2022 BMW 2 Series Reviews, Pricing & Specs

The second-generation BMW 2 Series is given a new exterior design but does not feature the aggressive front fascia that is making the rounds with the rest of the Bavarian lineup. No chomping beaver-esque grin here. Not to say that the new 2 Series exterior is subdued.

In Canada, the 2022 BMW 2 Series is currently offered only in its all-wheel-drive (AWD) M240i xDrive Coupe form. (The rear-wheel-drive (RWD) drivetrain is not offered in our market.)

The four-door 2 Series Gran Coupe is still around as well, sold in Canada in its M235i xDrive version. The 2 Series Convertible has been dropped for 2022. The next-generation M2 Competition has yet to be announced but is expected to arrive late next year, possibly as a 2023 model.

The 2 Series Coupe sits on a wheelbase that has been extended 5 centimetres, and it’s longer, wider, and lower than its predecessor, stretched by nearly 9 centimetres and lowered 0.25 cm.

In keeping with the low-slung theme, the signature kidney grille is wider and the front air curtains feature an upright triangular shape to give the 2 Series a leaner, aerodynamic appearance. Coupled with flared fenders plus reshaped headlights and taillights and this subcompact coupe exudes big-time agility.

Naturally, the styling of the M240i xDrive Coupe is performance-oriented. The vehicle features shadowy shades of the M-type variety. This includes the grille surround, mirror caps, exhaust tips, badging, air intakes, rear bumper inlay, and side skirts.

The M240i xDrive Coupe gets 19-inch M light alloys and 225/40R19 all-season run-flats as standard. Nineteen-inch wheels fitted with performance tires are available options. The standard blue-coloured calipers of the M240i’s M Sport brakes further add to its performance storyline.

There are seven colour choices for the new 2 Series Coupe, including Melbourne Red, Portimao Blue, and the purple-hued Thundernight Metallic.

The 2 Series Coupe interior is straightforward and driver-oriented. New perforated SensaTec synthetic upholstery is standard with genuine Vernasca leather available. Sport seats provide well-bolstered premium comfort while optional lumbar support is available.

At the centre of the updated interior is a standard 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen Tri-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, ambient lighting, and remote start are standard, while a moonroof is optional. Note that this year’s skylight is 20 percent larger than last year’s.

Then there are interesting flourishes like inverted triangle details in the door panels. On the M240i xDrive Coupe, the distinctive blue, violet, and red colour scheme of the BMW M sub-brand make a tasteful appearance below the door handles. The 2 Series interior gives off a high-end vibe, especially with the mixed material finishes of brushed aluminum and gloss black. But upon closer inspection, it’s not without penny-pinching plastics, particularly the iDrive controller, air vents, and even some exterior trim. Unappealing? Sure. But remember that the 2 Series is the entry-level Bimmer.

In spite of its subcompact size, the new BMW 2 Series Coupe packs plenty of performance and power. The M240i xDrive gets a little boost to its 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six-cylinder. Up 47 hp and 1 lb-ft, the more powerful turbo-six powertrain now produces 382 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. The M240i xDrive needs only 4.3 seconds to sprint from 0 to 100 kilometres per hour, according to BMW. The top speed is either 210 or 250 kilometres per hour, depending on specifications.

However, BMW not only giveth but taketh away as the manual transmission is no more. The 2 Series comes with one, and only one, transmission: an eight-speed Sport automatic transmission. If it’s any consolation, the transmission is calibrated for smooth shifts but is even quicker when using the standard paddle shifters. And should the road ahead suggest you drive with haste, Sport Plus mode is the way to go.

The turbo-six is wonderfully grunty and its exhaust note offers an enjoyable backfire. The M240i xDrive Coupe comes standard with performance goodies like an aerodynamic kit, rear spoiler, variable Sport steering, an adaptive M suspension, M Sport brakes, and an M Sport rear differential. All in all, it’s a recipe for balanced and refined handling and dynamics. The xDrive AWD system gives the M240i stability, especially when cornering. Every drive mode feels uniquely different.

Performance is not an issue here but rather engagement is—or lack thereof. The BMW 2 Series is so well engineered that there’s really nothing left for a driver to do except steer.

Yes, the 2022 BMW 2 Series is fast. And fun. And begging for a speeding ticket. But from an enthusiast standpoint, the steering feel is numb and the driving experience disconnected. The more you push the vehicle in order to feel something, the more it just takes. The return is nothing but spec-sheet bragging rights.

This detachment isn't exclusive to BMW. In fact, it’s a problem with many modern performance cars—from the Honda Civic Type R to the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon. Sure, these vehicles live up to their boastful numbers but, at the same time, offer zero emotional depth because the driver is taken out of the equation.

