2020 BMW 2 Series

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Rating8.1

Ranked #3 in 

Subcompact Coupe
Write Review
$35,300 - $45,500
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on November 3, 2023

ProsConsWhat's New

A lot of standard features

Less space at the back

New color options

Powerful and efficient engine options

Expensive for the segment

Intriguing driving dynamics

Large Trunk

Stunning exterior

Specs & Features

$35,300

price

248 hp @ 5200 rpm

horsepower

258 lb.-ft. @ 1450 rpm

torque

8-Speed Shiftable Automatic

transmission

2.0L 4cyl RWD 8A

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

The new BMW 2 Series is a luxury entry-level coupe in the BMW lineup. This offering from the German brand comes in other body styles- convertible, and gran coupe too. 2020 BMW 2 Series has two engine choices, two gearbox options, and an option to choose between RWD and AWD. So there is a lot you can pick up to make the car just be perfect for you. Along with this, there are a lot of standard features and options as well. 

Buying Advice

Not many trim options to choose from, you either grab the standard car, or the AWD xDrive trim that comes with special xDrive badging rest the car remains similar. However, there are different body styles available to choose from if the coupe isn’t to your liking.

Comparative Analysis against Competition

What makes it highly competitive in the segment is the fact that it has one of the best driving dynamics in the segment. The small coupe segment for the luxury cars is only meant for driving fun as the rear seats are not the party trick here in the case. The 2020 BMW 2-Series Coupe competes against the likes of the Genesis G70 Coupe, Mercedes-Benz C300 4Matic Coupe, and the Cadillac ATS Coupe.

Features
7.8/10

The 2020 BMW 2 Series Coupe comes in two trim levels- 230i and 230i xDrive. There are a lot of optional packages that you can jiggle between to make the car suit your taste. There is AWD available in the 230i xDrive trim. The starting price of the 2-Series is $35,300, with the xDrive model available at $37,300.

Trim

230i

230i xDrive

MSRP (RWD)

$35,300

N/A

MSRP (AWD)

N/A

$37,300

Key Features

Dual-zone climate control

Addition to the 230i trim:

 

Ambient lighting

xDrive exterior badging

 

Parking sensors

AWD drivetrain 

 

Standard SensaTec Upholstery

 
 

Sunroof

 
 

Keyless entry

 
 

Cruise control.

 

Which Trim should you buy?

Not many trim options to choose from, you either grab the standard car, or the AWD xDrive trim that comes with special xDrive badging rest the car remains similar. However, there are different body styles available to choose from if the coupe isn’t to your liking.

Fuel Economy
5.0/10

The 2L turbo inline-4 engine is a perfect combination of power and efficiency. EPA estimates say that the 2020 BMW 2 Series Coupe with RWD and automatic transmission would return 24/32/27 mpg in city/highway/combined cycles, while with the manual transmission the figures dip to 21/32/25 for the same cycles. With the xDrive AWD system and auto transmission, the 2 Series returns 21/31/24 MPG in city/highway/combined cycles. With a 13.7-gallon fuel tank and the standard setup, it would give you a range of 383 miles. 

Models

BMW 2 Series Coupe 

Genesis G70 Coupe

Mercedes C300 4Matic coupe

Cadillac ATS Coupe

MPG (City)

24

21

22

22

MPG (Highway)

35

28

33

30

MPG (Combined)

28

23

26

25

Fuel Capacity (Gallons)

13.7

15.8

17.4

16

Range (City/Highway/Combined, in Miles)

328/479/383

331/442/363

382/574/452

352/480/400

BMW takes a clean sweep in terms of fuel economy but has the smallest fuel tank. This affects its driving range by a significant margin. The Mercedes C300 4Matic Coupe comes in the second position in terms of fuel efficiency and also comes with the biggest fuel tank in the segment. The Mercedes-Benz manages to provide the longest highway range while the Genesis G70 Coupe offers the shortest highway range. 

