2022 BMW 2 Series

　　

2022 BMW 2 Series Review

byAlex NishimotoCorrespondent

　　Alex Nishimoto has worked in the automotive industry since 2007. He was a staff writer for MotorTrend for 10 years and since then has contributed to CNET, PRI, AutoWise and other publications.

　　, rating written byAlex NishimotoVehicle Test Editor

　　Reese Counts has worked in the automotive industry since he started as an intern at zzdcar in 2015. He has written or edited thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Reese is a vehicle test editor at zzdcar and has also contributed to Autoblog. Reese has also been featured on Yahoo! Finance, Engadget and AOL reviewing cars and covering automotive technology, auto shows and more. Reese learned to drive in his father's C4 Chevrolet Corvette and now owns his grandfather's 1999 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG. A love for cars runs deep in his family.

　　With each generation, the BMW 3 Series sedan (and the related 4 Series coupe) has gotten bigger. The once entry-level Bimmer grew to the point that BMW had room to slot a new, more compact model beneath it. Enter the 2 Series, a rear-wheel-drive coupe about the size the 3 Series was 30 years ago. The 2 Series marked a return to form for the Bavarian automaker, offering exceptional performance in a just-right-sized package.

　　Things got confusing when BMW expanded the lineup with the 2 Series Gran Coupe, a front-wheel-drive hatchback sedan that shared practically nothing in common with the 2 Series coupe besides its name. Thankfully, BMW made the right choice in keeping the 2 Series coupe rear-wheel-drive for its second generation that debuts for 2022. Somewhat discouragingly, this new 2 Series also grows in size and weight, though there's more available power to provide some consolation.

　　The 2022 BMW 2 Series coupe — the convertible has been discontinued — is available in two trim levels at launch: 230i and M240i xDrive. The base 230i's turbocharged four-cylinder engine provides adequate thrust with 255 horsepower on tap, but performance junkies will want the 382 horsepower and all-wheel-drive grip of the M240i. That model has a stability control system that inspires confidence at the limit while still letting you have some fun once in a while.

　　Being rear-drive-based, the BMW 2 Series coupe is kind of in its own class, but nevertheless it competes with front-drive-based entry-luxe offerings such as the Audi A3 and S3 and Mercedes-Benz CLA. Read our test team's Expert Rating to see how the new 2 Series stacks up and whether BMW has been able to keep its small car magic alive.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Great

　　8.1

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.5/10

　　How does the 2 Series drive? This is what we want from a BMW. Overall handling and performance are excellent, though it should be noted that our 230i test car was equipped with the M Sport bits (suspension, steering, brakes and rear differential) as well as summer tires. We recorded a 0-60 mph sprint of 5.5 seconds. That's quicker than the Audi A3 or Mercedes-Benz CLA 250, and we expect the M240i will be similarly competitive with the Audi S3/RS 3 and AMG versions of the CLA. The turbocharged four-cylinder engine makes excellent low-range and midrange power, though it loses steam a bit toward the top of the rev band. It feels plenty strong around town or on the highway.

　　Braking and handling are nearly as impressive. The M Sport suspension helps keep body motions well in check, with only a mild amount of roll at the limit. The M Sport differential does an excellent job of managing traction, though the 230i will elicit a slide if you coax it. Braking was excellent, stopping from 60 mph in a scant 107 feet at our test track. The brakes are also easy to control when you're on the street.

　　The main disappointment here is the car's steering feel. It's weighted pretty well, but there's next to no feedback available to give you a sense of the front tires on the road.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the 2 Series? The 2 Series coupe isn't the most comfortable compact on the road, but we'd say the ride quality and overall refinement are about what we expect from a sporty coupe. The optional M Sport suspension obviously firms things up, but overall it strikes a decent balance between comfort and performance.

　　The front seats don't offer a huge amount of adjustment, but they're supportive and well padded. The heated seats and steering wheel work well, too, and we like that BMW continues to use dedicated physical controls for much of the climate control system.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below