Let’s not beat around the bush: the two-door BMW 2 Series is small. It technically seats four but the rear seats are really for car seat-bound children or people you don’t like—knees be damned. As in many coupes, there is a quick-release feature that slides the front seats forward for easier ingress and egress but in spite of its larger overall dimensions, the new 2 Series would still be a tight fit for many.

The front seats are relatively spacious for the short-statured but even they won't be able sit behind their own driving positions without inducing claustrophobia. Being a coupe, the slanted roofline and Hofmeister-kinked rear window create an attractive profile but constrict rear headroom.

The design also leaves a shorter trunk lid. This could pose a problem for loading and unloading bulky items. But the 2 Series cargo capacity can be further maximized thanks to its standard 40/20/40-split fold-down rear seats. With the second row up, there is 283 litres of cargo space, which is about middle-of-the-pack for the segment. The Audi A3 sedan offers 283 litres for example, while the Mercedes-Benz CLA fits up to 460 litres of trunk stuff.

There are plenty of soft touch points, though, including cushioned knee pads. Also, ergonomics have been improved thanks to updated multifunction buttons on the standard leather-wrapped sport steering wheel. The lower console area where the push-button start, shifter, and iDrive controller are located now features a layout similar to other new BMW models as well.

When it comes to technology and connectivity, the BMW 2 Series is no slouch. Standard on the new coupe is a 10.25-inch touchscreen and a 5.1-inch driver information display. Equipped with BMW Live Cockpit Plus, the infotainment system is capable of over-the-air updates and features an iDrive 7 operating system, cloud-based navigation, real-time traffic updates, and connected services.

Additional connectivity features are two USB ports, Bluetooth, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The instrument panel can be upgraded to a 12.3-inch fully digital display.

The 2 Series is also available with remote features like the BMW Digital Key, which can lock and unlock the vehicle in lieu of the actual keyfob. The digital key can be set up via the My BMW App, which itself is an extension of the in-car telematics from which users can remotely access and control a number of vehicle functions and settings.

On the audio side, a 10-speaker, 205-watt Hi-Fi sound system is standard. An optional Harman Kardon 14-speaker system offers 464 watts of surround sound. SiriusXM satellite radio is included with a complimentary all-access subscription.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series is equipped with the automaker’s suite of driving assistance systems. Active blind-spot monitoring is now standard along with forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and speed limit information. Other standard safety features on the 2 Series Coupe include a rearview camera, park distance control, and adaptive cruise control.

The M240i xDrive Coupe can be optioned with adaptive front LED headlights and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go. Another available safety feature is BMW Drive Recorder. Utilizing the onboard ADAS cameras, this system can record up to 40 seconds of driving footage, including 20 seconds before and after a collision. The recorded video can be played back via the infotainment display or exported through the USB interface.

The 2022 BMW 2 Series Coupe has not yet been rated by either the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The 2 Series may be considered the starter BMW but that doesn’t mean it’s cheap. The performance-tuned M240i xDrive Coupe starts at an MSRP of $56,950. A mandatory $2,480 destination charge is extra.

Our test drive vehicle was equipped with options including Mineral White metallic paint ($895), Vernasca leather ($1,500), illuminated M trim ($200), the Premium Enhanced Package with lumbar support, a Harman Kardon surround sound, a head-up display, a moonroof, and adaptive LED headlights ($5,000), and Shadowline headlights ($500). And at that point, it’s priced at $67,599 before fees and is into BMW 4 Series Coupe territory—but one equipped with the four-cylinder.

BMW 2 Series competitors are other entry-level luxury sedans and coupes like the soon-to-be-replaced Acura ILX, Audi A3, and both the A-Class and CLA-Class from Mercedes-Benz. Because of the vehicle size and sales objective, pricing can’t vary drastically between automakers, especially when vying for the attention of younger buyers who may be new to the luxury market and the brand. But in an industry dominated by crossovers, this subcompact car segment is shrinking.

For BMW newbies, the 2 Series is a worthwhile introduction into the brand. For enthusiasts looking for an affordable Bavarian sports car, however, the 2 Series might need to be skipped for something else in the lineup that is larger (i.e., practicality) and has a more emotional appeal (i.e., engagement). As a friend posited, “Do you want something that emulates skill or rewards skill?” The BMW 2 Series certainly makes you feel like a fast and capable racer, but the fact is it’s really one of the biggest engineering nannies out there, and you’re just a wannabe behind the wheel.

Note: Images show a US model.