BMW 2-Series: The Last of the Compact Luxury Coupes
Compact Luxury Coupes
BMW 2-Series 2025: Compact luxury coupes are a rare breed these days, but BMW is not ready to let them go without a fight. The BMW 2-Series coupe is a testament to this, carrying the torch into the modern era. Although its sibling, the M2, steals the show with its extroverted performance, the 2-Series offers a balanced personality that still delivers the superior steering, braking, and overall performance that BMW is famous for.
BMW 2-Series 2025: Trim Options: 230i and M240i
The 2025 BMW 2-Series is available in two trims: the 230i and the M240i. Both trims offer a choice between rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The 230i is powered by a 255-horsepower turbocharged inline-four engine, the same engine shared with the Toyota Supra 2.0. On the other hand, the M240i, though not a true “M” model, boosts performance with a 382-horsepower turbocharged inline-six engine.
Driving Experience: Compact Powerhouse
Regardless of the trim you choose, the BMW 2-Series maximizes its compact dimensions and responsive powertrains to offer a driving experience that transforms the daily commute into a thrill. Although the manual transmission is no longer an option, the 2-Series remains a versatile and satisfying vehicle, earning a spot on the 2024 Editors’ Choice list. The design, while reflecting BMW’s modern styling ethos, retains a classic coupe silhouette that enthusiasts will appreciate.
BMW 2-Series 2025: What’s New for 2025?
The 2025 BMW 2-Series doesn’t undergo major changes in appearance, but there are a few updates. The big news is the introduction of the iDrive 8.5, BMW’s latest infotainment software, and updated interior ambient lighting. A new M Sport Professional Package, distinct from the existing M Sport package, adds features like M Shadow Line lights, an M rear spoiler in black, and M Sport brakes with customizable red or blue calipers. Additionally, there are new exterior colors, including Vegas Red metallic, Skyscraper Grey metallic, and Zandvoort Blue, which was previously exclusive to the M2.
BMW 2-Series 2025: Pricing and Trim Options
The 2025 BMW 2-Series starts at $40,375 and can go up to $53,275 depending on the trim and options. Here’s a breakdown of the pricing:
- 230i: $40,375
- 230i xDrive: $42,375
- M240i: $51,275
- M240i xDrive: $53,275
While the six-speed manual is no longer available, the M240i with rear-wheel drive remains an attractive choice, offering a powerful engine, a limited-slip rear differential, bigger brakes, and a refined suspension for the ultimate driving experience.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The BMW 230i is equipped with a 255-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, while the BMW M240i features a 382-horsepower turbo 3.0-liter inline-six engine. Both trims offer rear-wheel and all-wheel drive options, and an eight-speed automatic transmission is the only available choice. For those seeking to enhance the 230i’s performance, the M Sport and Dynamic Handling packages are recommended. These packages include 19-inch wheels, a sportier suspension, upgraded brakes, and an electronically controlled rear differential. The M240i comes standard with many of these features, delivering a sharper focus on performance, though some drivers might desire better steering feedback.
Acceleration Performance: 0–60 MPH
In performance tests, the BMW 230i reached 60 mph in 5.1 seconds and completed a quarter-mile in 13.7 seconds at 101 mph. The BMW M240i impressed with its ability to reach 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds, showcasing its superior acceleration capabilities.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Fuel Economy
When it comes to fuel economy, the rear-wheel-drive, four-cylinder 230i is rated at 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. If you opt for all-wheel drive, these figures drop slightly to 25 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The rear-wheel-drive, six-cylinder M240i achieves 23 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway, with all-wheel drive reducing the city rating by just 1 mpg. In our real-world 75-mph fuel economy test, the rear-wheel-drive 230i surpassed expectations, delivering an impressive 38 mpg. For further details on the 2-Series’s fuel efficiency, you can visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Interior Quality
While BMW’s interior design may not be revolutionary, it stands out with excellent build quality and ergonomics. The 2-Series adopts BMW’s familiar styling and layout, featuring the standard Live Cockpit Plus system with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment display. The seats are comfortable but could offer better support for more spirited driving. Despite the coupe’s increase in overall length and width, including a wheelbase extended by 2.0 inches, the back seat actually offers less headroom and legroom compared to the previous generation.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Infotainment System
The BMW 2-Series is equipped with a 14.9-inch touchscreen display running iDrive 8.5, the latest version of BMW’s infotainment software, newly introduced for 2025. Although the removal of physical buttons for HVAC, seat, and steering wheel heating in favor of touchscreen controls might be controversial, BMW has ensured that these functions are also operable via voice command. The system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, along with a 10-speaker audio system. A head-up display is available as part of the Premium package, and those seeking enhanced audio quality can opt for the 14-speaker, 464-watt Harman Kardon sound system.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Safety Technology
The BMW 2-Series is equipped with an array of standard driver-assistance features, including blind-spot monitoring and front and rear parking sensors. An available self-parking assist feature allows the vehicle to park itself in or out of parallel or perpendicular spots. For comprehensive crash-test results, you can visit the websites of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Key safety features include:
- Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
- Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
- Available adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Warranty and Maintenance
BMW offers competitive warranty coverage for the 2-Series compared to other luxury brands, with the added benefit of complimentary maintenance, something Mercedes-Benz does not provide.
- Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Complimentary scheduled maintenance is covered for three years or 36,000 miles