Interior
9.4/10

While it is the cheapest coupe from BMW, it is still a BMW and that can be felt as soon as you step into the cabin, with features like a power-adjustable seat, heating, and optional heated steering wheel. Everything inside the cabin is leaned towards the driver and learning how everything operates inside is a task the average-minded person can learn with ease. Talking of comfort, the occupants seated upfront are highly comfortable, and even six-footers are welcomed to a gracious seat. 

Rear seats just like we see in a lot of coupes of the day are better suited for children as the rear seats are quite cramped. There are a lot of options to choose from and various leather upholstery with interior ambient lighting give the cabin an airy and relaxing feel. The cargo area is pretty decent compared to other coupes in the segment but if you want better trunk capacity, you can always go for the sedan variant. 

Models

2020 BMW 2 Series Coupe 

Genesis G70 Coupe

Mercedes C300 4Matic coupe

Cadillac ATS Coupe

Seating Capacity

4

4

4

2

Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)

40.1/54.4/41.5

40/56/42.6

38.8/54.8/42

37.6/54.1/42.3

Rear Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)

36.5/53.4/33.0

37/55/34.8

35.6/51.7/42

35.1/51.1/33.5

Cargo Capacity (cu-ft)

13.8

10.5

10.5

10.4

BMW has the biggest trunk, and the rest all the cars have identically sized trunks. The Merc is the only coupe in the segment that can accommodate adults in the rear seats comfortably. All the other coupes have similarly cramped space in the rear seats. They are only best for kids or dwarfs. Standout interior features in the 2020 BMW 2 Series Coupe are:

  • Dual-zone automatic climate control 
  • Power adjustable front sport seats
  • Heated front seats
  • Simulated-leather upholstery
  • Ambient interior lighting
  • Heated steering wheel

What’s there to keep you entertained?

The 2020 BMW 2 Series Coupe comes with a 6.5-inch screen which for the car feels the right size, but it can be upgraded to an 8.8-inch screen that feels quite big. The standard system comes paired with a seven-speaker sound system. But if you like to have the best experience while driving and you are particular about your tunes then there is a premium 12-speaker from Harman Kardon which includes five tweeters, five mid-range speakers, and 2 subwoofers for the best music listening experience in the car. Apart from that, you can add a Premium package to get features like Apple Carplay and Navigation system. Standout infotainment features in the 2020 BMW 2 Series Coupe are:

  • 8.8-inch screen
  • SiriusXM Satellite radio
  • 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system
  • AppleCarplay
  • Navigation system
  • BMW remote services
  • Wireless charging pad

Exterior
9.4/10

The 2020 BMW 2 Series coupe is a car that does not have an otherworldly design but can still be recognized in the crowd. The kidney grille upfront is the signature BMW design element that separates it from every other car on the road. Upfront it has a big hood that goes all the way to the two-door cabin, and a sloping roofline that joins to the trunk of the car gives it a distinct coupe design. 

The xDrive models come with distinct badges but apart from that, the 230i models are hard to distinguish among themselves. The overall design of the coupe feels proportionate. The design at the rear is also attractive but nothing shouts for attention. It is all about a subtle design that appeals to the masses without being loud. 

Models

BMW 2 Series Coupe 

Genesis G70 Coupe

Mercedes C300 4Matic coupe

Cadillac ATS Coupe

Curb weight (lbs)

3,411

3,516

3,500

3,418

Length (inches)

174.7

184.4

184.5

183.6

Width (Inches)

69.8

72.8

71.3

72.5

Height (Inches)

55.8

55.1

55.3

54.8

Ground clearance (inches)

5.5

5.1

3.5

N/A

Wheelbase (inches)

109.9

111.6

111.8

109.3

BMW has higher ground clearance than all the other rivals, which means you wouldn't have to worry about the bumpers scraping on bumps and potholes. The Mercedes C300 4Matic Coupe sits lowest to the ground but also has the longest wheelbase in the segment. The Cadillac ATS Coupe has the smallest wheelbase in the competition which is marginally behind the Bimmer. Standout exterior features in the 2020 BMW 2 Series Coupe are:

