Summary
The BMW 2 Series Coupé is a compact 2+2 that is now in its second generation. Launched in early 2022, the new 2 Series Coupé uses the same engines, transmissions, and suspension as the larger 3 Series and 4 Series models.
The new model is a departure from the original generation, which was based on the BMW 1 Series hatchback. The BMW 2 Series family is a confusing jumble of models – the 2 Series Active Tourer MPV and 2 Series Gran Coupé (which is actually a saloon, not a coupé) are based on the 1 Series hatchback, while this 2 Series Coupé (and presumably a forthcoming convertible version) are built on completely separate underpinnings and are far more performance-oriented in their nature.
The BMW 2 Series Coupé range consists of three petrol-powered models and one diesel option. It’s expected that a performance-focused M2 model will join the line-up in the future.
The 2 Series Coupé has received a warm reception from the British media since its arrival – described by What Car? as “a great all-rounder with the driving manners you’d expect from a sporty BMW”. Carbuyer explains that the coupé’s eight-speed automatic gearbox is smooth and responsive, and that its lightweight components and responsive handling makes the 2 Series Coupé “incredibly agile”.
The 2 Series Coupé has also been praised by the likes of Auto Trader for its “nice balance of performance and real-world running costs”, with the range-topping M240i highlighted as the most potent model in the range. Stepping inside, the 2 Series Coupé shares the same high-quality interior design and dashboard layout as its bigger siblings, and the coupé comes with a slightly larger boot than its predecessor – 390 litres in total.
That said, many outlets noted that the 2 Series Coupé has cramped rear seating, with rear headroom and legroom that Car says is “predictably dismal”. Like many new BMW models, the exterior styling is also divisive, called “fresh and modern” by Auto Express, but labelled as “really unpretty” by the Sunday Times.
As of October 2024, the BMW 2 Series Coupé holds a New Car Expert Rating of B, based on a score of 69%. This is a combination of excellent media review scores, good CO2 emissions, an average safety rating and relatively poor running costs.
2 Series Coupé highlights
- Punchy performance
- Intuitive infotainment
- Responsive handling
- High-quality interior trim
2 Series Coupé lowlights
- Small range of models on offer
- Cramped rear seating
- Not a practical as 4 Series Coupé
- Road noise at high speed
Key specifications
Body style: Coupé
Engines: petrol, diesel
Price: From £37,815 on-road
Launched: Spring 2022
Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Auto Express
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“BMW has got it pretty much spot on with its second-generation 2 Series Coupe. Keen drivers will be particularly impressed by the dynamic talents of the M240i performance model, but it’s as an overall package that the small coupe really stands out from its rivals.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic 220d M Sport
Score: 8 / 10
“The new BMW 220d’s market may be dwindling, but that doesn’t stop it being a compelling all-rounder suited to those after a frugal, high-mileage two-door that offers more style than a 3 Series. Yes, the 369bhp M240i is more exhilarating to drive, but this diesel version answers back with a beautifully balanced but comfortable chassis and strong refinement.” (Richard Ingram)
Read review
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“At a time when buyers of small coupes are starved of choice, the new 2 Series doesn’t just uphold the sharp handling repudiation of its spiritual forebears, but it gives keen drivers an obvious choice. The entry-level 220i wouldn’t be our pick for driver thrills, but as an overall package it delivers a strong blend of performance, engagement and usability.”
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Auto Trader
Model reviewed: 220i Coupé
Score: 8 / 10
“Like a baby 4 Series, the 2 Series coupe delivers BMW’s traditional sporty handling in a grown-up alternative to that hot hatch you might otherwise have considered.” (Dan Trent)
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Autocar
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“It also looks the part and boasts an interior that’s not only cosseting, lavishly equipped and oozing premium appeal but also decently practical. Then there’s the price, which at £45,795 either matchs or undercuts rivals that can’t match it for muscle or depth of ability.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Range overview
“There’s no doubt that the 2 Series Coupé is now the odd one out in BMW’s compact car line-up. But certainly not in a bad way. It’s like a quadruple espresso in a sea of frothy coffees: a pure choice for purists.”
