Is BMW Series 2 A Good Car? An Expert Analysis

If you’re in the market for a luxury sports coupe or convertible, the BMW 2 Series should be on your shopping list. But is this sporty compact the right fit for your needs?

In short, yes – the BMW 2 Series is an excellent car for shoppers wanting a balanced mix of performance, luxury, technology and everyday practicality.

This in-depth review will examine all the pros and cons of the 2 Series lineup. You’ll learn about performance, interior features, exterior styling, cargo space, reliability, and ownership costs.

We’ll also discuss:

2 Series models, trims and pricing
Powertrain options and driving dynamics
Interior design, seats and technology
Safety ratings and driver assistance features
Fuel economy and real-world mpg
Maintenance expenses and repair frequency
Who should buy the BMW 2 Series

After reading, you’ll know decisively whether the sporty BMW 2 Series is a smart choice as your next vehicle. Let’s get started!

Overview of the BMW 2 Series Lineup

The 2 Series joined BMW’s lineup in 2014 as an entry-level compact luxury car. Currently in its second generation, the car is available in three body styles:

2 Series Coupe – Two-door performance coupe
2 Series Convertible – Soft-top four-seat convertible
2 Series Gran Coupe – Four-door “coupe” with hatchback design

Within each body style are different trim levels and powertrain options. The coupe and convertible offer the most performance, available with turbocharged 4-cylinder or 6-cylinder engines.

Here’s a quick look at the main 2 Series trims:

228i – 2.0L turbo four-cylinder with 248 horsepower
230i – 2.0L turbo four-cylinder with 255 horsepower
M240i – 3.0L turbo inline six-cylinder with 382 horsepower
M2 – High-performance coupe with 405 horsepower

Pricing starts around $37,500 for the base 228i coupe and climbs to $59,500 for the top-level M2 coupe. The convertible commands $5,000 – $8,000 more than the coupe.

Now let’s dive into the details and see where the 2 Series excels – and where it falls short.

BMW 2 Series Performance, Handling and Driving Dynamics

Without a doubt, nimble handling and eager acceleration are two of the 2 Series’ biggest strengths. Even the base four-cylinder turbo provides quick acceleration. Step up to the M240i or M2 and you’ll rocket from 0 to 60 mph in under 4.5 seconds!

Here are some key features that make the 2 Series so fun to drive:

Turbocharged engines – Both the 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder options utilize BMW’s TwinPower turbo technology for strong low-end torque and free-revving power across the RPM band.
Eight-speed automatic transmission – The quick-shifting 8-speed auto is tuned to keep the engine in its optimal powerband. Paddle shifters allow manual control.
Adaptive M suspension – Uses electronically controlled dampers to combine sporty handling with a comfortable ride. Available on the M240i.
Variable sport steering – Adjusts steering effort and ratio based on driving mode and speed. Feels agile during spirited driving.
M Sport brakes – Large, cross-drilled discs provide powerful and fade-free braking. Standard on M240i.
Rear-wheel drive – Rear-drive balance helps the 2 Series feel poised when pushing into corners. All-wheel drive is available.

In reviews, test drivers praise the 2 Series as one of the most engaging cars in the compact luxury segment. The steering and suspension offer an unfiltered connection to the road. The car feels planted and eager to tackle twisty backroads.

If you enjoy driving, the 2 Series delivers an incredible blend of power and handling that makes every trip fun. It reminds luxury shoppers that driving excitement need not be sacrificed.

Interior Quality, Design and Passenger Room

Slip inside the handsomely appointed 2 Series cabin and you’ll quickly notice the excellent build quality and luxury ambiance. Available finishes like wood trim, aluminum accents and soft-touch surfaces exceed what you’ll find in many rival luxury coupes and sedans.

Some interior highlights include:

SensaTec upholstery – Leatherette seating comes standard. Genuine leather is available.
Power front seats – Offer 12-way adjustment including 4-way lumbar support. Heating and ventilation are optional.
40/20/40 folding rear seats – Expands cargo space in the coupe and gran coupe. Less usable in the convertible.
Heads-up display – Projects key data like speed onto the windshield to keep your eyes on the road.

For entertainment and information, the 2 Series has user-friendly tech:

iDrive 8 infotainment – Runs on a 10.25″ touchscreen with natural voice commands and a rotary controller.
Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto – Display smartphone apps seamlessly.
Harman Kardon sound system – The 12-speaker premium audio provides crisp, powerful sound.
Digital instrument cluster – Choose between different display styles for the all-digital gauge cluster.
Gesture control – Wave your hand to adjust volume and accept phone calls.

