BMW 2 Series Coupé review (2014-2021)

Driving position

If ever there was a car that reminded you why BMW built its reputation in the first place, it’s got to be the first-generation 2 Series Coupé.

Drivers and passengers get the benefits of a low-slung, sporty seating position that overlooks a long bonnet.

If you’re used to getting into an SUV, or even many hatchbacks, it’ll feel like a far stretch from those – lower than some other coupés, even.

While it may be a first-generation 2 Series, it’s the direct successor to the previous 1 Series Coupé, so it's already built on solid foundations, and BMW had learned a thing or two about what prospective 2 Series buyers wanted.

For example, there’s a lot more adjustment in the seating and steering wheel positions thanks to a slightly longer wheelbase – it opens up the cabin a bit without forgoing the sporty wraparound cockpit feel we love.

The biggest difference between this and the 1 Series hatchback is in terms of shape – the sloping roofline ends up in quite chunky C-pillars, which can impact rear visibility somewhat.

Look for higher-grade models with the reversing camera to make life easier.

Tech and features

BMW 2 Series Coupé trims

– SE

– Sport

– M Sport

– M235i/M240i

The 2 Series is now well over a decade old, and tech has changed considerably in that time. In some ways, it shows its age, but in others it shows its charm – it feels less in-your-face and more functional.

For example, some earlier models have a 6.5-inch iDrive system, but then a 2017 refresh brought a bigger 8.8-inch system with clearer graphics and newer software.

This 2017 update was a big one, because it introduced touchscreen controls for the first time, as well as the touchpad and voice controls.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto came after this update, but earlier models still have Bluetooth and digital radio.

Other mid-life updates included adaptive cruise control with Stop&Go for traffic support, LED headlights and taillights and a redesigned instrument cluster – all in all, if you’re after the best tech, you'll want to focus your search on the facelifted model.

Engines and power

BMW 2 Series Coupé performance stats

– Power: 136hp to 340hp

– 0-62mph: 4.4 to 8.9 seconds

– Top speed: Up to 155mph

– Driven wheels: Rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (xDrive)

Engine choice varies a lot, and unsurprisingly, that 2017 mid-life update appears again because it was a big year for efficiency improvements.

You can tell each model apart because it uses an easy-to-understand code – the first number never changes, because this is the Series (2 in this instance).

The two subsequent numbers reflect power output, with ‘i’ for petrols and ‘d’ for diesels.

The 220i, 228i, 230i, 218d, 220d and 225 all use 2.0-litre engines with different power outputs varying from around 143hp to 252hp.

Even the slowest will get to 62mph in under nine seconds.

There’s one single 1.5-litre, three-cylinder option in the form of the 218i, and some 3.0-litre performance versions in the M235i and M240i.

Our pick would be the 220i or 220d for a good balance of performance (0-62mph in around seven seconds) and efficiency.

The 230i is a great pick for an added boost, offering 3.0-litre performance from a 2.0-litre engine.

Most are rear-wheel-drive-only, but some, including the 220d and M240i, come with 'xDrive' four-wheel drive.

As for the manual gearbox, the short shifts make it feel incredibly sporty and engaging if you’re after a driver’s car. Most engines have automatic options, too, which are really smooth and just as enjoyable.

Handling and ride comfort

The BMW 2 Series Coupé stands out against most of its key rivals because of one key differentiator – it’s rear-wheel-drive (RWD).

With power going to the rear wheels (or all four in some rare cases), it means you’ve got the sensation of being pushed out of a corner instead of scrambling for grip, which would be the case in some powerful front-wheel-drive cars.

The 2 Series even has near 50:50 weight distribution so it’s as predictable as it can be.

RWD and 50:50 weight distribution are firm favourites of purists, but most drivers will be able to tell the positive difference even if they’re not petrolheads – that’s the allure of the 2 Series.

Ride comfort generally depends on spec, with SE and Sport models likely the most comfortable. M Sport and other performance trims have stiffer suspension, which improves handling and agility, but does eat into comfort somewhat.

Thankfully, most of the wheels are pretty small, around 18 or 19 inches tops, with a few exceptions. This gives a good balance to ride comfort overall.

Boot space

BMW 2 Series Coupé boot space:

– Boot space: Up to 390 litres

For a pretty compact coupé, the 2 Series doesn’t have as small a boot as you’d think. At 390 litres, it’s on par with most family hatchbacks, like the VW Golf (380 litres).

It doesn’t really have many direct rivals – most other coupés are either smaller (like the Audi TT) or bigger (like the Mercedes C-Class Coupé).

To put it in perspective, the 2 Series Coupé has 10 more litres of storage than the bigger C-Class Coupé, so it fares well.

Being more similar in shape to a saloon over a hatchback, the boot does have a narrower opening, so loading bulky items like prams into the back might be more challenging.

Rear seats

Rear seats in a compact coupé will always be a bit of a compromise, but at least you have more space than an Audi TT.

Compared to the 1 Series Coupé this car replaced, legroom and headroom are up.

But even with the Easy Entry function (which slides the front seat base and tilts the backrest simultaneously), getting in the back is a bit of a scramble. Consider this car a two-seater, but with the versatility of additional rear seats if you need them.

Storage solutions

This is another area where you’re reminded this is best thought-of as a two-seater with some extra space behind. And if that’s the case, you’ll probably end up throwing your coat and bag on the back seats anyway.

Up front, you’ve got decent door bins, a well-sized glovebox and the usual cupholders, but nothing else to really speak of.

BMW 2 Series Coupé dimensions

– Height: 1,418mm

– Width: 1,984mm (incl. door mirrors)

– Length: 4,432mm

– Kerb weight: Up to 1,296kg

Safety

Compared with the array of active driver aids modern cars get today, the 2 Series feels analogue, but that might be a good thing for some drivers.

All the essentials are still here, like stability control, traction control and ABS, but there are no beeping systems to tell you if you’re speeding or drifting out of your lane.

Some newer cars ended up with lane departure warning, forward collision and even adaptive high beams.

Fuel economy

This car was sold when previous testing standards were in force, which vastly overestimated MPG figures – this was an industry issue, not a BMW issue.

Some diesels claim around 64mpg, for example, but you’re better off targeting 50mpg on a mixed run, which is still strong.

Petrols are less efficient, but you’ll still likely get around 40mpg on a mixed run and over 30mpg in town.

There’s no major difference between manual or automatic, so pick your preference here.

Reliability

The BMW 2 Series is generally a strong, well-engineered car. Its engines are widely used across other BMW models, and they’re well understood by most mechanics.

Now that this car is getting on a bit (it went off sale in 2021), you’ll want to make sure you’re taking proper care of it to maximise longevity, like any car.

Avoid diesel variants if you do a lot of town driving, because the DPF needs to be run at high speeds to clear.