2022 BMW 2 Series vs 2021 BMW 2 Series

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, introduced as a new model the previous year, marked a departure from BMW's traditional rear-wheel-drive setup by offering standard front-wheel drive in the U.S. market. Despite its name, the Gran Coupe was a four-door sedan with a conventional trunk, lacking the utility of its five-door sportback sibling, the 4 Series Gran Coupe. Positioned as an entry-level BMW, it appealed to those aspiring to own a vehicle with the iconic kidney-shaped grille and blue-and-white roundel. The 2021 model came in 228i and M235i series, with xDrive all-wheel-drive optional for the 228i and standard for the M235i. The model year saw the addition of standard equipment, a sport automatic transmission limited to specific packages, and new driving-assistance safety features. The test vehicle, a 228i xDrive Gran Coupe, was equipped with the M Sport Package, Premium Package, and other premium features, bringing the MSRP to $48,595.

Visually, the 2 Series Gran Coupe faced challenges with its front-drive platform, but BMW employed design tricks like large LED headlights and grilles to balance proportions. The cabin was pulled back to improve the dashboard-to-axle ratio, and the tapering roofline extended the car's appearance, culminating in a busy rear inspired by BMW's Sports Activity Coupes. Inside, the Gran Coupe adhered to BMW's modern design with geometric shapes, a touchscreen infotainment system, and digital instrumentation. The materials were upscale, with metallic trim adding contrast, and optional leather enhancing the interior's appeal. Despite being an entry-level model, the 2 Series Gran Coupe, when well-equipped, did not feel like a compromise.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series introduced a new exterior design, steering clear of the aggressive front fascia seen in other BMW models. Offered as a rear-wheel-drive 230i Coupe and all-wheel-drive M240i xDrive Coupe, the two-door trims were previously available with both RWD and AWD configurations. The four-door 2 Series Gran Coupe continued with FWD and AWD options, while the convertible variant was discontinued. The next-generation M2 Competition was anticipated for a future release. The 2 Series Coupe variants tested featured an extended wheelbase, making them longer, wider, and lower than their predecessors. The 230i Coupe was 4.3 inches longer, 2.6 inches wider, and 1 inch lower, while the M240i xDrive Coupe was 3.5 inches longer and 0.1 inch lower.

The 2022 model's design emphasized a leaner, aerodynamic appearance with a wider kidney grille and upright triangular air curtains. Flared fenders, reshaped headlights, and taillights contributed to the coupe's agile look. The M240i xDrive Coupe showcased performance-oriented styling with shadowy M-type accents, including grille surround, mirror caps, and exhaust tips. The M Shadowline package extended these dark finishes to the rear bumper inlay and side skirts. Standard 18-inch light-alloy wheels on the 230i Coupe and 19-inch M light alloys on the M240i xDrive Coupe added to the performance narrative. The interior featured new perforated SensaTec synthetic upholstery, with genuine Vernasca leather available. The updated interior centered around an 8.8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with options for a larger display and additional creature comforts.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe posed a question about the credibility of a front-drive platform under a self-proclaimed "ultimate driving machine." While some critics were skeptical, the 228i Gran Coupe's 228-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, paired with an eight-speed sport automatic transmission and optional AWD, offered a comparable performance to the revered Volkswagen GTI. The 228i xDrive Gran Coupe accelerated from zero to 60 mph in six seconds, providing a lively driving experience. The turbocharged inline-four, combined with performance-enhancing technology like brake-fade compensation and cornering brake control, delivered a fun and engaging ride. The M Sport Package further enhanced the driving experience with M Sport steering, offering swift, sharp, and direct handling. Despite a firm suspension, the Gran Coupe felt glued to the road, and the test car averaged 27.9 mpg, surpassing the EPA's estimate.

In contrast, the 2022 BMW 2 Series Coupe packed more performance and power. The 230i Coupe featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, while the M240i xDrive boasted a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The 230i Coupe sprinted to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds, while the M240i xDrive achieved it in 4.1 seconds. The top speed for both coupes varied between 130 mph and 155 mph, depending on specifications. The 2 Series came with an eight-speed Sport automatic transmission, calibrated for smooth shifts and quicker responses with paddle shifters. The M240i xDrive Coupe included performance features like an aerodynamic kit, adaptive M suspension, and M Sport brakes, contributing to balanced handling and dynamics. While the RWD 230i Coupe felt planted, its turbo-four engine lacked the inline-six's reverberation. The 2022 model offered quick and controlled performance, but some enthusiasts found the driving experience disconnected, with steering feel described as numb.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe was practical for transporting two young and limber individuals. The sport-bolstered, 10-way power-adjustable front seats were snug yet comfortable, with adequate storage for essentials. Entry and exit were challenging due to the low-slung design, but the Gran Coupe's traditional trunk offered 15.2 cubic feet of space, including a generous storage compartment under the load floor. The 40/20/40-split folding rear seat added utility, though the Gran Coupe's fast roofline did not provide the same added utility as the 4 Series Gran Coupe's sportback design.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series, while larger overall, remained a tight fit for many. The coupe technically seated four, but the rear seats were best suited for children or those less concerned with comfort. The slanted roofline and Hofmeister-kinked rear window created an attractive profile but limited rear headroom. The trunk offered 10 cubic feet of cargo space, with the 40/20/40-split fold-down rear seats maximizing capacity. The interior featured soft touchpoints, including cushioned knee pads in the M240i xDrive Coupe, and improved ergonomics with updated multifunction buttons on the sport steering wheel. The lower console area adopted a layout similar to other new BMW models.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe came equipped with Live Cockpit Plus, featuring a 5.1-inch display between traditional analog gauges. The Premium Package upgraded to Live Cockpit Pro, with a fully digital 10.25-inch display. The infotainment system, using iDrive 7.0 technology, included an 8.8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a navigation system. The system was user-friendly, with responsive software and multiple control options. The test car featured a premium sound system with ten speakers and an optional Gesture Control for stereo volume and radio station changes. A full-color head-up display was also included, though it was less effective with polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series offered an 8.8-inch touchscreen and a 5.1-inch driver information display as standard, with the iDrive 7 operating system and cloud-based navigation. Additional connectivity features included a WiFi hotspot, two USB ports, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The optional Live Cockpit Professional upgraded to a 10.25-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch fully digital display. The 2 Series also offered remote features like the BMW Digital Key and the My BMW App for remote access and control. The standard audio system included a 10-speaker, 205-watt Hi-Fi sound system, with an optional Harman Kardon 14-speaker system available.

The 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe offered a Driving Assistance Package with adaptive cruise control and a parking-assistant feature, though the test car did not include this upgrade. The Active Driving Assistant suite included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, active blind-spot warning, and a speed limit information system. The lane-keeping assistance was effective but could be aggressive. The IIHS rated the Gran Coupe highly for crash protection, though it missed a Top Safety Pick due to headlight ratings and vehicle-to-pedestrian test results.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series featured Active Driving Assistant with standard active blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and speed limit information. Additional safety features included a rearview camera, park distance control, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included adaptive front LED headlights, automatic high beams, and a 360-degree surround view. The BMW Drive Recorder, utilizing onboard cameras, could record driving footage before and after a collision. The 2022 2 Series Coupe had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA.