2024 BMW 2 Series M240i xDrive

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.