2023 BMW 2-Series Review, Pricing, and Specs

Overview

The fun-size BMW 2-series is an entry-level luxury car with big thrust. Sold as a coupe only, the 230i and M240i have vastly different power levels, but are both offered with either rear- or all-wheel-drive. The 230i employs a turbocharged 255-hp inline-four that it shares with the Toyota Supra 2.0 and a host of other BMW products. The M240i comes with the far more entertaining turbocharged 382-hp inline-six engine. Sadly, no manual transmission is offered. Still, BMW’s smallest car’s recent redesign has wrought a deceptively quick ride, with solid braking and a chassis that loves the twisties. Although it’s grown in size, its rear seat space is smaller than before. However, the most important aspect of the 2-series remains true in this generation: it rewards spirited driving at a reasonable price—particularly in four-cylinder, 230i form. There is a more rear-passenger-friendly four-door wearing a 2-series badge: it’s known as the Gran Coupe but it’s built on a completely different front-drive platform that has yet to win us over. We review that model separately.

What’s New for 2023?

The BMW 2-series was fully redesigned last year, so there are only minor changes for the 2023 model year. BMW adds a new curved gauge cluster display as standard equipment and removes Satin Aluminum exterior and Black High Gloss interior trim options from its build sheet.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

    We think the rear-drive 230i is the one to buy. Its 255-hp turbo four isn’t nearly as quick as the 382-hp straight-six in the M240i, but we found it delightfully rewarding to drive with the addition of the Dynamic Handling and M Sport packages. The former requires the latter but combined their mix of performance upgrades (bigger wheels on stickier tires, firmer suspension components, stronger brakes, etc.) and unique visual treatments are highly desirable.

    Engine, Transmission, and Performance

    The 230i features a 255-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, and the M240i has a 382-hp turbo 3.0-liter inline-six. The 230i and M240i are both offered with rear- and all-wheel drive. An eight-speed automatic is the only transmission choice. During our test of the 230i, it reached 60 mph in 5.1 seconds and a quarter-mile in 13.7 seconds at 101 mph. Those looking to squeeze the most performance out of the 230i will want to choose the M Sport and Dynamic Handling packages that together include 19-inch wheels on performance tires, a sportier suspension, upgraded brakes, a variable-ratio steering system, and an electronically controlled rear differential. Most of these goodies and more come standard on the M240i. When we tested that model we were impressed by its ability to lunge off the line (60 mph in 3.6 seconds) and its refined ride-and-handing. But like many of the latest Bimmers we wish it had better steering feedback.

    2022 bmw 230i coupe

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    Michael Simari

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    Car and Driver

    Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

    The rear-drive, four-cylinder 230i is rated at 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. The all-wheel-drive, six-cylinder M240i is rated at 23 mpg city and 32 highway. During our 75-mph fuel-economy test, the rear-drive 230i achieved 38 mpg, beating its EPA estimate. For more information about the 2-series’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

    Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

    Although BMW’s interior design language isn’t groundbreaking, it is enhanced by the excellent build quality and satisfying ergonomics. Inside, the new 2-series adopts the company’s ubiquitous styling and layout. While a set of analog gauges are standard, a fully digital instrument panel that measures 12.3 inches and a head-up display are available. We only wish the front seats felt more supportive. Also, despite an increase in overall length and width, including a wheelbase that’s stretched by 2.0 inches, the coupe’s back seat has less headroom and legroom than the model it replaces.

    2022 bmw 230i coupe

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    Michael Simari

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    Car and Driver

      Infotainment and Connectivity

      The 2-series’ infotainment system runs through either a standard 8.8-inch touchscreen or an available 10.3-inch unit. Along with steering-wheel controls and voice commands, the interface can be manipulated via a rotary controller on the center console that’s surrounded by useful shortcut buttons. BMW also kindly includes a physical volume knob. Every model includes a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 10-speaker stereo. Those who want a more powerful sound system can upgrade to a 14-speaker, 464-watt Harman Kardon setup.

        Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

        Along with an array of standard driver-assistance technology that includes blind-spot monitoring, every 2-series is fitted with front and rear parking sensors. It can also be optioned with a self-parking assist that will automatically park it in or out of parallel or perpendicular spots.

        For more information about the 2-series’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

        • Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
        • Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
        • Available adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology

        Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

        BMW’s limited and powertrain warranties are competitive with other luxury automakers, but its complimentary maintenance is a perk that Mercedes-Benz doesn’t offer at all.

        • Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
        • Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
        • Complimentary scheduled maintenance is covered for three years or 36,000 miles

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        Specifications

        Specifications

        2022 BMW 230i

        Vehicle Type: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 4-passenger, 2-door coupe

        PRICE

        Base/As Tested: $37,345/$48,520
        Options: M Sport package (Shadowline exterior trim, M steering wheel, variable sport steering, M Sport suspension, aerodynamic kit), $3250; Premium package 2 (ambient lighting, Adaptive LED headlights, heated steering wheel and front seats, keyless entry, moonroof), $1950; Dynamic Handling package (M Sport differential and brakes, summer tires, 155mph top speed limiter), $1900; Oyster leather interior; $1450; Harman/Kardon stereo system, $875; Shadowline package (red brake calipers, M Sport Pro package, M Shadowline lights), $850; Brooklyn Grey Metallic paint, $550; lumbar support; $350

        ENGINE

        turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
        Displacement: 122 in3, 1998 cm3
        Power: 255 hp @ 6500 rpm
        Torque: 295 lb-ft @ 1550 rpm

        TRANSMISSION

        8-speed automatic

        CHASSIS

        Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink
        Brakes, F/R: 13.7-in vented disc/13.6-in vented disc
        Tires: Pirelli P Zero PZ4

        F: 225/40R-19 93Y ★
        R: 255/35R-19 96Y ★

        DIMENSIONS

        Wheelbase: 107.9 in
        Length: 179.0 in
        Width: 72.4 in
        Height: 54.8 in
        Passenger Volume: 88 ft3
        Trunk Volume: 10 ft3
        Curb Weight: 3554 lb

        C/D TEST RESULTS

        60 mph: 5.1 sec
        100 mph: 13.4 sec
        1/4-Mile: 13.7 sec @ 101 mph
        130 mph: 26.1 sec
        Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
        Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 6.1 sec
        Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.1 sec
        Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 3.8 sec
        Top Speed (mfr’s claim): 155 mph
        Braking, 70–0 mph: 152 ft
        Braking, 100–0 mph: 309 ft
        Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.92 g

        C/D FUEL ECONOMY

        75-mph Highway Driving: 38 mpg
        Highway Range: 520 mi

        EPA FUEL ECONOMY

        Combined/City/Highway: 29/26/35 mpg

        2022 BMW M240i xDrive

        Vehicle Type: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 4-passenger, 2-door coupe

        PRICE

        Base/As Tested: $49,545/$58,995

        Options: premium package (adaptive LED headlights, automatic high beams, heated front seats and steering wheel, navigation, head-up display), $2750; cooling and high-performance tire package (245/35R-19 front and 255/35R-19 rear performance tires, additional engine-oil cooler, larger radiator fan), $2400; leather seats with bolster adjustment, $1450; Harman/Kardon audio system, $875; parking assistance package (active park distance control, surround view camera), $700; Thundernight metallic paint, $550; Shadowline package (dark trim), $400; lumbar adjustment, $350; aluminum tetragon trim, $150; drive recorder, $100; passenger width delete, -$100; passenger lumbar delete, -$175

        ENGINE

        turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve inline-6, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
        Displacement: 183 in3, 2998 cm3
        Power: 382 hp @ 6500 rpm
        Torque: 369 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm

        TRANSMISSION

        8-speed automatic

        CHASSIS

        Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink
        Brakes, F/R: 14.7-in vented disc/13.6-in vented disc
        Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S

        F: 245/35ZR-19 (93Y) ★
        R: 255/35ZR-19 (96Y) ★

        DIMENSIONS

        Wheelbase: 107.9 in
        Length: 179.4 in
        Width: 72.4 in

        Height: 55.3 in
        Passenger Volume: 85 ft3

        Trunk Volume: 14 ft3

        Curb Weight: 3877 lb

        C/D TEST RESULTS

        60 mph: 3.6 sec
        100 mph: 9.1 sec
        1/4-Mile: 12.1 sec @ 114 mph

        130 mph: 16.2 sec
        Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.2 sec.
        Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 5.0 sec
        Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 2.4 sec
        Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 3.0 sec
        Top Speed (mfr’s claim): 155 mph

        Braking, 70–0 mph: 153 ft
        Braking, 100–0 mph: 307 ft
        Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.94 g

        EPA FUEL ECONOMY

        Combined/City/Highway: 26/23/32 mpg

        C/D TESTING EXPLAINED

        More Features and Specs