BMW 2 SERIES COUPE 220i M Sport 2dr Step Auto [Tech Pack]

The second generation 2 Series Coupe is every inch a proper small sporting BMW. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

The 2 Series Coupe was a car BMW couldn't afford to compromise with the front wheel drive system it fits to its other compact models - and to other 2 Series variants. So instead, we've a stand-alone design that continues the great tradition of the Munich maker's smaller sporting cars. Here's the updated version.

Background

Few people had a bad thing to say about the first generation 'F22'-era BMW 2 Series Coupe, a pure bred rear-driven sports two-door launched in 2014, then updated three years later. For its successor, the Munich maker never seriously considered the front wheel drive set-up used on the supposedly sporty 2 Series Gran Coupe four-door model. Instead, this second generation 'G42' 2 Series Coupe, launched at the end of 2021, was developed alongside the brand's current Z4 roadster and is based on the same rear-driven platform as that used by larger 3 and 4 Series models. What's been produced as a result is a proper small sporting BMW. Of the kind you might have thought this brand had lost interest in making. Not a bit of it. In mid-2024, this car got a package of mid-term updates, creating the model we look at here.

Driving Experience

The 'G42'-era 2 Series Coupe is one of those cars that just feels right within the first fifty metres, whichever version of it you happen to have chosen. As with this model's E82 and F22-series predecessors, drive dynamics are key, whichever of the engines happens to suit your budget or preference. The foundation here lies with BMW's decision not to switch to the front-driven platform these days used by all its other compact models. Instead, this second generation 2 Series Coupe gets a shrunken version of the CLAR chassis used for the company's middle ranking 3 and 4 Series models. That's welcome, not only because it means this car can be predominantly rear-driven but also because it enables it to offer another very BMW-style feature you wouldn't normally now find on one of its smaller cars - a throaty straight six cylinder engine, fitted to the 374hp M240i variant. This gets the brand's xDrive 4WD system, but you'll be limited to a rear-driven set-up if you opt for one of the more affordable four cylinder 2.0-litre models further down the range. There are two, both with petrol power (the 184hp 220i and the 245hp 230i). BMW no longer offers the 190hp 220d diesel version. The flagship M2 variant has an even more powerful 'S58' version of that 3.0-litre straight six twin turbo engine with 480hp; and the option of a manual gearbox if you want it. Whatever engine is chosen, for likely customers rewarding handling will be a must, so much work has gone into the 'G42' engineering formula here to make sure that's delivered; wider tracks, carefully adjusted wheel camber values and a 12% increase in static torsional rigidity are all crucial here. So is the return to classic 50:50 weight distribution (the previous 'F22' generation model was 47:53). Much too has been borrowed from engineering introduced in the current 4 Series Coupe, notably what BMW calls 'lift-related dampers', which provide extra damping to control body movement over large bumps and better settle the car through the corners. On top of that, there's a low ride height, there are firm springs and anti-roll bars, plus this Coupe gets a clever double-jointed spring-strut front suspension and a 5-link rear axle. We'd like a bit more feel from the 'Variable Sport Steering'; and on the M240i, you really need to find the extra for the M Adaptive Suspension package: otherwise, it's all good.

Design and Build

It's recognisably a 2 Series Coupe - but this G42-era design turned out to be a slightly larger and certainly more modern-looking one. There's been no Convertible body style option this time round. The Coupe we're left with hasn't visually changed as part of this mid-term update (apart from fresh colour and wheel options and a 'pearlescent chrome' finish for the kidney grilles on models not fitted with the optional 'Black Shadowline' package). So, as before, this coupe is 4,537mm long and 1,838mm wide, standing 1,390mm tall. Attractive 'M Sport' styling, which includes 18-inch wheels and remains standard in the UK, adds extra pavement presence too. And sporty touches include a low front apron, flared wheel arches and swollen rear haunches. The faster M240i variant gets squared-off sports exhausts, a colour-coded rear spoiler, grey trim features, a unique front splitter and special 19-inch M Sport alloy wheels. The main update changes are inside, where there's a smarter wheel, a new dashboard and a redesigned centre section. The configurable head-up display set-up's improved too. There's the same, sleek curved digital display panel as before, pairing a 14.9-inch digital instrument screen with a 12.3-inch centre monitor, but the software that drives the latter has been substantially updated, with BMW's latest operating system. As before, the upholstery is a mixture of Alcantara and Sensatec man-made leather and can be had in three different colours, with full 'Vernasca' leather optionally available. The 51mm wheelbase length increase that was incorporated into this G42-era model means there's more space in the back than the old F22-era version of this model could provide. And, as before, there's a decently-sized 390-litre boot, extendable with a folding backrest.

