BMW 2 Series Coupe Review 2024
BMW 2 Series Coupe At A Glance
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.
BMW 2 Series Coupe handling and engines
BMW 2 Series Coupe 2024: Handling and ride quality
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.
BMW 2 Series Coupe 2024: Engines
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.
BMW 2 Series Coupe 2024: Safety
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).
Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
---|---|---|---|
230i Automatic | - | 5.9 s | 151 g/km |
BMW 2 Series Coupe interior
Dimensions | |
---|---|
Length | 4537 mm |
Width | 2068 mm |
Height | 1390 mm |
Wheelbase | 2741 mm |
BMW 2 Series Coupe 2024: Practicality
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.
BMW 2 Series Coupe 2024: Quality and finish
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 2 Series Coupe 2024: Infotainment
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.
BMW 2 Series Coupe value for money
BMW 2 Series Coupe 2024: Prices
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.
BMW 2 Series Coupe 2024: Running Costs
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.
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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.
Dimensions | |
---|---|
Length | 4537 mm |
Width | 2068 mm |
Height | 1390 mm |
Wheelbase | 2741 mm |
Miscellaneous | |
---|---|
Kerb Weight | 1600 kg |
Boot Space | - |
Warranty | |
Servicing | - |
Costs | |
---|---|
List Price | £39,780 |
Insurance Groups | - |
Road Tax Bands | G |
Official MPG | - |
Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
---|---|
Adult | - |
Child | - |
Pedestrian | - |
Overall | - |
Coupe | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
230 M Sport 230i Sport Auto Start/Stop 2dr | £39,780 | - | 5.9 s |
Model History
- July 2021: 2021 BMW 2 Series Coupe revealed
- June 2024: Revised BMW 2 Series Coupe now on sale, priced from £36,865
July 2021
2021 BMW 2 Series Coupe revealed
The BMW 2 Series Coupé boasts rear-wheel drive, a six-cylinder in-line engine option and new equipment features that combine to underscore its standout sporting characteristics.
The standalone vehicle concept of the BMW 2 Series Coupé puts clear water between it and the BMW 1 Series models (which are based on an advanced front-wheel-drive architecture) and borrows extensively from the technology used in the BMW 3 Series and BMW 4 Series. As a result, the new BMW 2 Series Coupé occupies a defiantly niche position in both the brand’s model portfolio and among its rivals.
The new BMW 2 Series Coupé will celebrate its world premiere at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on 8 July 2021. It will also be one of the new models presented by BMW at the IAA MOBILITY 2021 show in Munich in September 2021.
The market launch will get underway at the beginning of 2022 with three model variants initially available. Topping the range will be the all-wheel-drive BMW M240i xDrive Coupé, which is powered by a 374PS six-cylinder in-line engine, while customers will also be able to choose from four-cylinder petrol and diesel versions in the standard M Sport specification.
The exterior dimensions provide the ideal starting point for excellent driving dynamics. A length of 4,537mm and width of 1,838mm represent increases over the predecessor model of 105mm and 64mm respectively. The new car is 28mm lower, however, with a vehicle height of 1,390mm. Its wheelbase is also 51mm longer at 2,741mm. Wider track widths of 1,575mm (an increase of 54mm) at the front axle and 1,587mm (an increase of 31mm) at the rear axle (BMW M240i xDrive Coupé: +63mm at the front, +35mm at the rear) are ideal for excellent cornering dynamics.
The new BMW 2 Series Coupé’s boot offers load capacity of 390 litres – a 20-litre increase in primary capacity over its predecessor – and the height of the loading edge is 35mm lower.
The concept for the new BMW 2 Series Coupé body also includes targeted measures for optimising its aerodynamics. An active air flap control system for the BMW kidney grille – adjustable through ten stages according to need – and the lower intake in the front apron, plus air curtains, flush-fitting door handles, aerodynamically optimised light-alloy wheels and an almost completely sealed underbody, serve to channel the airflow effectively. The BMW M240i xDrive Coupé also has turning vanes and splitters at the front of the underbody which deflect the air precisely as required to reduce lift.
The exterior design of the new BMW 2 Series Coupé instantly announces its overtly sporting nature. With powerful proportions set within the classical three-box design of bonnet, passenger compartment and boot, it truly embodies the extraordinary dynamic potential of the new 2 Series Coupé.
Three-dimensional surfaces, triangular forms and diagonal lines are integral to the front end of the new BMW 2 Series Coupé. The low-reaching front apron, headlights positioned to the outer edges of the front end and the horizontal BMW kidney grille give the car a wide, low-slung look.
The BMW kidney grille features vertically arranged air flaps at its heart in place of the classical bars. These operate electrically and only open when the engine has an increased need for cooling air.
Inspired by the legendary BMW 02 models, the headlight units each have a single individual circular headlight using full-LED technology for both low beam and high beam.
