2018 BMW 2 Series

The Bavarian beast uncompromised luxury regardless of the Coupe or Convertible styling. Both the trims delivers uncompromised handling with equally cozy ride quality which is a rare combination this competitive segment. However, following the legacy, the 2-series lacks essential tech and safety features in the base package, even the Apple Carplay is available for $300 as an add-on.

The 2018 BMW 2-Series comes as a coupe and convertible body styles. The BMW 230i coupe is loaded with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The M240i has a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder turbocharged powertrain. The 8-speed automatic transmission is a standard on both trims. All-wheel drive is available as an option for both models. However, a 6-speed manual transmission is available at the same cost on all RWD models except for the 230i convertible.

Trims	230i	230i xDrive	M240i	M240i xDrive
MSRP	$34,950	$36,950	$45,450	$47,450
Features	Dual-zone automatic climate control	Standard Features of 230i plus: All Wheel Drive System	Sunroof (coupe only), Rear spoiler and sports exhaust.	Standard Features of M240i plus: All Wheel Drive System
	17-inch wheels		18-inch wheels
	Automatic wipers Selectable drive modes Cruise control		Auto-dimming driver-side and rearview mirror
	LED headlights and fog lights		Sporty exterior flourishes
	Simulated leather upholstery, power-adjustable front sports seats, driver memory settings, 60/40-split folding rear seats Rearview camera		An adaptive suspension Upgraded brakes
	BMW’s Connected Drive telematics, Bluetooth, a USB input, and a seven-speaker sound system with a CD player and HD radio.		Universal garage door opener and satellite radio

The 230i features LED headlights, LED foglights, 17-inch wheels, 60/40 split-folding rear seats as a standard. The 240i trim levels up the game with more premium leather upholstery, sporty exterior flourishes, a sunroof for the coupe model and upgraded brakes.

We Recommend

The 230i provides enough power to satisfy your driving desires. However, we’d recommend you to add the optional driver-assistance package which includes some advanced safety and semi-autonomous features for easier drivability and better handling.

The 2018 BMW 2-Series is a genuinely sporty car, with precise steering and a well-tuned suspension system complementing each of the three engine choices. As you climb the trim levels, horsepower and performance increase. Unlike with many rivals, though, even the base engine provides satisfying acceleration. - cars.usnews

Engine and Transmission

BMW 2-Series is offered in two engine options. The base variant 230i is powered by a 2-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo inline 4-cylinder engine which produces a maximum power of 248 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque while the 240i steps up to a bigger 3-liter inline-6 cylinder turbocharged engine with the same transmission configuration.

Models	BMW 230i	Audi S3	Acura ILX	Mercedes-Benz CLA 250
MSRP	$34,950	$43,650	$28,100	$32,700
Engine	2.0L BMW TwinPower Turbo inline 4-cylinder	2.0L TFSI 4-Cylinder	2.4L 16-Valve DOHC i-VTEC	2.0L inline-4 turbo
Transmission	8-Speed Automatic	7-Speed Automatic	8-Speed Automatic	7-Speed Automatic
Power	248 hp	292hp	201 hp	208hp
Torque	258 lb-ft	280 lb-ft	180 lb-ft	258 lb-ft

This year, BMW has launched the AWD variants in all models while for the self-driven, a 6-speed manual transmission is available at no additional cost in all models except for the 230i convertible. The 230i beats everyone but the S3, which is powered by a similar sized engine, churns out a whopping power of  292 hp and a torque of 280 lb-ft. However, if charted, the 240i leads the flock with a humongous power of 335 hp and a max torque of 369 lb-ft which is track-ready for a coupe or convertible.

Acceleration

The 2-series shows the same aggression in acceleration as it does in power with minimal turbo lag and responsive punch. The Coupe pulls up from 0-60 in just 5.3 sec and hitting the quarter-mile mark in 14.4 secs which is fastest in the segment after Audi.

Models	BMW 230i	Audi S3	Acura ILX	Mercedes-Benz CLA 250
0-60 MPH	5.3 sec	5.0 sec	6.7 sec	6.9 sec
Quarter mile	14.4 sec	13.0 sec	15.2 sec	14.7 sec
Engine	2.0L	2.0L	2.4L	2.0L
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	6.3	7.0	6.1	6.1

While S3 beats the 230i, keeping 240i in the equation changes the story a little bit. The latter is much faster, owing to the larger engine. The Acura is quite slow, taking over 15 seconds to cross the quarter mile. The CLA is slow too initially but then builds up speed steadily.

