2020 BMW 2 Series

What makes it highly competitive in the segment is the fact that it has one of the best driving dynamics in the segment. The small coupe segment for the luxury cars is only meant for driving fun as the rear seats are not the party trick here in the case. The 2020 BMW 2-Series Coupe competes against the likes of the Genesis G70 Coupe, Mercedes-Benz C300 4Matic Coupe, and the Cadillac ATS Coupe.

The 2020 BMW 2 Series Coupe comes in two trim levels- 230i and 230i xDrive. There are a lot of optional packages that you can jiggle between to make the car suit your taste. There is AWD available in the 230i xDrive trim. The starting price of the 2-Series is $35,300, with the xDrive model available at $37,300.

Which Trim should you buy?

Not many trim options to choose from, you either grab the standard car, or the AWD xDrive trim that comes with special xDrive badging rest the car remains similar. However, there are different body styles available to choose from if the coupe isn’t to your liking.

The 2020 BMW 2 Series is not only good in terms of handling characteristics but also has quite a powerful engine that sits under the hood. The 230i models come with 2,0-liter Turbocharged Inline-4 engines which make 248-horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The 2 Series as standard comes with an RWD drivetrain while AWD is available. If you want some extra punch along with the fun driving dynamics then you should go for the M variants which are reviewed separately. 

The standard engine comes mated to an eight-speed automatic as standard, but the brand offers a no-cost six-speed manual transmission. The standard engine takes 5.3 seconds to reach 60 mph with the automatic transmission, and with the manual transmission, the time increases to 5.5 seconds. The 2020 BMW 2 Series coupe comes with a speed limiter which makes it top out at 155 mph. But when the limiter is moved and performance tires are added the 2 Series can go all the way up to 155 mph. 

Compared to the BMW 2-Series Coupe, rivals offer better engines and more power. But there is not much difference in the case of the acceleration figures. The Cadillac ATS Coupe takes a similar time to reach 0 to 60 mph followed by the Mercedes C300 4Matic coupe. The Genesis G70 Coupe is the slowest car in the competition in terms of outright acceleration.

How well does the BMW 2 Series Coupe handle?

Just like classic BMW’s the driving dynamics are way better than the engine, thanks to the intelligent chassis and the precise 50/50 weight distribution. Of Course, the M models are more fun to drive than the 230i but don’t be fooled as even the standard cars let you have a lot of fun on the track when you push it. It drives smoothly and for the track, you have Sport and Sport+ modes which sharpen the throttle response and set the suspension to a firmer setting allowing for an engaging drive. Other available modes are EcoPro which as you can guess from the name focuses on providing more fuel economy and Comfort mode which softens the suspension and makes the shifts smooth as well. 

The manual transmission gives you total control and lets you have a bit more fun if you are a true enthusiast. Overall it provides a pretty well-balanced ride which makes it a highly competitive car in the segment. But just like everything the car has its limits and when you turn all the driver aids off and push it to the limits, we suggest you be careful or be quite lucky, as the 2 Series won’t shy away from biting back. 

2020 BMW 2 Series Coupe Braking Performance

Brakes on the 2020 BMW 2 Series Coupe offer good braking performance for its segment. The 2 Series is equipped with 12.3-inch brakes up front and 11.4-inch brakes at the rear. It comes to a dead stop at 113 feet, which is better than the average distance for the segment. The brakes offer a positive feel and the bite from the brakes also inspires good confidence. The brakes are one of the prime reasons why the 2-Series handles so well. 

The BMW 2-Series offers the best braking distance in its class as it manages to stop the car from 60 mph in under 113 feet. In comparison, the Cadillac ATS Coupe takes 129 feet to stop from the same speed. The Mercedes C300 4Matic Coupe is the last car to stop in the competition and it manages to stop in 130 feet. 

The 2L turbo inline-4 engine is a perfect combination of power and efficiency. EPA estimates say that the 2020 BMW 2 Series Coupe with RWD and automatic transmission would return 24/32/27 mpg in city/highway/combined cycles, while with the manual transmission the figures dip to 21/32/25 for the same cycles. With the xDrive AWD system and auto transmission, the 2 Series returns 21/31/24 MPG in city/highway/combined cycles. With a 13.7-gallon fuel tank and the standard setup, it would give you a range of 383 miles. 

BMW takes a clean sweep in terms of fuel economy but has the smallest fuel tank. This affects its driving range by a significant margin. The Mercedes C300 4Matic Coupe comes in the second position in terms of fuel efficiency and also comes with the biggest fuel tank in the segment. The Mercedes-Benz manages to provide the longest highway range while the Genesis G70 Coupe offers the shortest highway range. 

While it is the cheapest coupe from BMW, it is still a BMW and that can be felt as soon as you step into the cabin, with features like a power-adjustable seat, heating, and optional heated steering wheel. Everything inside the cabin is leaned towards the driver and learning how everything operates inside is a task the average-minded person can learn with ease. Talking of comfort, the occupants seated upfront are highly comfortable, and even six-footers are welcomed to a gracious seat. 

