Are BMW 2 Series Rear Wheel Drive? A Clear Answer

Are you considering purchasing one of BMW’s compact and sporty 2 Series coupe, convertible or gran coupe models? As you weigh your options, one key specification you’ll want to understand is whether a 2 Series comes with rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD).

The short answer is that the 2 Series coupe and convertible models are rear-wheel drive, while the four-door 2 Series gran coupes offer all-wheel drive.

In this detailed guide, we’ll clarify the drivetrain for each 2 Series model, discuss the performance benefits of RWD, look at why the gran coupe has AWD, and help you decide which configuration best aligns with your priorities and needs.

Overview of the BMW 2 Series Lineup

First, let’s look at the available 2 Series models and get an understanding of the rear-wheel vs. all-wheel drive offerings across the BMW 2 Series range:

BMW 2 Series Coupe

The sporty two-door 2 Series coupe comes in several rear-wheel drive variants:

• 230i – This turbocharged four-cylinder coupe delivers 248 horsepower.
• M240i – With a turbocharged inline 6-cylinder, the M240i coupe generates 382 horsepower.
• M2 – The high-performance M2 coupe packs 405 horsepower from its turbocharged inline 6.
• M2 CS – A limited production track-focused coupe making 444 horsepower.

BMW 2 Series Convertible

The 2 Series convertible drops the roof for open air thrills and comes in two RWD models:

• 230i Convertible – Powered by the same 248-hp turbocharged four cylinder as the coupe.
• M240i Convertible – Has the potent 382-hp turbo inline 6-cylinder engine.

BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe

With four doors and a hatchback body style, the practical 2 Series gran coupe offers all-wheel drive:

• 230i xDrive Gran Coupe – Making 248 hp, the AWD four-cylinder can send power to all four wheels.
• M240i xDrive Gran Coupe – The powerful 382-hp 6-cylinder also features xDrive AWD.

So in summary, the coupe and convertible models stay true to BMW’s RWD heritage while the gran coupe adopts AWD to appeal to buyers looking for enhanced traction and practicality.

The Benefits of Rear-Wheel Drive for Driving Enthusiasts

For many BMW enthusiasts and purists, a prime attraction of the brand is its focus on creating benchmark rear-wheel drive vehicles that offer spirited driving dynamics and performance capabilities. The lightweight RWD 2 Series coupe and convertible models exemplify these priorities.

But what exactly are the advantages of rear-wheel drive over all-wheel drive for driving enjoyment? Here are some of the key benefits that RWD delivers:

Better Weight Distribution and Handling

With RWD, the engine’s weight is situated over the front wheels while power is routed to the rear. This front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout creates a near perfect front/rear weight distribution.

The balanced weight over the front and rear axles allows for neutral and predictable handling. When executing performance driving maneuvers like cornering hard or powering through turns, the chassis is exceptionally well-composed.

RWD provides natural and balanced steering feel along with outstanding traction when accelerating out of corners. This lends the 2 Series coupe confident and nimble road holding abilities.

Rear Weight Bias Enables Oversteer

Unlike front-wheel drive cars that exhibit understeer when pushed to the limit, RWD’s rear weight bias generates controlled oversteer. This allows the rear of the car to step out smoothly in turns.

Oversteer is key to executing advanced drifting techniques and power slides. For skilled drivers, it opens up the door for highly dynamic feats of performance driving.

Upholds BMW’s Racing Pedigree

BMW built its reputation in part by leveraging RWD to dominate on the track and deliver an unmatched driving experience on the road. Iconic sports sedans like the 2002, 3 Series and 5 Series showed the world the joy of driving a balanced RWD machine.

For brand devotees, rear-wheel drive is an integral component of BMW’s motorsport-inspired heritage. RWD also aligns with the company’s commitment to engineering excellence and driver-focused performance.

Purist Driving Feel

In terms of delivering raw and unfiltered thrills behind the wheel, RWD is unmatched. The faithful transmission of power straight to the rear wheels makes for an organic and linear driving feel.

With no power diverted to the front wheels, the steering remains light and lively. The connected sensation between the gas pedal and rear wheels heightens the adrenaline rush of accelerating.