Ride and Handling

The 2018 2-series is one of those rare cars which doesn’t sacrifice handling for ride quality. The Coupe is very agile and carves fine curves on harsh corners. The rigid yet light-weight chassis helps the car give accurate and quick steering response. However, agility decreases slightly with the comfort mode due to cushy suspensions.

The 2-series provides royal ride quality along with snappy performance. Adaptive suspensions are cozy with the comfort mode and offer a luxurious and cushiony ride isolated from major jerks and jolts. The active noise insulation gives a quiet cabin with minimal engine whir.

Braking

The 230i’s braking is as quick and substantial just like its acceleration. The Coupe can come to a halt from 60 mph in just 115 ft, which is the best performance figure in this segment.

Model	BMW 230i	Audi S3	Acura ILX	Mercedes-Benz CLA 250
Brake Front(in)	12.3	13.4	12.3	12.6
Brake Rear(in)	11.4	12.2	11.1	11.6
Curb Weight(lbs)	3373	3462	3093	3274
60-0 MPH (ft.)	115	117	120	121

The 250 CLA being a bit lazy hits the bottom of the table. ABS provides good feedback and stops the car without any hassles maintaining stability and composure even if one goes hard on the pedal.

The 2-series is one of the most fuel-efficient cars in the segment with a combined mileage of 28 mpg along with 24 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highways.

Model	BMW 230i	Audi S3	Acura ILX	Mercedes-Benz CLA 250
MPG (City)	24	22	25	24
MPG (Highway)	35	28	35	37
MPG (Combined)	28	25	29	29

The Merc and the Acura share the top spot, just ahead of the 230i with a combined mileage of 28 mpg.

The 2018 BMW 2 Series has seating for four, but its rear seats are best used for very small people or extra storage. Materials are high-quality, and the interior’s fit and finish are impressive. BMW interiors are never overly ornate, and the interior of the new BMW 2-Series is simple and elegant. - Kelley Blue Book

Seating and comfort

The interior of BMW 2-series is pleasing for sure but not excellent. The leatherette themed dashboard is unchanged as compared to the previous 230i model and is quite inspiring on a whole. However, the instrument panel is redesigned with a black tone and simple analog gauges which goes nicely with the sporty aesthetics of the coupe.

The front cabin has ample headroom, in fact, best in the segment but it’s the rear cabin which rains over the parade for the coupe. Due to its smaller length, the 230i can’t accommodate even two passengers at the rear comfortably and the legroom is so terrible that it’d give a hard time to the people at the back in long hauls.

Model	BMW 230i	Audi S3	Acura ILX	Mercedes-Benz CLA 250
Passenger capacity	4	5	5	5
Passenger Volume (ft cube)	90.3	92.3	89.3	91.5
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	40.1/54.4/41.5	39.6/54.8/41.2	38/55.6/42.3	38.2/56/40.2
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	36.5/53.4/33	36.4/53/35.1	35.9/53.5/34	35.4/53.2/27.1

The ILX makes up for its slow performance by being extremely roomy and comfortable. It offers a great balance of interior space, front and rear combined. It is beaten by the S3 though, which has phenomenal space in its cabin.

Cargo Volume

Even with a smaller length than its competitors, the clever design of BMW manages to make up a better space of 13.8 ft cube for the rear boot. However, the smaller back seat area leaves smaller usable space after the folding the seats.

Model	BMW 230i	Audi S3	Acura ILX	Mercedes-Benz CLA 250
Volume (ft cube)	13.8	10	12.3	13.1

Infotainment System

For 2018, the 230i comes loaded with a  10.2-inch infotainment screen with the following features as standard:

• Navigation
• iDrive rotary knob
• Touchpad controller with gesture control
• Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity
• Wireless Qi charging station
• 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system
• Apple CarPlay (Optional)

There are a number of Internet-connected features that work online or with special BMW apps. However, BMW lacks the essential smartphone integration options. Android Auto and MirrorLink are not available even as an add-on.

