BMW 2 Series Coupe Review 2024

The BMW 2 Series Coupe has distanced itself from the popular 1 Series hatchback. It’s now based on the same platform as the bigger 3 Series and 4 Series – meaning you get more interior space, a noticeable uplift in quality and, importantly for driving dynamics, it sticks with a rear-wheel-drive layout.

There are initially three BMW 2 Series models available: the entry-level BMW 220i Coupe, the diesel BMW 220d Coupe and the range-topping BMW M240i xDrive Coupe. A BMW mid-range 230i Coupe is on its way, while we’re also expecting to see a flagship BMW M2.

The majority of buyers will go for the BMW 220i Coupe. This uses a 2.0-litre petrol engine which produces 184PS and 300Nm of torque. We’re yet to try the BMW 220i, but the figures are pretty promising – it’ll accelerate to 62mph in 7.5 seconds. Based on our experience with this engine in other BMW models, it’s a punchy unit that’ll leave few drivers wanting.

If you do fancy a high-performance 2 Series Coupe, the BMW M240i xDrive features a 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine and – like all 2 Series Coupes – an eight-speed automatic gearbox. As its name suggests, the M240i uses BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system.

Purists needn’t be too worried. It sends 100% of the power to the rear wheels under normal conditions, only shifting it to the front when required to help banish understeer. It’s wonderfully fluid to drive, while its accurate steering and tight body control encourage confidence.

The interior feels just like a mini 4 Series. It’s quite compact, although a longer wheelbase than its predecessor help with interior space. And it’s certainly more useable than an Audi TT or Porsche Cayman – adults could squeeze into the rear seats without too much hassle, and the 390-litre boot is pretty good for a car of this size.

Prices start from around £35,000, putting it in line with premium competitors but likely more expensive than the upcoming Toyota GR86 (itself a replacement for the Toyota GT86). You get a lot of car for your money, though, with generous equipment levels, while the £46,000 BMW M240i Coupe feels a bit like a baby BMW M4 with a hefty £30,000 saving.

By moving the 2 Series Coupe onto the same platform as the 3 and 4 Series, BMW has managed to retain the rear-wheel-drive layout which makes it so much fun to drive. By sending the power to the rear, the front wheels have nothing to do but handle the steering. And that means it feels very agile, helped by a firm suspension setup and tight body control.

Considering this is, to an extent, the BMW 2 Series Coupe's USP, it's perhaps a little odd that the BMW M240i xDrive is only available with all-wheel drive. Don't fear, though, as it sends 100 per cent of its power to the rear axle under day-to-day driving. It's only when you start to push it that the power shifts around between wheels.

The BMW M240i Coupe comes with adaptive suspension as standard so it actually rides pretty well, provided you leave it in comfort mode. Front and rear parking sensors are also standard, so tight parking spaces pose no issue, while you can opt for the optional Parking Assist Plus with its 360-degree image of the car and its surroundings.

The range kicks off with the BMW 220i Coupe, which is expected to account for around 60 per cent of sales. This is a punchy 2.0-litre petrol engine which produces 184PS and 300Nm of torque, meaning it accelerates to 62mph in 7.5 seconds. That'll be more than sprightly enough for a lot of buyers.

The same engine is available in the BMW 230i Coupe, with power boosted to 245PS and 400Nm of torque, taking it to 62mph in 5.9 seconds. This is expected to sell in quite small numbers but, while we're yet to sample it, we reckon it could be the connoisseur's choice in the range.

There's also a diesel, badged the BMW 220d, which is also expected to sell in small numbers. This uses a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine, which produces 190PS and will accelerate to 62mph in 6.9 seconds.

The flagship model (until the BMW M2 arrives) is the BMW M240i xDrive, which uses a 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine to provide 374PS (up 34PS from its predecessor) and 500Nm peak torque. With xDrive all-wheel-drive as standard, it certainly doesn't hang around, accelerating to 62mph in 4.3 seconds.

All engines in the BMW 2 Series Coupe are paired as standard with an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

When Euro NCAP crash-tested the new BMW 2 Series Coupe in 2022, it was only awarded four stars out of five for safety. That's primarily because, despite being equipped with many safety and driver-assist features, the organisation said its autonomous braking system struggled with more challenging situations (such as a cyclist turning across the car's path).

While the BMW 2 Series Coupe is hardly a practical family SUV, the latest car is more practical than its predecessor. You now get a 390-litre boot (up 20 litres on the old model) and actual rear seats which are more than just the token gesture you get in an Audi TT.

It does have its limitations and the cabin will feel a little snug with more than a couple of people in it, but it's a useable little car.

The BMW 2 Series Coupe might be one of the more affordable models in the line-up, but there isn’t a hint of ‘entry-level’ about the interior. It helps that, no matter which engine you pick, all 2 Series Coupes come in M Sport trim. That means you get things like a leather steering wheel, Alcantara seats and swish ambient interior lighting.

BMW leads the pack in terms of infotainment, with all 2 Series Coupe models coming with the same excellent 12.3-inch navigation system along with a crisp 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. You can navigate the infotainment using a rotary controller positioned conveniently near the gear selector, while numbered shortcut buttons can be configured to do whatever takes your fancy.

Don’t want to use the in-built media system? Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, meaning you can mirror apps from your phone onto the display. There’s an optional head-up display available, too, while this can even display directions from Google Maps.

With prices starting from around £35,000 for the BMW 220i Coupe, it’s a fair bit pricier than the equivalent BMW 1 Series. It's no more expensive than an Audi TT, though, while the top-spec BMW M240i xDrive is priced from a fraction less than £46,000 – around the same ballpark as a Porsche 718 Cayman.

Running costs will be fairly affordable, although the 34.9mpg WLTP fuel efficiency figure of the M240i xDrive will take a hit if you regularly drive it hard. On paper, the diesel 220d is the most efficient – thanks in part to mild-hybrid tech which is fitted as standard. This officially returns up to 60.1mpg.

If you don’t cover many miles, we’d recommend the BMW 220i Coupe, which has an official fuel economy figure of 44.8mpg.

Be wary of the VED (car tax) – models with a list price of more than £40,000 will be stung by the government’s premium car tax meaning you’ll pay an additional £335 a year for five years.

Like any premium coupe, it’s probably worth shopping around for insurance quotes before you part with your cash, especially if you’re a new driver. The BMW M240i is in insurance group 37 which means your annual insurance premium could be significant.

As standard, the BMW 2 Series Coupe M Sport comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, an acoustic windscreen, chrome kidney grille surround and high-gloss shadowline exterior trim. There are folding door mirrors and M Sport exterior styling. Inside, you'll find Alcantara/Sensatec upholstery, Anthracite headlining and ambient lighting. There's front heated sport seats, automatic air conditioning and an M Sport leather steering wheel.

Standard technology on the BMW 2 Series Coupe M Sport includes adaptive LED headlights, cruise control, automatic windscreen wipers and headlights, front and rear parking sensors and M Sport suspension. You also get BMW's Connected Package Pro (including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay), a 10.25-inch infotainment display and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

The BMW M240i xDrive Coupe comes with 19-inch alloy wheels, M Sport exterior styling, high-gloss shadowline exterior trim and exterior highlights in Cerium Grey. Inside you get front M Sport heated seats with adjustable lumbar support, M seat belts, an M Sport leather steering wheel and Vernasca leather upholstery.

Tech highlights on the M240i xDrive Coupe include adaptive LED headlights, cruise control, selectable drive modes, front/rear parking sensors, M Sport brakes, an M Sport differential and M Sport suspension.