For purists seeking the ultimate traditional sports car experience, RWD outshines AWD. Driving enthusiasts will find nirvana piloting a 2 Series coupe or convertible through twisty canyon roads.

Why the 2 Series Gran Coupe Has All-Wheel Drive?

Given the clear performance advantages of rear-wheel drive, why does the 2 Series gran coupe instead employ all-wheel drive? There are a few compelling reasons:

Four Doors Call for Added Traction

With its sedan-like four door body style, the gran coupe takes on a more practical, family-friendly role relative to the coupe models. For this reason, all-wheel drive offers key benefits:

• All-weather traction – Power can be sent to the front or rear axles as needed to optimize grip in rain, snow and other slippery conditions. This improves safety and stability for passengers.
• Improved acceleration – The additional traction enables faster off-the-line acceleration, which is ideal for merging onto highways or making passes.
• Enhanced handling – Powering out of turns is more effortless with AWD putting down the torque. It lends confidence when driving vigorously on curvy roads.

So while AWD detracts slightly from steering feel and precision handling, it brings real-world advantages that appeal to gran coupe owners.

Caters to a Different Audience

The gran coupe trades outright performance for increased luxury and refinement in a package tailored more towards comfort. Buyers prioritize features like:

• Added interior room from the extended wheelbase
• Greater cargo capacity from the hatchback design
• Available cutting-edge tech features and upscale cabin materials

For these customers, all-wheel drive adds yet more convenience and capability. The gran coupe finely splits the difference between sport sedan and family hauler.

All About Options

Ultimately, BMW wants to provide options across the 2 Series range. Coupe and convertible variants satisfy those craving old-school RWD fun. The AWD gran coupe opens the door to buyers wanting a more practical daily driver.

Having both RWD and AWD drivetrains available lets BMW hit a wider demographic with the compact 2 Series. More choice only broadens the lineup’s sales appeal.

Which 2 Series Drivetrain is Right For You?

Now that you understand the RWD and AWD offerings in BMW’s 2 Series lineup, how do you decide which configuration best matches your needs and desires?

Here are a few key questions to ask yourself:

What Type of Driving Do You Prioritize?

• If you love seeking out winding backroads to push the handling limits and execute aggressive driving maneuvers, then the RWD coupe or convertible is the way to go.
• If you simply want a balanced and nimble commuter car but don’t plan to frequently test its performance capabilities, the AWD gran coupe offers plenty of composure.

Do You Live Somewhere With Harsh Winter Weather?

• For buyers in regions that see substantial rain, snow and ice, the stability and traction of AWD provides confidence and safety during cold months.
• RWD models can be equipped with winter tires to help contend with slick surfaces. But AWD gives added assurance.

How Many Doors Do You Need?

• The two-door coupe and convertible limit passenger and cargo space. But they deliver a pure sports car experience.
• The four-door gran coupe makes it easier to load passengers and gear, at the slight expense of driving dynamism.

What Styling Do You Prefer?

• The coupe and convertible designs are sleeker and lower, conveying a more aggressive personality.
• With its long hood and short deck, the gran coupe has a sporty fastback silhouette of its own.

By weighing factors like weather conditions, interior room, intended driving style and styling, you can hone in on the right 2 Series powertrain for your needs.

Test drive both RWD and AWD models to experience their distinct flavors first-hand. Focus on how they differ when accelerating, turning and changing lanes.

Takeaway – Performance and Practicality from BMW’s 2 Series

BMW offers driving enthusiasts a choice when it comes to the compact 2 Series range.

The 230i, M240i, M2 and M2 CS coupe and convertible models stay true to the brand’s rear-wheel drive heritage, delivering thrilling performance and handling.

For buyers needing more practicality, the 2 Series gran coupe 230i xDrive and M240i xDrive provide all-wheel drive traction and stability in a four-door package.

By providing both RWD and AWD options in the 2 Series, BMW has something to satisfy fans across the spectrum. So take the time to consider how you plan to use your 2 Series, then decide whether it’s rear-wheel drive excitement or all-wheel drive functionality that best fits your lifestyle.