Market and Model

2 Series Coupe Prices start at around £37,000 for the base 220i; you'll need around £3,500 more for the 230i. The M240i xDrive variant costs from around £46,000. The top M2 is around £63,000. These figures include standard 'M Sport' trim. That gets you a sporty front apron, dark gloss exterior trim and dark metallic finishes in the lower sections of the skirts and the rear diffuser, plus large 18-inch wheels. Standard interior features include sports seats trimmed in Alcantara and Sensatec man-made leather. Plus M-branded tread plates, pedals and floor mats, along with an M-specific anthracite headliner and a chunky M Sport wheel. Other standard features include acoustic glazing for the windscreen, auto headlamps and wipers, power-folding mirrors, LED interior lighting and 3-zone automatic climate control. Options added as part of this update include fresh interior and colour trim elements (there's a red synthetic leather option now, as well as the usual black and cognac finishes); you can also now have open-pore timber and carbon fibre trim elements added onto the dash and the doors. As before, a key option is Adaptive M suspension, which offers a wide spread between sporty and comfort-orientated responses. You might also want to consider the optional M Sport braking set-up - which is standard on the M240i. Luxury options include full Vernasca leather; and a glass slide/tilt electric sunroof. There's also a wide range of driver assistance systems, including Front Collision Warning autonomous braking and a package of optional camera driven 'Driving Assistance' features.

Cost of Ownership

What about the WLTP figures? Well, the 220i petrol version manages up to 44.1mpg and up to 146g/km. The 230i is rated at up to 42.8mpg and 151g/km. Move up to the six cylinder M240i xDrive model and you're looking at up to 34.9mpg and 185g/km. There are no Plug-in PHEV or EV drivetrain options. What else might you need to know? Well, routine maintenance is dictated by 'Condition Based Servicing' that monitors oil level and engine wear, taking into account how long it's been and how far the car has travelled since its previous garage visit. You can check all of this using menus in the 'iDrive' centre-dash display and the car will give you four weeks' notice of when a check-up is needed so you have plenty of time to book it. To help plan ahead for the cost of regular work, at point of purchase you'll be offered a 'BMW Service Inclusive' package that lasts for three years and 36,000 miles.

Summary

If pushed to name BMW's most convincing sports car, many would walk past the mighty M5, ignore the powerhouse M3 and M4 models, pause briefly to admire the lines of the Z4 and end up at the baby of the range, this 2 Series Coupe. With a selection of fantastic engines and the draw of a fully-fledged and awesomely capable M model at the top end, this two-door 2 Series continues to demonstrate that light is right. Not for nothing does this model enjoy the lowest average owner age profile of any that the Bavarian brand makes. It'll certainly help BMW that this car doesn't really have many rivals directly able to square up to it. Affordable rear wheel drive models like Toyota's GR86 don't have the quality or the necessary range of engine options. And something like a Porsche 718 Cayman is just too expensive. This 2 Series isn't perfect of course. You might suggest that its shape isn't the most alluring we've ever seen from this Munich maker - but at the same time, you'd have to admit it to be an aesthetic step forward from the previous generation F22-era model. Anyway, what'll sell this thing to you is its roadgoing experience, its lust for life and the way it'll remind you of what driving used to be about when all that's ahead is a ribbon of twisting tarmac. Ultimately, it's the kind of car that BMW does better than almost anyone.

Body Glass

Green tinted heat protection glazing

Electric windows - front and rear, with open/close fingertip control and trap release

Automatic windscreen wipers and automatic headlight

Front windscreen wipers with integrated washer jets

Acoustic windscreen wipers for reduced driving noise

Brakes

Dynamic brake control

Dynamic Traction Control - DTC

Brake drying

Front and rear disc brakes

Dynamic stability control + (DSC+)

Anti lock braking system (ABS) with cornering brake control

Electrically operated hand brake including automatic hold function and automatic release when driving off

PC iBrake (Post crash approach control warning with light braking function)