A long bonnet, short overhangs and a set-back passenger compartment give the new 2 Series Coupé proportions cut from the time-honoured BMW mould. The car’s roofline, that dramatically swoops down from the B-pillar, and the short boot lid culminating in a pronounced spoiler lip, typify sporting compact BMW coupés.
Horizontally pronounced surfaces give the rear end of the new BMW 2 Series Coupé its structure. They produce an interplay of light and shadow effects to accentuate the rear end and complement the darkened rear lights.
The rear end also features a dark shadow rear apron insert, while the exhaust tailpipes on petrol-engined models come in a dual-branch arrangement. The tailpipes are circular on the BMW 220i Coupé and trapezoidal on the BMW M240i xDrive Coupé.
Customers can choose from one non-metallic and six metallic exterior paint shades. A new addition to the range is the Thundernight metallic colour available exclusively for the sporty two-door model.
Specific design features of the six-cylinder BMW M240i xDrive Coupé highlight its performance attributes. The surfaces bordering the lower air intake in the front apron display the U-shaped graphic typical of BMW M cars. A black splitter rounds off the front apron at its lowest point. The BMW kidney grille surround and side air-intake trim come in Cerium Grey, as do the M-specific exterior mirror caps, the exhaust tailpipes and the model badges.
Also part of the standard specification for the BMW M240i xDrive Coupé are M High-gloss Shadow Line trim and 19‑inch M light-alloy wheels. Like the rear apron inlay, its side skirts are also in High-gloss Black. An M-specific boot-lid spoiler painted in body colour and a black diffuser between the exhaust tailpipes optimise the airflow at the rear of the car.
The standard M Sport specification also sends a clear message about the car’s dynamic ability. It includes the powerfully structured front apron with large side air intakes, M High-gloss Shadow Line trim and 18-inch M light-alloy wheels. The side skirts and the lower section of the rear apron with integral diffuser are painted in Dark Shadow metallic.
Inside the new BMW 2 Series Coupé, the latest interpretation of the driver-focused cockpit design is defined by the ergonomically optimised arrangement and operation of the displays and controls. The BMW Controller, gear selector lever, Start/Stop button, Driving Experience Control switch and numerous other function buttons are grouped within a modern-looking control panel in the centre console. High-quality materials, precise workmanship and carefully executed details mark out the elevated quality levels of the interior.
Standard equipment includes a Sport leather steering wheel with newly designed multifunction buttons. The standard M Sport specification come with Alcantara/Sensatec upholstery in Black with blue contrast stitching and the BMW M240i xDrive Coupé comes with Vernasca leather.
The standard heated sport seats for the driver and front passengers of M Sport provide both excellent long-distance comfort and pronounced lateral support. Electric M Seats with integrated headrests and M seatbelts feature in the six-cylinder flagship model.
The Easy-Entry function slides the electric front seats forward in a controlled movement when the backrests are folded, making it easier for passengers to access the rear compartment. The contours and integral headrests of the two rear seats give them a sporty look and feel.
The combination of triangular surfaces and diagonal lines in the exterior of the car is carried over into the interior. A new design feature comes in the form of trapezoidal accent surfaces above the armrests in the doors.
The interior trim strips on all variants come in High-gloss Black as standard. Standard equipment also includes cushioned knee pads on the centre console, an M headliner in Anthracite, door sill finishers bearing the M logo, M pedals, M floor mats and M-specific displays in the instrument cluster.
Model |
Max Power |
Peak Torque |
Acceleration |
Top Speed |
Fuel economy |
CO 2 emissions |
OTR Starting |
220i |
184 |
300 |
7.5 |
147 |
44.8 |
155-144 |
£34,980 |
220d |
190 |
400 |
6.9 |
147 |
60.1 |
132-122 |
£36,900 |
M240i xDrive |
374 |
500 |
4.3 |
155 ** |
34.9 |
200-185 |
£45,795 |
June 2024
Revised BMW 2 Series Coupe now on sale, priced from £36,865
BMW has revealed details of the upgraded 2 Series Coupe that's now available to order, priced from £36,865. The new BMW 2 Series Coupe features revised design details inside and out, an improved standard specification and BMW Operating System 8.5.
The 2 Series Coupe's exterior benefits from changes to colours of certain details to make the car's proportions appear more dramatic. There are also new paint finishes to choose from and different light-alloy wheel options.
Refreshed interior design details, including new steering wheels, new interior trim and seat upholsteries are also available, while the iDrive system now features BMW's latest Operating System 8.5.
The 2 Series Coupe now benefits from a higher level of standard equipment, with 18-inch light-alloy wheels, Sport seats, two-zone automatic air-conditioning, LED headlights and Parking Assistant all included.
BMW 2 Series Coupe prices
220i £36,865
230i £40,320
M240i xDrive £46,045