Used 2014 BMW 2 Series

A spiritual successor to BMW’s legendary 2002 coupe, the all-new 2 Series is a fresh face in the burgeoning field of entry-level luxury cars.

Taking the place last year’s 1 Series line, the 2014 BMW 2 Series embodies a more sophisticated demeanor while holding true to BMW’s established brand pillars of safety, efficiency, and dynamism without compromise. The standard 228i strikes a satisfying balance between handling prowess and price, while the sport-oriented M 235i crams big performance numbers into a compact package. Until the next-generation 1 Series sedan arrives sometime in 2017, direct competition for the BMW 2 Series consists of similarly-sized 4-door rivals like the well-rounded Audi A3, stylish Mercedes-Benz CLA, and value-driven Acura ILX.

As the only rear-drive car in its class, it should come as little surprise that the BMW 2 Series coupe reigns supreme in the fun-to-drive department.

This spirited driving experience isn’t reserved exclusively for the range-topping M 235i either, as the 240-horsepower 228i and its available 6-speed manual gearbox are more than capable of giving dedicated sports cars a run for their money. The combination of tidy dimensions and a tight turning circle make the 2 Series easy to park and maneuver as well. At highway speeds, the cabin is less immune to wind noise than the Audi A3 and Mercedes-Benz CLA, though neither of which can match the BMW when it comes to stability and overall ride compliance. Despite the fact that 228i models fitted with an automatic transmission earn an EPA-estimated 36 mpg highway rating, we managed to exceed that figure by nearly four marks in real world testing. This places the 2014 228i on the same efficiency plane as the less-powerful CLA 250.

Longtime BMW enthusiasts will feel right at home in the 2014 2 Series. The simple-yet-elegant dash layout combined with unambiguous instrumentation reinforces the 2’s position as a true driver’s car. The latest-generation iDrive terminal (a fixed remote that controls multimedia and connected devices) is relatively easy to use regardless of skill level. There are, however, some cut-rate plastics in evidence, and the sun visors do not extend to block the sun at certain angles. While the Audi A3 and Acura ILX maintain a slight advantage in rear legroom, the 2 Series offers considerably more rear legroom and headroom than the CLA 250.

Whereas the outgoing 1 Series was undeniably cute, the 2014 BMW 2 Series takes on a distinctly masculine aesthetic to help expand its appeal to male drivers. This edgier appearance is set off with dramatically swept-back headlights, BMW’s now-signature L-shaped taillights, and a more tapered roofline. The M 235i takes that visual profile to the next level with a deeper front apron, larger air intakes, contoured rocker panels, and a unique rear lower valance. On the functionality front, the 2 Series coupe offers a respectable 13.8 cubic feet of trunkspace, besting its Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and Acura competitors by a slight margin.

BMW APPS
With BMW Apps, iPhone users can browse their Twitter and Facebook feeds as well as listen to streaming music services like Pandora, MOG and TuneIn Radio all through the optional navigation system display.

PARKING ASSISTANT
It’s no secret that parallel parking is one of the most frustrating aspects of driving. Thankfully, the BMW 2 Series offers a feature called Parking Assistant that can seek out available parking spaces and automatically steer the coupe into a designated spot. Next stop: fully autonomous driving.

In base form, the 228i comes standard with 8-way manually-adjustable front seats, a 60/40-split rear seat, 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, and a 10-speaker audio system with a 6.5-inch display and HD Radio. Although the A3 charges extra for 2 Series standards like a USB port, dual-zone climate control, and rain-sensing windshield wipers, the Audi includes a moonroof, xenon headlights, a 12-way power driver’s seat, and leather upholstery for about $2,000 less than the BMW. The Mercedes-Benz CLA’s standard equipment roster is comparable to that of the 2 Series. In terms of safety, every 2014 2 Series includes eight airbags, a full range of electronic stability aids, and a 10-year subscription to BMW Assist eCall telematics (an embedded telephone with automatic collision notification and 24/7 emergency services).

The M Sport and Dynamic Handling Packages for the 228i are designed to close the performance gap on the M 235i. The former includes sport front seats, 18-inch wheels wrapped in performance rubber, and an M Sport steering wheel, while the latter contains all that plus an adaptive suspension, variable-ratio steering and upgraded brakes. There’s also a highly-recommended Driver Assistance package that bundles together a backup camera with active guidelines and front and rear parking sensors.

Motivating the 2014 BMW 2 Series is a pair of potent but efficient turbocharged engines.

The 228i packs BMW’s 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, while the M 235i comes fitted with a retuned version of the firm’s popular 3.0-liter inline-6. Both engines send power to the rear wheels through a standard 8-speed automatic transmission or 6-speed manual. To help improve fuel economy in the city, all 228i models include an auto-stop/start function that shuts off the engine at complete stops. And, with 240 horsepower, the 228i holds the title as the most powerful base model in its class.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
240 horsepower @ 5,000-6,500 rpm
255 lb-ft of torque @ 1,450-4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 23/36 mpg (automatic), 22/34 mpg (manual)

3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6
320 horsepower @ 5,800-6,000 rpm
330 lb-ft of torque @ 1,400-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/32 mpg (automatic), 19/28 mpg (manual)