PROS

Sporty; compact; fun to drive; rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive availability; European feel; convertible option

MODEL HIGHLIGHTS

The BMW 2-Series is available in two trim levels, 230i and M240i. Both come as 2-door coupes or convertibles. Both cars are rear-wheel drive, though xDrive all-wheel drive is available on both trims. The 230i is powered by a 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 248 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque. The M240i features a turbocharged 3.0L straight-six powerplant that produces 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet. Both cars come standard with an 8-speed automatic transmission, but a 6-speed manual is a no-cost option on either model.

A big part of the mission of the 2-Series is to be fun to drive. BMW has accomplished this through an all-independent suspension with a 5-link rear suspension setup, a fairly unique feature in this class. The 2-Series is thus able to out-handle most of its competitors in addition to being quite quick in a straight line. Body roll, dive and squat are all nicely controlled without compromising the car's ride quality.

The BMW 230i is the more pedestrian of the two models but still comes reasonably well equipped. Standard features include 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps, an 8-way adjustable driver's seat, 60/40 folding rear seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with controls for the stereo and Bluetooth setup, a 6.5-inch full-color display, a USB port, automatic climate control, rain-sensing wipers and a memory system that remembers the driver's favorite settings for everything. The 230i can be equipped with either Sport Line or M Sport upgrades, which add features like larger wheels, rear spoiler, improved suspension calibration and more.

The M240i comes better equipped, starting of course with the stronger engine. Other features on the M240i include bigger brakes, 18-inch alloy wheels, 10-way power adjustable front seats, a sports instrument cluster and dynamic cruise control.

Optional items on the 2-Series include leather seating surfaces, satellite radio, heated seats, a moonroof, a Harman/Kardon premium sound system and concierge services. Packages include a driver assistance package with parking sensors and a rear-facing camera, as well as a technology package, which includes a navigation system with real-time traffic updates and access to BMW apps. A Track Handling Package adds Adaptive M Suspension, variable sport steering, M Sport brakes and Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires.

The 2-Series convertibles in both 230i and M240i guise are equipped similarly to their coupe counterparts, with a power-operated top that takes just 20 seconds to raise or lower.

Safety features include anti-lock brakes, stability/traction control and several airbags. The BMW 2-Series also comes standard with an emergency request system that will activate in the event of an accident. The system comes with a 10-year subscription.

MODEL NEWS

The BMW 2-series gets a nice refresh for the 2018 model year. The most noticeable change is to the front fascia where new LED headlights look sharp and provide lots of light for nighttime driving, while new LED taillights out back look sleek and modern. Inside, the dashboard layout has also been rethought a little bit, it now focuses more on the driver, while the electronic user interface for the navigation and sound system has also been improved.

VALUE WRITEUP

The BMW 2-Series is a sporty luxury compact that competes with other small European cars such as the Audi A3, the MINI Cooper and the Mercedes CLA. The BMW 2-Series, however, is significantly sportier than its competitors and features better handling and a more hardcore, driver-oriented demeanor. Starting at about $35,000, the BMW 2-Series offers a nice compromise between an all-out sports car and a sophisticated German compact.