BMW 2 Series Test Drive Review
By Motor Match • 22/11/2023
BMW is one of the go-to makers of coupes and that has been the case for decades. All manner of two-doored icons have been produced by this German car maker and the 2 Series has been one of its latest and most successful.
What is it?
Blending the sportiness that you’d expect from a coupe with some everyday usability and a range of flexible engines, there are plenty of reasons why it has seen such success.
Which is why BMW hasn’t pulled any punches for this new generation of 2 Series. Bolder and more tech-filled than ever, it’s aiming to be just as popular as the car it replaces. We’ve been finding out if it’s set for success.
What’s new?
There are some big changes underneath this new 2 Series. Whereas its predecessor was essentially a coupe version of the 1 Series - with the two sharing the same underpinnings - this latest generation is sitting upon the same chassis as the larger 3 Series. So it’s a smaller car, with a longer wheelbase and rear-wheel-drive as a result.
In fact, it’s that rear-wheel-drive layout which was the key driver in this move, with the front-wheel-drive setup of the latest 1 Series deemed not sporty enough for the 2. Hence the move to the 3 Series platform.
What’s under the bonnet?
Our test car uses an engine which is very popular within the BMW range - a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel with mild-hybrid technology to help it make the most of every drop of fuel. It’s incredibly efficient, in fact, with BMW claiming up to 60.1mpg combined and CO2 emissions of 123g/km.
But with 188bhp and 400Nm of torque, the 220d’s 6.7 seconds 0-60mph time is more than respectable and makes it slightly quicker than the petrol-powered 220i. You get an eight-speed automatic gearbox, too, which is smooth-shifting and can be controlled via the steering wheel-mounted paddles should you desire.
What’s it like to drive?
Despite its relatively ‘usual’ engine, the 2 Series manages to feel special to drive. It’s got plenty of grip and excellent poise, while the rear-driven layout means that it’s able to feel agile yet planted through the bends. It’s much like the 3 Series, as you might expect, but is slightly lighter and sharper.
It’s all very refined, too, with both wind and road noise kept well isolated from entering the cabin. As a plus, the diesel engine underneath the bonnet is smooth and punchy and aside from being a little loud at start-up - like pretty much all diesels - keeps a low profile in terms of noise overall.
How does it look?
BMW has put the 2 Series on steroids for this latest generation. With big, boxy arches and a prominent front-end design it’s a far cry from the car it replaces and this isn’t restricted to ‘hot’ models like the M240i, either, as the entire range looks very strong, in our eyes at least.
The bonnet dome - which usually signifies a large engine underneath - may be a touch overkill on a 2.0-litre diesel, but it’s all working to put some extra drama into this model. It feels like the overall effect is a success.
What’s it like inside?
BMW has essentially transplanted the interior from the 3 Series into the snug cabin of the 2 Series and that’s not a bad thing in the slightest. It’s all very well made, with great levels of fit and finish throughout. The ergonomics are sound, too, and everything feels logically placed and within easy reach.
As you might expect from a coupe, space in the rear isn’t the most plentiful. However, it could be a handy place for young children to sit and there are mounting points for child seats, too. When it comes to boot space, there are 390 litres - 20 litres more than you would’ve found in the outgoing car.
What’s the spec like?
You’re only able to specify the 2 Series in M Sport trim but, if you’re after a dynamic-looking coupe, it’s likely that you would’ve picked this specification regardless. It brings plenty of standard equipment, too, including automatic air conditioning and a full M Sport exterior styling pack which really beefs up the design of the 2 Series.
The front seats also come with an automatic slide and tilt function, which helps when getting into the back of the car. As is usually the case with BMW models, there are loads of optional extras to choose from, including wireless smartphone charging, or a heated steering wheel and front lumbar support.
Verdict
The BMW 2 Series feels like a continuation of those memorable coupes of old. It’s great to look at, first and foremost, but is also sharp and refined to drive with that added sparkle which only appears in some models.
The generous level of standard equipment is another plus point, but it’s the coherence of the overall package which makes the 2 Series stand out. As a car for all occasions, this could be it.
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