2022 BMW 2 Series Coupe COTY Review: Back to BMW's Roots

A slow clap for BMW bringing anew-generation 2 Series to the lineup. There isn't much appetite in this world for compact, playful sport coupes, yet here the 2 sits. It does more than that, though—while the second-generation car has grown, it remains the smallest and lightest BMW coupe, which, along with its wonderful suspension setup and slick powertrains, reminded our judges of the heyday of BMW's 3 Series.

The 3 Series connection is more than spiritual. The four-cylinder 230i and more powerful M240i ride on the same rear-drive platform as the 3 and 4 Series and should not be confused with the front-drive 2 Series Gran Coupe sedans, which have more in common with Minis than other BMWs.

One look at the two 2 Series and this should be obvious. The coupe's long hood, short trunklid, and perky roofline lend it an "overall appearance that is not directly retro but builds upon BMW's legendary heritage," guest judge Chris Theodore said. "I think the design will wear well and be cherished by future enthusiasts as a classic."

See All 35 Photos35

Both coupes deliver driving purity and performance with light and accurate steering, excellent suspension tuning, and composed chassis delivering a connection to the road without transmitting all its imperfections.

Neither hurts for power, with 230i models using a 255-hp, 295-lb-ft 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4. "These 255 horses are thoroughbreds all," technical director Frank Markus said. He's right, as the rear-drive 230i recorded a swift 5.3-second rip to 60 mph.

The M240i xDrive upgrades to BMW's 382-hp, 369-lb-ft 3.0-liter turbocharged I-6 and is offered initially with all-wheel drive, though a rear-drive variant is coming. "The powertrain is peerless," deputy editor Alexander Stoklosa said. The extra power and all-wheel traction drops the 0-60-mph time to 4.0 seconds. Both 2s use an eight-speed automatic transmission, which testing director Eric Tingwall found as satisfying as the best dual-clutch transmissions.

Judges were surprised by how livable the 2's cabin could be. The front seats tilt and power forward to afford access to the rear seat, which is surprisingly roomy and well-equipped with climate controls, two USB-C charging ports, and a center armrest with two cupholders. There is even a big deep trunk with cargo nets and a pass-through to the cabin.

The simplified iDrive system is easier to use than before, but some judges still experienced glitches and overly complicated menus. Don't get too attached to the screen layout, though; for the 2023 model year, a new interior will swap the gauge cluster and central display for BMW's iDrive 8 curved displays.

The 230i's $37,345 base price is nice, but our $46,570 test car still didn't have adaptive cruise control (it costs $550) or lane keep assist (completely unavailable). Even the $59,920 M240i lacked lane centering or lane keep assist. Take the old-school view that a driver's car should be driven, not assisted, and maybe the lack of standard safety tech could be overlooked.

The otherwise well-equipped 2 Series is "a rolling reminder of what BMW used to stand for" and a testament that driving purity can still exist underneath modern tech and luxury, buyer's guide director Zach Gale said.

Associate editor Billy Rehbock agreed: "I love how wide the M240i's envelope of capability is. In comfort it's as docile as can be, and in Sport Plus it's just shy of being a true M car. We aren't going to have cars like this for much longer, and it's a shame, because BMW finally got its mojo back." The 230i even came with a fixed suspension setup—no adaptive dampers here!—and rode and handled the way BMWs of yore did, when they were benchmark sport sedans. The new 2 Series is proof BMW still knows how to build a driver's car, and it's great enough to easily make our 2023 Car of the Year finalist roster.