The 2023 2 Series is one of the smallest luxury cars on the road today. That small size contributes to the 2 Series' nimble handling and quick acceleration. It's a fun car to drive. However, rear seat space and trunk space are poor. As long as you're OK with the trade-off, there's not another luxury car at this price that offers what you'll find with the BMW 2 Series.Read full review
Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the Edmunds YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.
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. Reese is a vehicle test editor at Edmunds 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.
Pros
Nimble handling
Abundantly powerful available six-cylinder engine
Upscale interior
Cons
Cramped back seat
Stiff ride
What's new
New curved-glass digital instrument panel debuts
Satin aluminum exterior trim and gloss black interior trim have been discontinued
Part of the second 2 Series generation introduced for 2022
Overview
BMW's foundation is built largely on its history of producing sporty compact luxury coupes, and that tradition continues with the 2023 BMW 2 Series. As other vehicles in BMW's stable have gotten significantly larger over the decades, we're pleased that the 2 Series is able to deliver the pint-sized thrills of its ancestors.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 BMW 2 Series M240i xDrive 2dr Coupe AWD (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 $3.89 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
The 2 Series received a full redesign last year, with more muscular styling and an increase in power. Sadly, there's no longer a convertible variant or an option for a manual transmission. For 2023, the changes are minimal. You now get a striking curved glass enclosure for the digital instrument panel, but some exterior and interior trim finishes have been shelved.
Those changes won't affect the 2 Series' standing in Edmunds' rankings, and that's a good thing since it's our favorite in its very limited class. The Lexus RC is one of its few two-door rivals but we also count small coupe-like sedans as worthy rivals. These include the Mercedes-Benz CLA and the Audi A3 and S3. We cover all the areas where the BMW 2 Series holds an advantage over the competition, as well as a few items that could use improvement, in our Expert Rating below. We think you'll agree that the 2023 BMW 2 Series deserves its top spot.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds 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
edmunds TESTED
The 2023 2 Series is one of the smallest luxury cars on the road today. That small size contributes to the 2 Series' nimble handling and quick acceleration. It's a fun car to drive. However, rear seat space and trunk space are poor. As long as you're OK with the trade-off, there's not another luxury car at this price that offers what you'll find with the BMW 2 Series.
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
8/10
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.
Interior
8/10
How’s the interior? This is a small car, so everything is within easy reach. The driving position is excellent and operating the controls is straightforward. It makes driving the 2 Series with vigor all that more engaging. And despite the 2 Series' small proportions, blind spots are actually relatively minimal thanks to upright windows and unobtrusive roof pillars.
The 2 Series is relatively spacious, at least for front passengers. There's plenty of headroom, legroom and shoulder room. But the rear seat is a joke and won't be comfortable for adults, even on shorter drives. Even getting in the back requires some gymnastics most adults simply won't, or can't, perform. This is odd considering the previous-generation 2 Series had a roomier rear seat yet was a shorter car overall.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Save as much as $5,474 with Edmunds Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $5,474 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the M240i xDrive trim.
2023 BMW 2 Series M240i xDrive pricing in Ashburn, VA
How’s the tech? The 2 Series doesn't offer anything exceptional or outstanding in the technology department, but that shouldn't be a knock. BMW's infotainment system isn't the most straightforward system we've ever used, though controls for media, navigation and high-level settings are all easy to access. The 2 Series comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration as well as a wireless charging pad and multiple USB-C ports. The optional Harman Kardon audio system is excellent, with lots of clarity and well-rounded bass even at high volumes.
Storage
7.5/10
How’s the storage? The 2 Series offers a decent amount of cargo space given its small size. The 10-cubic-foot trunk is a bit less than what you get from the Audi A3 or Mercedes CLA but is reasonably usable. Storage in the 2 Series coupe's cabin is good, too, with a decent-size armest bin and door pockets. Access to the wireless charging pad for your phone is partially blocked by the car's gear selector, however.
