Review - BMW 2

Is it right for you, though? Read on and find out.

Starting Price: $56,900

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BMW 2 (M240i) Specifications

For more details and other variants, check BMW 2 car page.

How Much Does It Cost?

The BMW 2 Series range kicks off at $56,900 for the entry-level 220i in Luxury Line spec, while the M Sport variant is priced from $58,131. From here, the 2 Series lineup moves to the sportier M240i, which is priced at $81,900, and $91,900 for the convertible version. Next, BMW’s performance-focussed M2 comes priced from $102,900 for the Competition manual, or $109,900 for the Competition Auto, and the flagship M2 CS brings the price tag up to $139,900 for the manual or $147,400 for the automatic variant.

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What Features Does the BMW 2 Series Have?

The entry-level 220i Luxury Line comes riding on a set of 17-inch alloy wheels, and is fitted with automatic LED headlights, keyless start, cruise control, ambient lighting, adjustable drive modes, 6.5-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, wireless smartphone charging, satellite navigation and six-speaker sound system, as well as a set of sport seats, leather steering wheel, Dakota leather upholstery and wood trim inside. Stepping up to the M Sport package adds 18-inch alloys, M Sport suspension, as well as alcantara upholstery and aluminium contrasts inside.

Moving up to the M240i adds a more powerful engine, as well as a larger 8.8-inch infotainment system paired with a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, adaptive LED headlights, sport steering and M Sport brakes, adaptive suspension system, Dakota leather interior, rear fog lights and black chrome surrounds for the rear exhausts.

The M2 Competition adds a number of performance-focussed improvements, including a more powerful engine, set of 19-inch alloys, M suspension and active M differential, sports exhaust system, carbon fibre engine struts, as well as powered and heated front M-division sport seats.

Range Features:

• 17-inch alloys
• 6.5-inch infotainment system as standard
• LED headlights
• Cruise control
• Dakota leather with wood trim
• M Sport Suspension (220i M Sport)
• 8.8-inch touchscreen (M240i and above)
• Adaptive LED headlights (M240i and above)
• M Suspension, Sport Seats and Active Differential (M2 Competition)
• 19-inch alloys (M2 Competition)

BMW 2 Colours

Is it Comfortable to Drive?

BMW are the experts when it comes to smooth powertrains and even smoother transmissions, and the 2 Series is no exception. The range of engines offer up a heap of performance, and the eight-speed automatic transmission takes care of shifts so quickly, you’ll barely notice them. The only problematic area of the 2 Series when it comes to driving comfort is its short wheelbase and BMW’s typically firm suspension.

This means that while the BMW 2 Series is an extremely competent car overall, it doesn’t necessarily tick all the boxes when it comes to driving if you’re not living in a city. It is undeniably impressive on smooth surfaces, but when the Australian roads get tough, the short wheelbase combined with BMW’s firm suspension mean that it’s not the most comfortable offering for your money, if your commute involves a lot of B-road driving. This problem can be overcome by optioning BMW’s adaptive suspension package, but that requires you to step up to the M240i over the base model, and should be taken into account.

Overall, though, the 2 Series offers a genuinely premium package when it comes to its driving dynamics, and is both relaxing and exciting, depending on which drive mode you engage on your return from work, or on a Sunday drive. Stepping up to the M240i or M2 variants bring the car into a whole different category, and represent genuine sports cars that offer an extremely high level of grip and engagement for the driver, with a range of blistering engine options.

Is it Practical and Spacious?

Given that the 2 Series is based on the 1 Series and has a coupe body shape, practicality is definitely not its strongest point, but occupant comfort for the driver and front passenger remains a premium offering. The front of the cockpit has been designed with a premium yet minimal and uncluttered aesthetic, with a heap of space for the front passenger thanks to the clever dash and side door packaging. Given that the 2 Series is a coupe, BMW has prioritised the design and comfort of the front of the cabin over the rear, and in that respect, the front of the cockpit is a lovely place to sit.

If, though, you’re tasked with carrying extra bodies and their belongings in the 2 Series, how well does it perform? Well, if the driver is tall, there’s no chance of accommodating anyone larger than a child in the rear of the cabin. With shorter front passengers, you can free up enough room for a short drive, but longer road trips aren’t possible in the 2 Series. In terms of cargo storage, there’s actually a huge amount of space inside the 2 Series boot, with 430L of space on offer, which is seriously impressive for a coupe of this size, and actually comes close to the boot space of the bigger 3 Series.

Is it Safe?

The BMW 2 Series is yet to be officially tested by ANCAP, although the 2 Series Gran Coupe received a five star rating back in 2020. Thankfully, it comes packaged with a number of passive and active safety technologies as standard. This means that the base model 220i comes fitted with autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, reversing camera with front and rear sensors, lane-departure warning, airbags and driver attention warning, but is seemingly lacking for a car at this price.

Automatic high beam assistance, semi-autonomous parking and adaptive cruise control are reserved for the Driver’s Assistance Package. 

Is it Fuel Efficient?

The 2 Series range offers economy figures that range from impressive to downright thirsty, depending on which engine you opt for. The base model, 220i, has an official economy figure of 5.8L per 100km on a combined cycle, which is extremely economical. This figure jumps to 7.0L per 100km in the M240i, and again in the M2 Competition, which is rated at 9.8L per 100km. Overall, the entry level provides by far the most economical driving figures, but performance enthusiasts might be left wanting some extra power.

Our Verdict: Is the BMW 2 Series Worth it?

The 2 Series is the type of car that requires you to make some sacrifices, but if you’re in the position of looking for a sporty, luxurious and stylish coupe, it represents one of the best options within that specific segment of the market. While the 2 Series is one of the most affordable ways to join the BMW club, it’s an impressive creation in the way that it doesn’t feel like an entry-level offering, and maintains BMW’s reputation as a premium manufacturer, even in the base model 220i. If you’re interested in joining the BMW club, or you’re simply in the market for a new car or want to buy a used car, you can get a free quote and see how much OnlineAuto can save you, or call us on 1300 719 925

Five Specs You Need to Know

1. All 2 Series Models are Rear-Wheel Drive
2. 6.3L - 9.8L per 100km economy figures
3. No official ANCAP rating for 2 Series
4. Three-year, unlimited kilometre warranty
5. Next-generation 2 Series is coming soon

Pros

• Insanely fun driving dynamics
• Interior build quality
• Feature-packed 220i base model

Cons

• Small, 6.5-inch infotainment system on base 220i
• Firm ride quality
• Extremely cramped rear cabin design

OnlineAuto Rating: 8.5/10

BMW 2 Competition