2020 BMW 2 Series

Competing against the Beamer are the American muscles from the big guns like the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro. The Americans may pack in a lot of power, but the BMW knows how to use it better. In terms of handling, the sporty Subaru BRZ gives the 230i a stiff competition. Still, the excellent build quality and a plethora of features help BMW gain an edge. Is it enough to outperform its rivals? Let's find out.

The coupe comes in two configuration levels – 230i and M240i. Starting at $35,300, the performance upgrade in the latter will set you back another ten grand. The lineup is offered in two drivetrains costing $2000 apart. Shoppers have a choice between the xDrive, which is an AWD configuration that requires automatic transmission, and a standard RWD.

Powering the 230i is a 2.0L turbocharged engine mated to a standard 8-speed automatic transmission with an optional 6-speed manual. However, the M240i ups the ante with a bigger, meaner 3.0L turbocharged inline-6. Both the cars are configurable with a wide variety of options, with the same features list being shared among the two. Henceforth, you'll get all the advanced safety features as standard, previously offered as a separate package, regardless of the trim you choose.

We recommend

Investing in the 230i’s xDrive variant gets you all the bells and whistles alongside safety parameters. The driving dynamics are quite rugged and, for the most part, you wouldn't need the extra 107 hp to have fun.

Tucked behind that iconic kidney-grille is a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine married to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The duo churns out 248 horses alongside 258 pound-feet of torque, propelling the rear wheels of the coupe. This is the same engine that has begun to appear in a few other cars by the manufacturer.

Oh, this small light-weight, enthusiastic and spirited coupe has little to none to give you anything to complain about. A commute in the city, or a cruise along the highway, the Beemer is an everyday car. Its turbocharged performance in a mix with smooth and responsive 8-moving cogs most certainly pastes a smile on your lips while probably tickling a bone or two when you jab the throttle on track. “um, probably?” – yes because its older brother, the M240i, will truly do the honors if not for the 230i.

Coming along the all-American rivalry, the lone German falls back by a margin along with the competition, but it definitely can flex as much as these muscles do. It is not the least powerful in this segment, as it boasts more power than the Subaru BRZ. Moreover, its slick 8-speed automatic is a lot smoother than most of the competition.

Acceleration

Before Beemer could say Bis Später – German for ‘see you later‘ – the Mustang sprang ahead by 0.3s of a difference from naught to 60 mph. It was followed closely by the Camaro, both the cars packing in a turbocharged inline-4. But the German hops back into the competition when it thrashes the field by over a second in the quarter-mile. The acceleration is breathtaking yet smooth, never letting you out of control of the car even if you thrash the throttle all the way to the floor.

The excellence of the Beemer in a drag race is brought forth by the perfectly balanced chassis and the awesome transmission, both of which make the most of its power. The small engine also gives you tax benefits from the EPA. So, even though the 230i is a bit more expensive than similarly performing American muscle cars, it will save you quite a bit of money long-term.

Braking

Its impressive performance carries over to its stopping power as well. The 230i takes an excellent 113 ft to come to a standstill from 60 mph. Its brake feel is composed and stays consistent. While the BMW does possess laudable stopping power, the competition takes way shorter distance to do the same and as a result, this is one of the areas where the 230i sort of shows its “weakness” compared to the rivals.

Ride and Handling

Now comes the fun bit about the coupe. Sporty in sprit, the 230i has excellent drivability with great cornering capability and maneuverability due to its small size. Handling around corners is an absolute joy to take, plus tossing it around bends and curves is a work of breeze on the coupe.

The best thing about the coupe is its adaptability; tame it the way you want, it delivers precisely what you need – comfort and sporty are two of the extremes this car gets right. This coupe caters to the cruiser and the hooligan inside you. Its suspension is engineered with precise detail; bumps and potholes are glided over with ease, and the coupe allows little to none body roll.

Amongst the muscles in the segment, the BMW has the best fuel efficiency while also being impressive on its own. Its 2.0L engine drinks less fuel as compared to the American muscle cars. It is less demanding as well. With a 13.7-gallon fuel tank, it grants a decent range which makes it quite capable of delivering on all your weekend cruising needs.

Still, the Beemer isn't economical as the Honda Civic, which manages an impressive 34 mpg combined mileage, which more than makes up for its smaller fuel tank. Other rivals simply fail to match up to the BMW 230i, with the Subaru BRZ at the rear of the pack, making do with just 24 mpg combined fuel economy.

What would you expect from a BMW cabin? The 230i basically answers that question in style; using materials from the high-end models of the manufacturer, the cabin exceeds its class. With seat adjustments and quality upholstery, you’re placed comfortably inside with but the rear takes a hit due to the sloping roofline and the compact size of the coupe, deeming it unfit and cramped for adults; the kids would love it back there though!

The cabin is neatly designed and placed appropriately with abundant tech and conveniences. Noise isolation is very well taken care of; you’d barely hear what the outside world is going through but the noteworthy point is its constant engine humming, which quite frankly is more pleasing to the ears than otherwise.