The 2 Series has anchors for a car seat, but actually getting either a seat or a child in the rear is going to be awkward and cumbersome. The seats do slide forward, but there's only so much room to work with in the back seat of a coupe. If you regularly have rear passengers of any size, the 2 Series may not be for you.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Fuel Economy
8.5/10
How’s the fuel economy? The 230i gets an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in combined city/highway driving. We got 31 mpg on our 115-mile mixed-driving test route, which is excellent for this class of car and indicates the EPA's numbers are realistic.
Value
8/10
Is the 2 Series a good value? The 2 Series coupe is pretty distinctive. Every other luxury coupe is either larger (Audi A5, BMW 4 Series, Lexus RC) or doesn't have a back seat (Toyota GR Supra, Porsche Cayman). All of those are significantly more expensive. The Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro are closer in price but don't exactly offer the same premium experience as the 2 Series. All around, we think you're getting your money's worth here.
BMW offers a four-year/50,000-mile basic and powertrain warranty, average for the class. The 2 Series also includes four years/unlimited miles of roadside assistance and three years/36,000 miles of regular service visits, both of which are better than what many other automakers offer.
Wildcard
8.5/10
The 2 Series' small size makes it feel fairly nimble even if the steering doesn't communicate as much as we'd like it to. It's not the fastest BMW on the road, but it's no less entertaining to drive than some of its larger siblings. As another bonus, the styling is not quite as over-the-top as other new BMWs (yep, 4 Series, we're talking about you).
Which 2 Series does Edmunds recommend?
The M240i xDrive gets our recommendation because it best exemplifies the 2 Series' sporting potential. With the added traction of all-wheel drive and an M Sport differential, this little coupe is a stout performer and is lively enough that most drivers won't see the need to step up to the new M2.
BMW 2 Series models
The 2023 BMW 2 Series coupe comes in two trims: 230i and M240i xDrive. Standard and optional features include:
Mercedes-Benz has historically produced vehicles that favor luxury over performance, but that's not to say the CLA is dull. The AMG variants add plenty of power, a sport-tuned suspension and other touches that makes it a worthy rival to the similarly priced M240i. All CLA models also benefit from the praiseworthy MBUX infotainment system, which we consider one of the best in the industry.
The Audi A3 is a great alternative to the BMW 230i, but we suggest stepping up to the S3 for its more powerful engine and standard all-wheel drive. It's not as powerful as the M240i, but it has more than enough thrust for most drivers and is fun to drive too. The Audi's trunk is slightly smaller, though, and more controls have been moved to the infotainment screen, which may be distracting while you're driving.
As one of the few remaining luxury coupes, the Lexus RC 350 could be more of a direct 2 Series competitor than the four-door sedans from Audi and Mercedes. The Lexus definitely favors luxury and comfort over performance, and it does so with an opulent and quiet interior as well as a smooth and potent V6 engine. It's held back, though, by a rather small rear seat and a frustrating infotainment interface.
Alerts you if the system detects a possible front collision and applies the brakes if you don't react in time.
Active Blind-Spot Detection
Alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot or is approaching quickly from behind.
Lane Departure Warning
Warns with audible and visual alerts if you begin to drift out of your lane.
FAQ
Is the BMW 2 Series a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2023 2 Series both on the road and at the track, giving it a 8.1 out of 10. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the 2 Series has 10.0 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 2023 BMW 2 Series?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2023 BMW 2 Series:
New curved-glass digital instrument panel debuts
Satin aluminum exterior trim and gloss black interior trim have been discontinued
Part of the second 2 Series generation introduced for 2022
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 2023 BMW 2 Series a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2023 BMW 2 Series is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2023 2 Series and gave it a 8.1 out of 10. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2023 2 Series is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2023 BMW 2 Series?
The least-expensive 2023 BMW 2 Series is the 2023 BMW 2 Series M240i xDrive 2dr Coupe AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $50,900.
Other versions include:
M240i xDrive 2dr Coupe AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $50,900
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 xDrive 2dr Coupe AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A). For a full list of 2 Series models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more
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