total of $46,570. The M240i xDrive Coupe had a final tally of $57,295. Painted in Mineral White metallic ($550), the M-light 2 Series Coupe also checked the options boxes for Vernasca leather ($1,450), illuminated M trim ($200), lumbar support ($350), Harman Kardon surround sound ($875) as well as Shadowline ($400), Driving Assistance ($1,450) and Premium ($2,750) packages. And at that point, it’s nearing BMW 4 Series Coupe territory—but one equipped with the four-cylinder.

BMW 2 Series competitors are other entry-level luxury sedans and coupes like the soon-to-be-replaced Acura ILX, Audi A3, and both the A-Class and CLA-Class from Mercedes-Benz. Because of the vehicle size and sales objective, pricing can’t vary drastically between automakers, especially when vying for the attention of younger buyers who may be new to the luxury market and the brand. But in an industry dominated by crossovers, this subcompact car segment is shrinking.

For BMW newbies, the 2 Series is a worthwhile introduction into Bimmerworld. For enthusiasts looking for an affordable Bavarian sports car, however, the 2 Series might need to be skipped for something else in the lineup that is larger (i.e., practicality) and emotional (i.e., engagement). As a friend posited, “Do you want something that emulates skill or rewards skill?” The BMW 2 Series certainly makes you feel like a fast and capable racer but the fact is it’s really one of the biggest engineering nannies out there, and you’re just a wannabe behind the wheel.