Carpets/Rugs

Velour floor mats

Chassis/Suspension

M sport suspension

Drive performance control with ECO PRO comfort + sport mode

Communication

Bluetooth with USB

eSim with 5G connectivity

Driver Aids

Electric power steering

Front and rear parking sensors

Variable sport steering

Attentiveness assist

Active guard plus

Intelligent functions

Drive off assistant

Driver Information

Personal Profile

BMW Teleservices

Smartphone integration

Optimum shift indicator

Oil sensor for level and grade

Check Control warning system for monitoring of lights and door/luggage compartment open warning

BMW ConnectedDrive online services

BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant

Touch operation on control display

Direct selection buttons

iDrive controller with turn and press function

WiFi interface for wireless connection of mobile terminal devices

Control Infotainment

Widescreen display with 12.3" fully digital instrument cluster and 14.9" control display

Driving Mirrors

Body colour door mirrors

Indicators integrated int mirror housing

Interior rear-view mirror with automatic anti-dazzle function

Engine

Petrol Particulate Filter

High precision injection

Balancer shaft

Double VANOS

Twin scroll turbocharger with Valvetronic

Aluminium lightweight construction

BMW TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder petrol engine

Entertainment

DAB tuner

1 x USB Type A with data transfer and 1.5 Ampere charging function in the centre console

1 x USB Type C with 3 Ampere charging function in the front centre armrest

Exterior Body Features

Shark fin antenna

Visible VIN plate

Front and rear bumper system with replaceable deformation elements

Body colour front and rear bumpers

Fading support

Front door sill finishers in black plastic with BMW designation

Body colour door handles flush with door surface

Exhaust tailpipes x2 - 90mm in left and right

Rear boot

M high gloss shadowline

High gloss black sill, bumper trim sides and diffuser insert

Exterior Lights

High level third brake light

Daytime running lights

High beam assistant

Rear fog lights

Reversing light in rear light cluster

Single part LED rear lights with smoked glass components

LED technology rear tail lights, brake lights and turn indicators

LED registration plate light

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

2 zone automatic air conditioning

Interior Features

Front door pockets

Front armrest

2 cupholders in front centre console

Storage tray and compartment with cover in centre console

Conditioned based service

English handbook

Illuminated glove compartment with separate small compartment

Front and rear side armrests integrated into door trim

Manually adjustment steering wheel column

12V power socket in front centre console with blanking plug

M sport leather steering wheel

Storage compartment between rear seats

Rear seat centre foldable armrest with integrated cup holder

M headliner Anthracite

Interior Lights

Ambient lighting

Packs

Connected pack professional - 2 Series Coupe

Comfort pack with adaptive LED headlights - 2 Series Coupe

Technology plus pack with BMW Live cockpit professional - 2 Series Coupe

M Sport exterior styling aerodynamics pack with M specific key - 2 Series Coupe

Storage compartment pack - 2 Series Coupe

Safety

Side impact protection

Seatbelt warning

Warning triangle and first aid kit

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Front passenger airbag deactivation

BMW emergency call

Deactivation of fuel pump in the event of a crash

2 tone horn

Seat belt security check for driver and front passenger

Crash sensor activating of airbags,Unlocking doors,hazard warning lights,fuel cut off,interior lighting+activation of safety battery terminal clamp

Driver and front passenger side airbags, integrated in the door side seat backrest bolsters for all seat variants

Head airbags for all 4 outer seats

Child seat ISOFIX attachment for the two outer rear seats

Driver and front passenger airbags

Front centre airbag between driver and front passenger seats

Three point seat belts on 4 seats including front belt stopper, pyrotechnic belt tensioners and belt force limiters

Seats

Heated front seats

Front head restraints

Folding rear seat head rests

Rear seat backrest with manual 40:20:40 split folding

Single front passenger seat

Through loading system with 40/20/40 split folding 2 rear seat in 2nd row

Security

Locking wheel bolts

Alarm system (Thatcham 1) with remote control and electronic engine immobiliser

Central locking switch for all doors, fuel filler cap and luggage compartment

Deadlocking function system to all doors

Two remote control key with integrated key - one button for open and close doors/fuel flap/tailgate and separate button for unlock luggage compartment

Drive away locking system on all doors and luggage compartment

Start/Stop button (illuminated) in centre console with keyless engine start and Auto Start-Stop deactivation button