Infotainment System

The iDrive system on the BMW measures 6.5” with an intuitive interface and easy controllers. The interface does take a bit of time to get used to, but the iDrive is better than most in the class segment. The infotainment system includes some of the following features –

• AM/FM/HD Radio
• Bluetooth Connectivity
• AUX Cable input
• USB Port
• SiriusXM Satellite Radio
• 7-speaker sound system with CD Player
• Smartphone Interface
• Onboard Hands-Free Communications System

Interior Features

• Folding rear-seat headrests
• High-gloss Black interior trim with Pearl Gloss Chrome highlight
• SensaTec upholstery
• 60/40 split fold-down through-load rear seats

Cargo Volume

While being sporty, the coupe also shows off some practicality, even though it isn’t by much. At an average 13.8 cubic feet, you’d be able to pack a piece of luggage or two. Still, it is the most utilitarian of all sports coupes in its class, with the Mustang and Civic Si following it quite closely.

Sat 5.5” from the ground rolling on four 17” double-spoke bi-color wheels on four corners, the curvy BMW 230i blends a simplistic aesthetic with conservative touch. Compact, narrow and short, meet the iconic BMW chrome-accented kidney-grille making up the front fascia, LED headlights to flank the BMW insignia sat in the center.

This coupe sits tamed on the tarmac when not driving but a look at the front has a bit of menace to it, thanks to the grilles, while the whole framework has a touch of sportiness. Its straightforward design continues all throughout the character lines found on the sides, to the rear of the body. Over the roof lies a shark fin, while the rear consists of a single duo-exhaust pipe.

The 2-series is a car that doesn't carry a big chassis on the road. It keeps its size to a minimum while letting its powertrain and looks do the talking. Even though it has a lengthy wheelbase, its compact dimensions make it easy to maneuver around traffic and confined spaces. A small front track width keeps it nose in check when taking steep turns, whereas a considerable ride height helps soak up bumps and speed breakers.

Exterior Features

• Sports kidney-grille
• 17” alloy wheels
• LED fog lights
• Chrome-line exterior trim
• LED headlights

Included standard safety features in the BMW are impressive and in abundance. While the Government safety data is yet to be completed, the manufacturer has carefully crafted the coupe with a host of precautions and sensors in case of any destructive event. Some of the features are -

• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
• Seat-mounted front side-impact airbags
• Driver's and passenger's front airbag supplemental restraint system (SRS) with dual-threshold and dual-stage deployment
• Front and rear Head Protection System (HPS)
• Knee airbags for driver and front passenger
• Automatic-locking retractors (ALR) on all passenger safety belts
• LATCH attachments for child-restraint safety installation
• Coded Driveaway Protection
• Anti-theft alarm system

BMW 2 Series vs Ford Mustang

Both muscle cars in spirit, the Ford Mustang has little of any significance when it takes on the German’s BMW 230i. The latter basically thrashes the Mustang on every field, irrespective of the fact its powertrain churns out higher output or how quick it is as in the real world the Beemer is far smoother and responsive. Ride quality on the Mustang is comfortable but the Beemer has an excellent balance between comfort and sport. Premium interior quality also triumphs over the Mustang alongside wider tech availability.

Now all the Beemer’s superiority comes at a hefty cost, around 15 grand more than the Mustang. Are all those improvements worth it? Well, at a budget, you should reconsider your options if Mustang is on your list.

BMW 2 Series vs Chevrolet Camaro

The Chevrolet Camaro has a mightier powertrain than the BMW 230i but the Bavarian is no less a match in behaving like a maniac. Granted, the American muscle just has that look you’d wish exorcising whereas the Beemer has a greater amount of restrained aesthetic yet is deadly on the inside. Both the coupes face one major flaw – cramped rear seating due to its size and sloping roofline.

Costing a bit more premium than the Chevrolet, that extra cost results in better fuel efficiency, superior cabin material and tech, abundant safety features, and ahead in terms of practicality. Composed driving with permission to berserk any moment is the Beemer’s forte here while the Camaro is comfortable in itself but not up to the German’s standard. Standing atop the pedestal should be the BMW, and that is only if the 10 grand extra won’t pinch you. Sensibly, you wouldn’t really want to drive a Herculean muscle car if you really were sensible.

BMW 2 series vs Subaru BRZ

Let’s get the basics out; the Japanese Subaru BRZ is priced at $26,455 while its German counterpart, the BMW 230i ups it by 10 grand, at $35,300. Both cars have decent powertrain and decent packages.

Now onto the details - the Subaru is a massive let down in its power; while the hooligan in you is certainly going to smile a whole lot more sliding around this compact 2-door, but not when on a drag strip. Get inside and Japanese detailing is widely apparent; hard plastic but the premium feel around the dash as well as plush seating and upholstery do give it brownie points, but then the BMW is a BMW – superior it ways the Subaru tries hard. Practicality wise, it’s the Beemer yet again. Which coupe would you like to take for a spin? Well, luxury married to the sport then the Beemer; sport yet crazy drivability for the young enthusiast? –Subaru BRZ.

These top notch brands play a lot on the word ‘affordability’; it’s where one may regard hit and miss. Imagine offering all what you’re acclaimed for worldwide in this pocket-accommodating creation; but the Beemer doesn’t appear to mind. Offering materials used in some top of the line models of the series, similar machine under the hood as the 4 series and few other models, the 230i series checks of the right boxes, and that’s the beauty of the brand; no matter what series they touch, the prevalent model is a remarkable creation in its own right. The BMW 230i is certainly the BMW you should consider.