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Car
Model reviewed: M240i xDrive
Score: 8 / 10
“We reckon the new Coupe makes great use of the excellent underpinnings of the 4 Series to create a better driver’s car than its originator. It’s topped off with its striking new styling, which really isn’t flattered by photos.”
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Car Keys
Model reviewed: M240i Coupé
Score: 9 / 10
“BMW seems to have another hit on its hands with the 2 Series, and our first drive of this M240i shows this is a model serious about the sports car market. Though the styling won’t suit all, and it’s not the most practical if you ever have rear passengers, this is a brilliant showcase of BMW’s abilities and is a great affordable sporting model. “
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.2 / 10
“The BMW 2 Series Coupe offers sports car thrills with four seats and a fairly big boot.” (Andy Goodwin)
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Daily Mirror
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic 220i M Sport
“Bigger [than the old model] it might be, but this car is still the most appealing model BMW makes. It’s small enough to fit down an English country lane, the suspension is supple enough to soak up bumps, and steering has plenty of feel. I’d still like to see BMW fit thinner rimmed steering wheels but you can’t have everything.”
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Evo
Model reviewed: M240i xDrive coupé
Score: 9 / 10
“A weight of 1690kg, an auto ’box and four-wheel drive are very different ingredients to BMW’s usual small coupe fare, but the engineers have cooked up something rather special with the M240i.” (Adam Towler)
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Heycar
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“The BMW 2 Series Coupe is now a mini 4 Series rather than a rakish 1 Series. That’s good news for how it drives, while the interior is even more upmarket than before. It’s very useable, too, with four seats and a decent-sized boot.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.4 / 10
“BMW’s smallest coupe is intriguing and fun to drive”
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The Sun
Model reviewed: M240i Coupé
“It’s super comfy. The seats are widely adjustable. All the trim looks and feels expensive. And there’s a nice balance between screens and switches for the essentials. Just put your least favourite child in the back.”
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The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: 3.0-litre petrol automatic M240i xDrive
Score: 9 / 10
“The BMW M240i is terrifically old-fashioned. It’s more two-door saloon than coupé, really, and for that alone we love it. The fact that it combines just the right amount of power, with a chassis that can not only easily cope with that power, but encourages you to take the occasional liberty, means that it delivers old-fashioned thrills and enjoyment, too.”
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed: M240i
Score: 10 / 10
“It’s a no-brainer. If you’re in the market for a sensibly sized, fast, two-door coupé, buy a BMW M240i now – and if your friends tell you it’s a shame it isn’t an M2, be sure to put them right.” (Alex Robbins)
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Top Gear
Model reviewed: M240i Coupé
Score: 8 / 10
“This is a cracking little sports coupe. If you had a previous-gen 2, you’ll love the business class upgrade this one’s taken with its upmarket cockpit and senior-level powerplant. But it’s also a squandered opportunity to create a cheekier, more pugnacious little coupe with its own definable character.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“Here’s a pure coupe that’ll warm the heart of traditionalists. It’s a very finessed thing to drive, yet superbly refined for daily use. Not a sports car but a sporting car.”
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What Car?
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The 2 Series Coupé is a great all-rounder with the driving manners you’d expect from a sporty BMW. An entry-level 220i with a few options added is the best choice for most buyers, but the range-topping M240i is hard to resist if performance is a priority.”
Read review
Model reviewed: M240i Coupé
Score: 8 / 10
“The BMW M240i is a great all-rounder. It’s fast, fun and – rear seat space aside – surprisingly easy to live with.”
Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 4 stars
Date tested: March 2022
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 82%
Child protection: 81%
Vulnerable road users: 67%
Safety assist: 64%
The four-star score for the 2 Series Coupé is good overall but a point behind the five-star scores for both the 1 Series hatch and the 3 Series saloon. Adult impact protection is almost identical to the 1 Series, but the remainder of the scores are silghtly behind. Overall, however, it’s still a very safe vehicle compared to other new cars on sale.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
Model tested: 2.0-litre diesel automatic 220d
Overall score: 3 stars
Date tested: June 2023
Read the full Green NCAP review
Energy Efficiency Index: 5.2 / 10
Greenhouse Gas Index: 3.5 / 10
The three-star rating above only applies to the 220d diesel model. It does not apply to any petrol models in the range.
Green NCAP concludes that while the powertrain displays “excellent efficiency”, the 220d emits higher amounts of the climate-damaging gas N2O as a diesel, and this hinders its emissions rating.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 244
Average repair cost: £599.27
Last updated: October 2024
Reliability score
All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
The BMW 2 Series has a middling reliability rating of 66%, according to workshop data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our partner, MotorEasy. This score covers all current versions of the 2 Series (Coupé, Gran Coupé, Active Tourer) as well as previous models.
The most expensive repair bills tend to be gearbox-related, and those are expensive with an average bill of more than £1,700. Fortunately, they’re not too common. Fuel system faults have an average repair cost of about £1,200, so look out for those as well. The most frequently-seen issues to date relate to the electrical system, with an average repair bill of about £500.
If you own a BMW 2 Series, or are interested in buying a used 2 Series model of any sort, make sure that any used car warranty you buy covers these problem areas.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
| Fuel consumption | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| Petrol models | 41 mpg | D | 32 – 44 mpg | C – E |
| Diesel models | 59 mpg | A | 59 – 60 mpg | A – A |
| CO₂ output | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| Petrol models | 161 g/km | C | 144 – 198 g/km | B – D |
| Diesel models | 123 g/km | A | 122 – 126 g/km | A – A |
| Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| All models | 33 | C | 28 – 50 | B – F |
| Service and maintenance | Cost | Score |
| Year 1 | £258 | B |
| Year 2 | £612 | B |
| Year 3 | £1,002 | B |
| Year 4 | £1,319 | C |
| Year 5 | £1,718 | C |
| Overall | £4,909 | C |
Data from our partner Clear Vehicle Data suggests that the BMW 2 Series Coupé is quite fuel-efficient – if you choose the diesel model. However, the vast majority of customers will prefer the petrol versions, which are relatively poor for fuel economy.
Diesel models are markedly more fuel efficient than petrol versions, offering 17 mpg more on average. Service and maintenance costs over the course of five years of ownership are good to start with before getting more expensive in subsequent years, while insurance costs are average.
Recalls
Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the BMW 2 Series Coupé
Date: March 2023
Model types: All
Build dates: 12/2021 to 06/2022
Number of vehicles affected: 538
Defect: On certain vehicles the Body Domain Controller (BDC) control unit may have an incorrect setting applied to it.
Remedy: Conduct a check of the settings and if necessary perform a reset on the BDC control unit.
As of September 2024, there have been one DVSA vehicle safety recalls on the BMW 2 Series Coupé.
Not all vehicles are affected by recalls. You can check to see if your car is included in any of the above recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local Audi dealer.
If your car is affected by a recall, the vehicle must be repaired and you should not be charged for any work required. If you are buying a used 2 Series Coupé, you should insist that any outstanding recall work is completed before you take delivery of the vehicle.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the BMW 2 Series has received
2024
- Carbuyer Awards – Beat Sports Car
2022
- The Car Expert Awards – Best Performance Car
- Auto Express Awards – Best Coupé
- Carbuyer Awards – Best Sports Car
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the 2 Series Coupé, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Alpine A110 | Audi TT | BMW 4 Series Coupé | BMW Z4 | Jaguar F-Type | Mazda MX-5 | Porsche 718 Boxster | Porsche 718 Cayman | Toyota GR86
Buy a BMW 2 Series
If you’re looking to buy a new or used BMW 2 Series Coupé, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find the right car
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Lease a BMW 2 Series Coupé
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