Rear seats just like we see in a lot of coupes of the day are better suited for children as the rear seats are quite cramped. There are a lot of options to choose from and various leather upholstery with interior ambient lighting give the cabin an airy and relaxing feel. The cargo area is pretty decent compared to other coupes in the segment but if you want better trunk capacity, you can always go for the sedan variant. 

BMW has the biggest trunk, and the rest all the cars have identically sized trunks. The Merc is the only coupe in the segment that can accommodate adults in the rear seats comfortably. All the other coupes have similarly cramped space in the rear seats. They are only best for kids or dwarfs. Standout interior features in the 2020 BMW 2 Series Coupe are:

• Dual-zone automatic climate control 
• Power adjustable front sport seats
• Heated front seats
• Simulated-leather upholstery
• Ambient interior lighting
• Heated steering wheel

What’s there to keep you entertained?

The 2020 BMW 2 Series Coupe comes with a 6.5-inch screen which for the car feels the right size, but it can be upgraded to an 8.8-inch screen that feels quite big. The standard system comes paired with a seven-speaker sound system. But if you like to have the best experience while driving and you are particular about your tunes then there is a premium 12-speaker from Harman Kardon which includes five tweeters, five mid-range speakers, and 2 subwoofers for the best music listening experience in the car. Apart from that, you can add a Premium package to get features like Apple Carplay and Navigation system. Standout infotainment features in the 2020 BMW 2 Series Coupe are:

• 8.8-inch screen
• SiriusXM Satellite radio
• 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system
• AppleCarplay
• Navigation system
• BMW remote services
• Wireless charging pad

The 2020 BMW 2 Series coupe is a car that does not have an otherworldly design but can still be recognized in the crowd. The kidney grille upfront is the signature BMW design element that separates it from every other car on the road. Upfront it has a big hood that goes all the way to the two-door cabin, and a sloping roofline that joins to the trunk of the car gives it a distinct coupe design. 

The xDrive models come with distinct badges but apart from that, the 230i models are hard to distinguish among themselves. The overall design of the coupe feels proportionate. The design at the rear is also attractive but nothing shouts for attention. It is all about a subtle design that appeals to the masses without being loud. 

BMW has higher ground clearance than all the other rivals, which means you wouldn't have to worry about the bumpers scraping on bumps and potholes. The Mercedes C300 4Matic Coupe sits lowest to the ground but also has the longest wheelbase in the segment. The Cadillac ATS Coupe has the smallest wheelbase in the competition which is marginally behind the Bimmer. Standout exterior features in the 2020 BMW 2 Series Coupe are:

• 17-inch alloy wheels
• LED headlights
• LED fog lights
• Rear spoiler
• Universal garage door opener

IIHS gave the 2020 BMW 2 Series Coupe the top rating of ‘Good’ overall. BMW is not only known for having good safety scores, but it also has a lot of safety features and driver aids available. Standard features that we see in every car these days like airbags, traction control, and stability control, along with a few advanced safety features and driver assistance features. Standout safety features in the 2020 BMW 2 Series Coupe are:

• Forward collision warning
• Lane departure warning
• Rear parking sensors
• Rear-view camera
• Driver alert system
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Traffic sign recognition
• Parallel park assist
• Adaptive cruise control

BMW 2 Series Coupe vs Genesis G70 Coupe

Although the Genesis G70 Coupe is similarly priced, there are various differences between the two in real life. The Genesis G70 does not match the kind of luxury and premium cabin that the Bimmer offers. The BMW 2 Series is also better than the Genesis in terms of performance and other aspects. If you want better power and more value, the BMW 2-Series is obviously the better choice.

BMW 2 Series Coupe vs Mercedes C300 4Matic Coupe

The Mercedes C300 4Matic Coupe is the closest competitor to the BMW 2-Series. The Merc offers better comfort and is the only option in the segment that offers practical rear seats. The comfort and luxury in the cabin are at par with the Bimmer and there is not much difference in that regard. The acceleration figures are pretty similar but the driver engagement is better in the 2-Series. 

BMW 2 Series Coupe vs Cadillac ATS Coupe

The Cadillac ATS Coupe is for sure one of the most promising cars in its segment. It offers great performance which is similar to the Bimmer in terms of acceleration figures. The Cadillac is still not close to the 2-Series when it comes to the luxury inside the cabin and the overall driving dynamics. The 2-Series is obviously the better pick between the two at this price point. 

In simple words, the new BMW 2 Series is a true sporty coupe, that offers excellent interiors, and ample performance that can bring a smile to your face any day. It might seem expensive at first, but looking at the number of features on offer and the feel that the car has, it seems reasonable. What you pay for is exactly what you get, and that is not disappointing in any way, shape or form.