Used 2020 BMW 2 Series

The 2020 BMW 2 Series coupe and convertible are designed with a very specific person in mind. This compact sports car isn’t big on interior room, at least not in the rear seat, but it does feature a set of powerful engines, some cool features and a wonderful front-engine/rear-drive design that makes it an absolute joy to toss around winding roads.

The premium price tag might be a deterrent to some, but those with lesser means can always find joy in a car like the Subaru WRX. For those thinking the front-drive Audi A3 and Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class will offer better winter traction, the 2 Series can be equipped with all-wheel drive. There’s also the more potent M2 to consider, but we’ve reviewed that model separately.

Taut without being too firm, eager in its direction changes, quick and responsive, the BMW 2 Series is an enthusiast’s joy. In a car of this size, even the least powerful engine still has the power to create thrills. The 230i feels more muscular than BMW’s rating of 248 horsepower might suggest, enough to make a prospective buyer think long and hard about spending considerably more for the M240i (although wanting maximum fun is no bad thing).

The 6-speed manual-transmission’s shift action is fast and precise, but versions with the 8-speed automatic transmission achieve better fuel economy. An automatic-equipped 230i is estimated to achieve 34 mpg on the highway, but we saw nearly 38 mpg during our time with one.

BMW tends not to make its cabins too fussy, but gets everything right. The 2020 2 Series has comfortable and supportive front seats, with enough adjustability to find the ideal driving position. Materials are high-quality, and they’re assembled to an impressive standard. The 2 Series seats four in principle, but the rear seats are best left to shorter types or used for extra stowage. Speaking of which, the coupe’s trunk area is as good as some compact sedans at 13.8 cubic feet, while the convertible’s maximum space of nine cubic feet can still hold a couple of golf bags.

The 2020 BMW 2 Series makes for a unique 2-door coupe and much more palatable convertible, although both stand apart from more traditional BMW design. Sure, the twin-kidney grille is there, as are the blue-and-white BMW roundels, but there’s a quirky cuteness to this car that revives memories of the old 320i and 318ti.

With its roof removed, the 2 Series convertible is less polarizing and therefore more easily recognized as a BMW. Opt for the performance-oriented M240i and you’ll get a more aggressive front spoiler, unique rear fascia, sculpted rocker panels and larger air intakes.

TURBOCHARGED 4-CYLINDER
Used in larger, heavier BMW cars, the 248-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder is more than sufficient to scoot the little 2 Series coupe and convertible along at a good clip. How good? Good enough to achieve 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds.

PARKING ASSISTANT
Parallel parking, regardless of vehicle size, can be a royal pain, which is why the 2020 BMW 2 Series’ optional Parking Assistant is such a useful tool. Just pull up to an open space and the vehicle does all the hard work, requiring the driver to operate only the gear lever, accelerator and brake pedal. You can even get it with the manual transmission.

The 2020 BMW 230i kicks off the 2 Series range with 17-inch alloy wheels, push-button start, full LED exterior lighting, dual-zone automatic climate control, 10-way power-adjustable front sport seats, simulated-leather upholstery, rear seats that split and fold 60/40, rain-sensing wipers, parking sensors at both ends, forward-collision mitigation with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, 6.5-inch infotainment screen, HD radio, Apple CarPlay and a 10-speaker audio setup. The convertible comes with a powered fabric roof.

A 4-year/50,000-mile warranty is also standard. So is BMW Ultimate Care, which includes free scheduled maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles.

A Premium package satellite radio, navigation with real-time traffic updates, garage-door opener, ambient cabin lighting, keyless entry, moonroof, heated front seats/steering wheel, self-dimming mirrors, and extra lumbar support for the front seats.

A Track Handling package lowers ride height by about 0.4 of an inch, and adds an adaptive suspension with Comfort and Sport settings, variable-ratio steering, larger brakes, and high-performance Michelin tires. At $2,300 for the 230i coupe, this is a good deal.

Other extras include the Parking Assistant, active cruise control, Wi-Fi, wireless charging, 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio, and a limited-slip differential for the M240i. All-wheel drive is also available.

Powering the 2020 BMW 230i is a 248-horsepwoer turbocharged 2.0-liter engine fitted with BMW’s latest injection and variable valve timing technology. Power is routed to the rear wheels (RWD) on the standard models and to all four wheels (AWD) on xDrive cars. The 2020 BMW M240i gets two more cylinders in a 3.0-liter turbocharged engine good for a whopping 335 horsepower. A 6-speed manual is standard on all but the xDrive and convertible models, which get an 8-speed automatic.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (230i)
248 horsepower @ 5,200 rpm
258 lb-ft of torque @ 1,450 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: Coupe: 24/32 mpg (automatic, RWD), 21/32 mpg (manual, RWD), 21/31 mpg (automatic, AWD); Convertible: 23/34 mpg (automatic, RWD), 21/31 mpg (automatic, AWD)

3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 (M240i)
335 horsepower @ 5,800 rpm
369 lb-ft of torque @ 1,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: Coupe: 22/30 mpg (automatic, RWD), 19/27 mpg (manual, RWD), 22/30 mpg (automatic, AWD); Convertible: 22/30 mpg (automatic, RWD), 19/27 mpg (manual, RWD), 22/30 mpg (automatic, AWD)