Although we wouldn’t call it the prettiest BMW, we like the muscular proportions of BMW’s 2018 2 Series. This is a very attractive little 2-door, with an aggressive stance, dramatically swept headlights, BMW’s now-signature L-shaped taillights, and a beautifully tapered roofline. Befitting the “M” designation, the M240i dials up the visual muscularity to back up its additional performance. – Kelley Blue Book

Dimensions and weight

The 2018 BMW 2-series almost carries over the same look and style as that of its predecessor. The only notable differences are the kidney grilles and a new catalog of colors which include Mediterranean blue, metallic blue, sunset orange, and metallic orange. BMW also offers new wheel designs: two 17-inch designs for 230i and two 18-inch choices for 240i.

Model	BMW 230i	Audi S3	Acura ILX	Mercedes-Benz CLA 250
Curb Weight(lbs)	3373	3462	3093	3274
Length (in)	174.7	175.8	181.9	182.3
Width(in)	69.8	70.7	70.6	70
Height(in)	55.8	54.8	55.6	56.6
Ground clearance(in)	5.5	6.3	5.3	6.2
Wheelbase(in)	105.9	103.6	105.1	106.3
Track width(in) F/R	59.9/61.3	61.1/60.1	59.4/60.2	60.9/60.8

The 230i offers ample headroom in the cabin. The coupe is narrow and cramped which makes the rear cabin space a bit congested and lessens the legroom for an average 6 ft tall person.

Exterior Features

• Adaptive LED headlights with automatic high beams
• Automatic windshield wipers
• Auto-dimming rear-view mirrors
• Keyless entry

 

The 2-series comes with all the essential safety features as per standards. These features include:

• Driver and front passenger advanced airbags, knee airbags and front head/thorax side airbags
• Front passenger occupant detection for airbags
• Power central locking system with safety unlock feature if airbags deploy
• Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and brake assist
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with secondary collision brake assist and traction control (ASR)
• Anti-theft alarm system
• Tire-pressure monitoring system
• Safety belt reminder for driver and front passenger
• Lower anchors for child seats in rear seats
• Electromechanical parking brake

IIHS Crash Test Ratings

Crash Worthiness
Small overlap front driver side	Good
Small overlap front passenger side	N/A
Moderate overlap front	Good
Side	Good
Roof strength	Good
Head restraints & seats	Good

Crash Avoidance and Mitigation
Front Crash Prevention	Advanced
Headlights	Acceptable
LATCH	Good

It is yet to be tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Acura ILX VS BMW 2-Series

Although Acura ILX is a promising mid-range sedan, it still has a long to go before competing with BMW's 2-series. Despite using a bigger 2.4-litre engine, it poses disappointing performance figures in power, acceleration, and torque as compared to the 2-series.

The ILX is about $5000 cheaper than the 230i, but the price difference is justified once you look at the latter’s aesthetics and details. Maybe with a better engine, Acura can get a foothold in this segment next year but as of now, one may look for other options in the similar price range.

Audi S3 VS BMW 2-Series

The Audi is powered by a 2-liter 4 cylinder engine which produces the best in class power and torque. It also offers a plush and luxurious interior with a better infotainment center than the BMW’s but the 2-series basically one-ups S3 in the driving experience.  Also, Audi doesn't offer the S3 with a manual transmission, and with add-ons, it's almost 20 grand more costly than BMW.

Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 VS BMW 2-Series

The 250 CLA surely is a complete package on its own, with a powerful engine, sleek styling, and immersive infotainment system. It, however, fails to pose a threat to the more premium, luxurious and sporty 2-series BMW. The CLA has noticeably shorter gear-ratios which makes it a little eager to upshift while BMW’s 9-speed automatic transmission is fine-tuned to perfection and offers responsive shifting conditions.

The 2018 2-series is a great coupe with punchy performance, agile handling and loaded with latest features, which make it enough to capture a buyers attention. The Coupe is handsome inside out- the interiors aesthetics and exterior styling go together like milk and honey and is a treat to the eyes as well.

The 2-series is not just a car which is fun to drive but also easy to live with as a daily commuter. For those looking for a sporty and stylish ride around 40 grand, this car awaits you.