2021 BMW 2 Series M240i
2021 BMW 2 Series Review
byReese Counts
Vehicle Testing Editor
Reese Counts has worked in the automotive industry since he started as an intern at Edmunds 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.Pros
- Impressive power and strong fuel economy
- Sporty handling without sacrificing ride comfort
- Well-crafted interior with plenty of features
Cons
- Back seats are cramped
What's new
- Apple CarPlay smartphone compatibility is now standard
- Luxury Line and Track Handling packages are no longer offered
- Part of the first 2 Series generation introduced for 2014
The 2021 BMW 2 Series is a bit of an anachronism. It's a small, relatively lightweight and highly entertaining two-door luxury car. Available as both a coupe and convertible, the 2 Series feels like a bit of a throwback for BMW, though that's not necessarily a bad thing. It's nimble and athletic in a way that few cars today are. It's fun to drive thanks to a pair of turbocharged engines and a suspension that's sporty but not uncomfortable. The fact that you can still get it with a manual transmission is even more of a bonus. The interior is handsome, even if the design is starting to feel a bit dated. This car did make its debut back in 2014, though we expect a new model to roll out soon.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 BMW 2 Series M240i 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.53 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$226/mo
2 Series M240i
vs
$197/mo
Avg. Compact Car
There are few competitors in this class, and most rivals to the 2 Series are four-door sedans. Those include the Audi A3, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and CLA as well as the four-door BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe (a wholly different vehicle that's reviewed separately). The few coupes and convertibles at this price point are more traditional sports cars such as the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro. Those cars are larger and more powerful, but they're not nearly as well appointed as the BMW.
While it may not share the same name, the 2 Series feels like a spiritual successor to older, smaller BMW 3 Series models. And on-paper figures and stats don't tell the whole story with this car. The current 2 Series coupe and convertible might be nearing the end of their lives, but we still think they're charming and entertaining machines.
Which 2 Series does Edmunds recommend?
While we love the buttery smooth engine in the M240i, we think most people will be more than satisfied with the base 230i trim. It's still plenty quick and is available with most of the M240i's features.
BMW 2 Series models
The 2021 BMW 2 Series is available as both a coupe and convertible in two trim levels: 230i and 240i. The 230i is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four (248 horsepower, 258 lb-ft), while the M240i gets a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six (335 hp, 368 lb-ft). Rear-wheel drive is standard, and BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system is available as an option. An eight-speed automatic is standard on all models. A manual transmission is available as a no-cost option on rear-wheel-drive 230i and M240i coupes and the M240i convertible.
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2021 BMW 2 Series M240i pricing
in Ashburn, VA
M240i
3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A
Edmunds suggests you pay$45,543
Helpful shopping links
2021 BMW 2 Series M240i Features & Specs
- Total MSRP
- $47,345
- MPG & Fuel
- 21 City / 30 Hwy / 24 Combined
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 13.7 gal. capacity
- Seating
- 4 seats
- Drivetrain
- Type: rear wheel drive
- Transmission: 8-speed shiftable automatic
- Engine
- Inline 6 cylinder
- Horsepower: 335 hp @ 5500 rpm
- Torque: 368 lb-ft @ 1520 rpm
- Basic Warranty
- 4 yr./ 50000 mi.
- Dimensions
- Length: 175.9 in. / Height: 55.4 in.
- Overall Width with Mirrors: 78.1 in.
- Overall Width without Mirrors: 69.8 in.
- Curb Weight: 3519 lbs.
- Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 13.8 cu.ft.
Safety
Our experts’ favorite 2 Series safety features:
- BMW Assist eCall
- Automatically calls for help in the event of a collision and also lets passengers request roadside assistance by pushing a single button.
- Forward Collision Warning
- Alerts you if the system detects a possible front collision and automatically applies the brakes if you don't react in time.
- Lane Departure Warning
- Warns with audible and visual alerts if you begin to drift out of your lane.
BMW 2 Series vs. the competition
2021 BMW 2 Series
2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class
BMW 2 Series vs. Mercedes-Benz A-Class
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is our top-rated small luxury sedan. It distills most everything we like about Mercedes' larger cars in a smaller, more affordable package. It's comfortable and well appointed, and it's available with tons of features. It's not as quiet as we expect a luxury car to be, though, and some of the driver aids are overly sensitive. Read Edmunds' long-term road test of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class.
BMW 2 Series vs. Audi A3
The Audi A3 sedan is getting long in the tooth, though a revised model is on its way soon. The A3 is comfortable and fun to drive, and its turbocharged engines provide plenty of grunt without a huge hit to fuel economy. Its trunk is smaller than the 2 Series' cargo area, though the Audi's rear seat offers more passenger space than the BMW's. Read Edmunds' long-term road test of the Audi A3.
BMW 2 Series vs. BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe
The 2 Series Gran Coupe might share a name with the regular 2 Series, but the two vehicles are very different animals. Despite the name, the Gran Coupe is actually a four-door sedan. It offers more passenger and cargo space than the regular 2 Series, and it feels much more modern inside. That said, it's not nearly as entertaining to drive, and we found the ride a bit stiff.
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FAQ
Is the BMW 2 Series a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2021 2 Series both on the road and at the track. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that carrying capacity for the 2 Series ranges from 11.8 to 13.8 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a BMW 2 Series. Learn more
What's new in the 2021 BMW 2 Series?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2021 BMW 2 Series:
- Apple CarPlay smartphone compatibility is now standard
- Luxury Line and Track Handling packages are no longer offered
- Part of the first 2 Series generation introduced for 2014
Is the BMW 2 Series reliable?
To determine whether the BMW 2 Series is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the 2 Series. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the 2 Series's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2021 BMW 2 Series a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2021 BMW 2 Series is a good car. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2021 2 Series is a good car for you. Check back soon for the official Edmunds Rating from our expert testing team Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2021 BMW 2 Series?
The least-expensive 2021 BMW 2 Series is the 2021 BMW 2 Series M240i 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $46,350.
Other versions include:
- M240i 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $46,350
- M240i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $50,950
What are the different models of BMW 2 Series?
If you're interested in the BMW 2 Series, the next question is, which 2 Series model is right for you? 2 Series variants include M240i 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A), and M240i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A). For a full list of 2 Series models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more