Considering its exterior footprint, the 2 Series makes good use of its interior space. Front seats are comfortably spacious. Rear seats are decent for a compact coupe if used occasionally by adults. The Gran Coupe provides a bit more rear headroom than the lower-slung coupe and convertible.

Storage space inside the cabin is generous, with large door pockets, cupholders and a sizable center armrest console.

Exterior Styling and Customization Options

The BMW 2 Series turns heads with its athletic, aggressive design. It’s handsome from every angle. The short front overhang, long hood and flowing roofline give the 2 Series coupe a true rear-drive sport coupe proportion.

Some attractive exterior design elements include:

Large BMW kidney grille
Flared front fenders
Frameless side windows (on coupe and convertible)
Jutting rear haunches and quad exhaust tips
Sleek LED headlights and taillights

Owners can easily customize their 2 Series’ exterior via these options:

Wheels – 18″ to 19″ designs in silver, black or bi-color finishes.
M Sport package – Adds aerodynamic bodykit, Shadowline trim and M badging.
Exterior paint – Choice of standard or metallic colors like San Remo Green and Sunset Orange.
Black optic package – Gloss black kidney grille, mirror caps, exhaust tips and trim.
Lighting package – Upgrades to full LED adaptive headlights with automatic high beams.

No matter which path you choose, the 2 Series always displays a sense of athleticism and refined style that turns heads wherever it goes.

Cargo Space and Interior Room Review

Despite its compact exterior footprint, the BMW 2 Series can fit a respectable amount of cargo with the rear seats folded down. Here are the cargo capacities:

2 Series coupe – 13.8 cubic feet trunk, 35 cubic feet with seats down
2 Series convertible – 12 cubic feet trunk, 20 cubic feet with top down
2 Series Gran Coupe – 16 cubic feet trunk, 45.3 cubic feet seats down

The Gran Coupe is the most practical choice if you need to fit larger items or luggage frequently. But even the coupe’s cargo area is sufficient for most needs like grocery runs and home improvement store trips.

Interior room overall is good for a compact luxury car. Front seats have abundant space. Rear seats are snug but adequately roomy for shorter trips or carpools.

Headroom is tight in the coupe and convertible, especially in the back seats. This is a common trade-off in sport coupes with swoopy rooflines. For more headroom, again the Gran Coupe’s boxier design has an advantage.

BMW 2 Series Reliability and Ownership Costs

Reliability is not one of BMW’s traditional strengths. The company is notorious for subpar dependability compared to rivals like Lexus or Acura.

However, most reviews indicate the 2 Series avoids major trouble spots if properly maintained. Here’s some reliability info:

J.D. Power Quality and Reliability – Rated just 3.5 out of 5, below the compact premium car segment average.
Consumer Reports Reliability Score – Slightly better than average predicted reliability.
Common issues – Oil leaks, faulty fuel pumps, crankcase vent valve failures.

The biggest ongoing ownership cost will be premium fuel and pricier insurance versus an equivalent mainstream car. You’ll also pay more for replacement parts and tires due to the 2 Series’ performance pedigree and luxury badge.

Maintenance expenses on BMWs are higher than normal, but choosing an included maintenance plan can help lower out-of-pocket costs.

To save money long-term, the 2 Series coupe’s 4-cylinder engine has lower running costs than the powerful but thirsty 6-cylinder. The 228i coupe returns 24 mpg city and 34 highway.

Who is the BMW 2 Series Best Suited For?

The sporty BMW 2 Series delivers an impressive blend of acceleration, agility and luxury. It’s a standout choice for:

Car buyers desiring luxury with exhilarating performance
Drivers who prioritize sharp handling and steering feel
Shoppers wanting modern tech and safety innovations
Fans of German engineering and craftsmanship
Downsizing luxury owners who no longer need a large sedan
Outdoor adventurers needing cargo space for gear

The 2 Series matches luxury, technology and driving enjoyment at an attainable price point for premium buyers. It outperforms most rivals for driving thrills while still coddling occupants with upscale accommodations.

The Bottom Line – Is the BMW 2 Series a Good Car?

In the entry-level luxury coupe and convertible segment, the BMW 2 Series should top most shoppers’ consideration lists.

It provides an unbeatable blend of acceleration, cornering agility and everyday practicality. Inside, the finely crafted cabin features all the luxury and tech appointments expected from a benchmark German automaker.

Some downsides like subpar fuel economy and higher ownership costs come with the territory given the performance capabilities. But overall, the well-rounded 2 Series strikes an ideal balance for buyers who refuse to compromise on luxury or driving excitement.

After reviewing all the pros and cons, our verdict is clear: Yes, the BMW 2 Series is an excellent car. For driving enthusiasts with sporting tastes but luxury expectations, few choices will satisfy like this BMW.