Towing

Trailer stabilisation logic

Transmission

Electronic differential lock

Steptronic transmission with gearshift paddles

Vanity Mirrors

Sun visors with vanity mirrors and insert tab

Wheels

Reduced rolling resistance tyres

Electrically powered 12V compressor

Wheels - Spare

Tyre repair kit

Emissions - ICE

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

CO: 0.226

HC: 0.019

NOx: 0.013

HC+NOx: N

Particles: 0.0001

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low: 204

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium: 147

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High: 124

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High: 145

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 147

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low - TEL: 203

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low - TEH: 205

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium - TEL: 145

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium - TEH: 148

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High - TEL: 123

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High - TEH: 127

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High - TEL: 142

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High - TEH: 149

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 150

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 146

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 82

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 94.6

CC: 1998

Cylinders: 4

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 16

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: TWIN TURBO

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: NORTH SOUTH

Compression Ratio: 11.0:1

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Gears: 8 SPEED

Engine Code: B48B20M1

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - MPG - Low: 31.4

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 43.5

WLTP - MPG - High: 51.4

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 44.1

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 43.5

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEL: 31.7

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEH: 31.4

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEL: 44.1

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEH: 43.5

WLTP - MPG - High - TEL: 52.3

WLTP - MPG - High - TEH: 50.4

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEL: 45.6

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEH: 42.8

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 44.1

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 42.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 6.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 5.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 6.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 6.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEL: 8.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEH: 9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEL: 6.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEH: 6.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEL: 5.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEH: 5.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEL: 6.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEH: 6.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 6.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 6.6

General

Coin Series: M Sport [Tech Pack]

Coin Description: i

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999999

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 28E

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 82

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 81

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 67

NCAP Safety Assist %: 64

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 4

Badge Power: 184

Badge Engine CC: 2.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 2

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 7.5

Top Speed: 147

Engine Power - BHP: 184

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 135

Engine Power - RPM: 5000

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 221

Engine Torque - NM: 300

Engine Torque - RPM: 1350

Engine Torque - MKG: 30.6

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 225/45 R18

Tyre Size Rear: 225/45 R18

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 18" ALLOY

Wheel Style: M DOUBLE SPOKE STYLE 848 M

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4537

Width: 1838

Wheelbase: 2741

Width (including mirrors): 2068

Height: 1390

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 1490

Gross Vehicle Weight: 1965

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 52

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1600

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 475

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 390

No. of Seats: 4

Max. Roof Load: 75

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): N

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.1

Body Glass

Sun protection glass

Brakes

M Sport brakes with dark blue metallic calipers

Driver Aids

Active cruise control

Embellishment Trims

M interior trim finishers in carbon fibre

Aluminium rhombicle anthracite M interior trim

Fineline light open pored fine wood trim

Ash grey blue fine wood open pored interior trim

Entertainment

HiFi loudspeaker audio system

Harman/Kardon surround sound system

Exterior Body Features

Metallic paint

Illuminated M highlighters

BMW Individual paint

M rear spoiler

Model designation deletion

Electric glass sunroof

Interior Features

Vernasca leather upholstery

Heated steering wheel

Crafted clarity

Sensatec perforated upholstery

Packs

Interior and exterior mirror pack - 2 Series Coupe

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Thundernight

Metallic - Skyscraper grey

Metallic - Fire red

Metallic - Brooklyn grey

Metallic - Black sapphire

Metallic - Mineral white

Metallic - Portimao blue

Paint - Solid

Solid - Alpine white

Paint - Special

Individual paint - Frozen Portimao blue

Individual paint - Frozen pure grey

Seats

Electric front seat adjustment with driver memory

M Sport seats

Lumbar support

Towing

Trailer tow hitch with removable ball head

Trim - Cloth

M PerformTex cloth - Black with M piping

Trim - Leather

Vernasca leather - Black with grey contrast stitching

Vernasca leather - Oyster with grey contrast stitching

Vernasca leather - Black with blue stitching

Sensatec perforated - Cognac

Sensatec perforated - Tacora red

Sensatec perforated - Black

Vernasca leather - Black with red highlight

Wheels - Alloy

19" Y-spoke BMW Individual light bicolour alloy wheels with mixed tyres - style 1038 I

19" M light double spoke jet black alloy wheels with mixed tyres - style 995 M

19'' M light double spoke bicolour alloy wheels with mixed tyres - style 995 M