The Germans have finally overcome a problem that plagued BMW for the past few years: No one wants to buy big, expensive saloons adorned with leather and slightly condescending female voices inside confusing infotainment centers.
A Much Needed Car
That’s why the BMW 2-Series is so great. We can summarize this car pretty easily. Like sporty driver’s cars? Want something small that’s (relatively) value-based? Buy one. The 2-Series is, in fact, the smallest car the German manufacturer now offers in America, and it’s also one of the least expensive. It offers refreshing handling dynamics thanks to a simple front-engine, rear-wheel configuration tucked into a compact but comfortable body. The latest 2-Series cars are improvements on the first generation that was introduced in 2014.
Good, Better, Best
This model year gets a 230i, replacing the 228i, powered by a 2.0L turbo four-banger that smirks as it passes you with 248 horses. The M division lovers get to smile too, with the M240i replacing the M235i. Its 3.0L turbo six thumps along at 335 horses. The 2-Series seems to get everything right without any cringing afterthoughts. Drivers can pick a coupe or convertible equipped with rear- or all-wheel drive. They can also enjoy a six-speed manual for fun stuff or an eight-speed automatic for that commute.
Proper M Performance
Since we’re really here for performance and benchmarking, let’s dive into just how good the 2-Series is – specifically, that M240i with its interesting numbers. And those numbers do get more exciting, with 0 to 60 mph taking just 4.4 seconds. Braking is accomplished in 103 feet and an available limited slip diff combined with Traction Mode makes the M240i a real track car on a budget. An available dual-clutch transmission makes staying in the powerband easy and helps shifts feel smooth and fast.
Entry-Level Luxury
“Entry-level luxury” is a new thing, and BMW gets it right. The competitors over at Mercedes offer up the CLA and the folks at Audie are trying to take some slice of the market pie with the A3, but those cars are both front-wheel driven platforms. That’s no good for the proper driver who wants an experience that includes some burnt rubber and suffers little understeer.
Inside the cabin, that entry-level luxury lives up to the buzzword. A subtly appointed wood dash and double-stitched leather flow seamlessly around a high-def info screen. The screen is sunken into the dash, freeing up the driver’s view without obscuring any info. The lower center console boasts BMW’s signature spaceship dial that controls the infotainment center and GPS. For those who opt for the automatic transmission, they will enjoy “simulated manual” mode with Bimmer’s new LED shifter.
Typical Bells and Whistles
Of course, prospective buyers can snag all their favorite bells and whistles with the available $2,500 Premium Package: heated seats, heated steering wheel, stolen vehicle recovery, remote unlock, iDrive 5.0, 3D GPS mapping, real-time traffic alerts, high-resolution digital gauge cluster. The $500 Driving Assistance Package includes lane departure warning, collision warning, and pedestrian protection to keep things safe. Even with these add-ons, the 2017 M240i comes in at $37,800, keeping the 2-Series the least expensive lineup at BMW, just edging out the 3-Series.
