Both the M240i xDrive and 230i are both automatic-only models.
The BMW 2 Series has a coupe body and is compact in proportions. It is often considered to be the spiritual successor to the 2002 model from the 1960s and 1970s. The debut – of the 2022 BMW 2 Series is a significant step in that direction. It will be joining the company’s US lineup in November.
The new 2 Series avoids many of the excessive styling touches that have been seen on other BMWs in recent years, such as the pig-nosed 7 Series or 4 Series. The kidney grille is roughly sized to its headlights. Additionally, the single LED lighting elements are an improvement on the usual two per headlight from BMW. The E46 M3’s power bulge looks straight out of the E46. The front bumper of the 230i has a narrow, wide, and vertical center air intake. The M240i xDrive, on the other hand, has unusual triangular vents at the corners.
The sloping front and rear wheel arches recall the 1Series M. There is a shoulder running from stem to stern that reminds us of the 2002 Turbo. The 2’s greenhouse is more traditional than the 4 Series coupe. It has a distinct Hofmeister kink. A set of taillights in black are located around the back. They have a wild design and look a lot like the Acura.
Although the overall design and appearance of the 2 Series is very pleasing, there are some details that make it less appealing. The M240i’s front bumper design is unusually sharp and geometrical. This is in contrast to the otherwise traditional styling. The 230i is more composed in this respect. Both have a misshaped taillight design with angular accent lighting surrounded by a sea of black housing material. The bulging fenders and the vertical break at the front of the vehicle are not for everyone.
Modernity in Mechanical Design
The standard engine is the turbocharged 2.0-liter Inline-four that produces 255 horsepower and 295 pounds-feet (190 Kilowatts and 400 Newton-meters). The M240i’s 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six produces a remarkable 382 horsepower and 369 lb.ft (285kW and 500 Nm). These numbers are an improvement over the previous 2 Series engines. The M240i’s turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six makes a prodigious 382 hp and 369 lb-ft (285 kW and 500 Nm) respectively. BMW claims that the 230i can reach 60 mph in 5.5 seconds while the M240i takes 4.1 seconds. Properly equipped, both models can reach speeds of 155 mph.
2022 BMW 2 Series models have a new standard manual transmission. The 230i and M240i are now equipped with an 8-speed Steptronic gearbox. This is a shame in a car that was supposed to be a relic of the 2002, the holy grail of performance purity. It does have launch control and a “Sprint”, which switch to the lowest gear if the driver holds the left shift paddle one second.
The 2 Series will be more agile in sporty driving thanks to a wider front track and rear track, as well as revised camber angles. BMW also added 12 percent of torsional rigidity for an even stronger coupe architecture. Standard features include front struts, a five-link rear suspension, and the M240i adds a front hub strut that connects with the side sills to increase steering precision and response.
Optional M Sport suspension is available for the 230i. The M240i comes with the Adaptive M Suspension. These shock absorbers are continuously adjustable and provide a smooth ride in certain situations while providing firmer responses in other. The 18-inch wheels are standard on the 230i. 19s are available as an option on the M240i.
Tech Front
The new 2 Series is the first to offer a complete list of active driver assistance and safety technology. All standard features include automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure monitoring, prevention, rear cross-traffic monitoring, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure monitoring. Optional adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality is available.
BMW 2 Series comes with iDrive 7 infotainment. This includes wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and head-up access to Android Auto. The package includes all the standard BMW accessories, such as Amazon Alexa integration and cloud-based navigation.
Intimate Quarters
The 2022 BMW 2 Series is slightly larger than the car it replaces. The 230i measures 4.3 inches longer, 2.5 inches wider and an inch lower than the 230i. It rests on a 107.9-inch base, which is 2 more than the outgoing car. The M240i is 3.5 ins longer and 0.1 inches lower. All other increases have been carried over. The 230i is now 3,519 pounds heavier than the previous model. Meanwhile, the M240ixDrive weighs in at 3,871 pounds, which is 352 more than its 2021 counterpart.
The new 2 is slightly smaller than the predecessor in terms of headroom, shoulder and leg room. Also, the trunk has been reduced from 13.1 to 10.0 cubic feet. This means that anyone trading in an older 2 Series should ensure that all of their stuff can fit into the new model.
Cha-Ching
BMW has not yet released pricing information on the 2022 2 Series, but it is likely that it won’t be cheap. The current 230i starts from $35,900 while the 2021 M240ixDrive starts at $48,350. The new model won’t reduce the price. We doubt that you’ll be able to get any change from a $40,000 bill for the 2022 M230i xDrive, while the M240i could cost $50,000 before options. There are also potential variants like the M240i cabrio, 230i, and full-blown . They will arrive in the same year as the coupe, which is expected to hit dealers in November.
BMW has done a great job styling the new 2 Series with a more conservative look. The car features a low front grille and excellent rear-drive proportions. It is disappointing that there is no manual transmission option. However, this will not matter to BMW’s current clients, who tend to value exuberance over classical styling and a more engaging driving experience. Although it may not be the 2002 redux that we all desire, the 2022 BMW 2 Series should still prove to be a popular model.