Used 2023 BMW 2 Series

The 2 suffers from a bit of an identity crisis because there is more than just the door count separating the Coupe and the Gran Coupe. They ride on two distinct platforms. While the Coupe’s default is rear-wheel drive (RWD), the more affordable and better-selling Gran Coupe is front-wheel drive (FWD). The high-performance BMW M2 is related to the Coupe.

Whichever you pick, you’ll oversee a spirited little guided missile on wheels. Although small, the 2 Series doesn’t suffer from corner cutting. Yes, the Gran Coupe must make do with FWD; however, both it and the Coupe deliver a BMW experience.

What the “M” designation brings to the Coupe and Gran Coupe are more powerful engines, as well as some upgrades from BMW’s M performance group. Examples of added M upgrades are an M-tuned suspension and M Sport Brakes. This will make a noticeable difference when attacking twisting mountain roads or an S curve on a racetrack. However, such performance pieces are pretty much wasted in everyday driving.

Likewise, the FWD Gran Coupe and the RWD Coupe will perform differently when pushed hard in the mountains or on the track. Enthusiasts typically prefer RWD. However, if you are reading this, we suspect your concerns lay more in how the FWD Gran Coupe will function day to day.

Tip: If your desires trend more toward high performance and RWD, but you can’t live with the Coupe’s lack of rear doors, move up a step to the 3 Series.

BMW sources much of the Gran Coupe’s underpinnings from the Mini Countryman. It’s a hoot to drive in its own right, and most of that fun transfers rather nicely to the Gran Coupe. In our testing of the Gran Coupe, we found it eager with responsive steering and a surprisingly pleasant ride.

We weren’t surprised that we enjoyed the more powerful performance of the sport-tuned turbo-4 in the M235i Gran Coupe. All thoughts of its FWD orientation are forgotten as it scurries off when the light goes green.

An 8-speed automatic transmission delivers engine output to the wheels. It includes selectable driving modes affecting the suspension, steering, and shift mapping engineered to provide more fuel economy, more comfort, or more aggressive performance. We found the differences in the modes abundantly apparent. We typically kept it dialed to Sport, and among the rewards is a satisfying roar as the transmission upshifts.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and researching small luxury cars, including the BMW 2 Series.

It may be BMW’s entry-level car, but there is nothing entry-level about its cabin. It’s well crafted with highly supportive front seats. Interior space is similar to the Audi A3.

If you want the “Top Gun: Maverick” cockpit experience, you’ll really appreciate the 2 Series. All the controls are at your fingertips, and the gauges are easy to see. Whether you pick the Coupe or the Gran Coupe, the rear-seat legroom is tight, but this is an issue in this segment.

The Coupe actually provides an extra half-inch of legroom over the Gran Coupe, but we couldn’t tell the difference. The Gran Coupe, however, has a significantly larger trunk than the Coupe. Also note that the Coupe seats four, while the Gran Coupe accommodates five.

From the curb, there is no mistaking the 2 Series for anything but a BMW. It has the iconic double kidney grille flanked by cat’s-eye headlights. The long hood and short overhangs are also pure BMW. All things considered, the 2 Series looks the part of a small, sporty luxury car — the Coupe a bit more so than the Gran Coupe.

As for the competition, we think the BMW offers a sleeker profile than either the Audi A3.

Engines
Although BMW is well known for engineering some terrific 6-cylinder and 8-cylinder engines, the 2 Series allows BMW’s 4-cylinder efforts to shine. And shine they do. These turbocharged gems get the adrenaline pumping.

Live Cockpit Pro
Bringing a serious high-tech touch to the cabin’s environment, this feature incorporates a 12.3-inch driver information display and a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen into one continuous unit. It’s available as both a standalone option and an element of the Premium Package in the Gran Coupe but is standard in the Coupe.

Driving Dynamics Control
Affecting the suspension, steering, and shift mapping, this system provides Eco Pro, Comfort, and Sport modes. Depending on the mode you engage, it either delivers better mileage, a more pliant ride, or a more aggressive performance. Unlike many such drive-mode schemes, we were able to readily feel the difference dialing among the different modes.

Wireless Android Auto and Wireless Apple CarPlay
Bring your maps, music, and more to the infotainment touchscreen without connecting cables. You don’t even need to take your smartphone out of your pocket or purse.

Active Driving Assist
Every 2 Series model comes with several safety and driver-aid technologies. They include automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and more.

M Suspension
Optional or standard, depending on the model, this M-tuned adaptive suspension adjusts to driving conditions, improving both comfort and performance. We find this suspension to generally be a little stiffer than the regular 2 Series underpinnings.

For most 2 Series models, some form of a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine generates the propulsion. Only the M240i xDrive Coupe qualifies for the line’s sole 6-cylinder. No matter the cylinder count, an 8-speed automatic transmission hustles engine torque to the wheels.

Comparing the Gran Coupe to our key Audi rival, the Gran Coupe comes out on top for engine performance. In terms of fuel economy, the Audi A3 takes top honors with 32 mpg in combined driving versus the Gran Coupe.

We find the 2 Series engines to be spirited and engaging. The Gran Coupe M235i gets a 302-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder, and the Coupe 230i’s base engine is a 255-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder. Gaining the only 6-cylinder available for the 2 Series requires moving up to the M240i xDrive Coupe with its 382-horsepower 3.0-liter turbocharged 6-cylinder engine.

There’s also a thrilling M2 that BMW says will be the final gas-powered M car. It’s powered by a high-performance version of the turbo 6-cylinder. In the spirit of a proper driver’s car, it’s available with a manual transmission.

2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder (228i Gran Coupe, 228i xDrive Gran Coupe)
228 horsepower @ 5,000-6,000 rpm
258 lb-ft of torque @ 1,450-4,500 rpm
Fuel economy: 28 mpg (24 city, 34 highway) 228i xDrive: 27 mpg (23 city, 33 highway)

2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder (M235i xDrive Gran Coupe)
302 horsepower @ 5,000-6,250 rpm
331 lb-ft of torque @ 1,750-4,500 rpm
Fuel economy: 27 mpg (24 city, 33 highway)

2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder (230i Coupe, 230i xDrive Coupe)
255 horsepower @ 5,000-6,500 rpm
295 lb-ft of torque @ 1,550-4,400 rpm
Fuel economy: 29 mpg (26 city, 35 highway) 230i xDrive: 28 mpg (24 city, 34 highway)

3.0-liter turbocharged 6-cylinder (M240i Coupe, M240i xDrive Coupe)
382 horsepower @ 5,800-6,500 rpm
369 lb-ft of torque @ 1,800-5,000 rpm
Fuel economy: 26 mpg (22 city, 32 highway) M240i xDrive: 26 mpg (23 city, 32 highway)

3.0-liter turbocharged 6-cylinder (M2)
453 horsepower @ 6,250 rpm
406 lb-ft of torque @ 2,650 rpm
Fuel economy: 16 city/24 highway (Manual), 16 city/23 highway (Auto)

More 2 Series fuel economy information is available on the EPA’s website.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

BMW’s 4-year/50,000-mile limited warranty includes both limited bumper-to-bumper protection, as well limited powertrain protection. Furthermore, BMW tosses in its standard maintenance program (BMW Ultimate Care) that covers the cost of all factory-scheduled maintenance for 3 years or 36,000 miles. This also features 24/7 roadside assistance. This is about average for the segment.