  • 17-inch alloy wheels
  • LED headlights
  • LED fog lights
  • Rear spoiler
  • Universal garage door opener

Safety
7.0/10

IIHS gave the 2020 BMW 2 Series Coupe the top rating of ‘Good’ overall. BMW is not only known for having good safety scores, but it also has a lot of safety features and driver aids available. Standard features that we see in every car these days like airbags, traction control, and stability control, along with a few advanced safety features and driver assistance features. Standout safety features in the 2020 BMW 2 Series Coupe are:

  • Forward collision warning
  • Lane departure warning
  • Rear parking sensors
  • Rear-view camera
  • Driver alert system
  • Blind-spot monitoring
  • Traffic sign recognition
  • Parallel park assist
  • Adaptive cruise control

Competition
6.0/10

BMW 2 Series Coupe vs Genesis G70 Coupe

Although the Genesis G70 Coupe is similarly priced, there are various differences between the two in real life. The Genesis G70 does not match the kind of luxury and premium cabin that the Bimmer offers. The BMW 2 Series is also better than the Genesis in terms of performance and other aspects. If you want better power and more value, the BMW 2-Series is obviously the better choice.

BMW 2 Series Coupe vs Mercedes C300 4Matic Coupe

The Mercedes C300 4Matic Coupe is the closest competitor to the BMW 2-Series. The Merc offers better comfort and is the only option in the segment that offers practical rear seats. The comfort and luxury in the cabin are at par with the Bimmer and there is not much difference in that regard. The acceleration figures are pretty similar but the driver engagement is better in the 2-Series. 

BMW 2 Series Coupe vs Cadillac ATS Coupe

The Cadillac ATS Coupe is for sure one of the most promising cars in its segment. It offers great performance which is similar to the Bimmer in terms of acceleration figures. The Cadillac is still not close to the 2-Series when it comes to the luxury inside the cabin and the overall driving dynamics. The 2-Series is obviously the better pick between the two at this price point. 

Final Verdict
8.5/10

In simple words, the new BMW 2 Series is a true sporty coupe, that offers excellent interiors, and ample performance that can bring a smile to your face any day. It might seem expensive at first, but looking at the number of features on offer and the feel that the car has, it seems reasonable. What you pay for is exactly what you get, and that is not disappointing in any way, shape or form. 

Trims

    230i
    $35,300 onwards
    • Engine: 2.0L 4cyl RWD 8A
    • Horsepower: 248 hp @ 5200 rpm hp
    • Torque: 258 lb.-ft. @ 1450 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 5.3 sec
    • Top Speed: 130 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 27 mpg
    228i
    $37,500 onwards
    • Engine: 2.0L 4cyl AWD 8A
    • Horsepower: 228 hp @ 5000 rpm hp
    • Torque: 258 lb.-ft. @ 1450 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 6 sec
    • Top Speed: 130 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 27 mpg
    M235i
    $45,500 onwards
    • Engine: 2.0L 4cyl AWD 8A
    • Horsepower: 302 hp @ 5000 rpm hp
    • Torque: 332 lb.-ft. @ 1750 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 4.8 sec
    • Top Speed: 130 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 26 mpg

Compare to similar cars

Price

$35,300- $45,500

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

8.1

Horsepower

302 hp @ 5000 rpm

Torque

332 lb.-ft. @ 1750 rpm

Capacity

5

Read Review

$26,670- $46,705

Gasoline

8.55

310 hp @ 5500 rpm

350 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm

4

Read Review

$27,060- $30,590

Gasoline

6.94

205 hp @ 7000 rpm

156 lb.-ft. @ 6400 rpm

4

Read Review

$45,500- $49,000

Gasoline

7.14

220 hp @ 4500 rpm

258 lb.-ft. @ 1750 rpm

2

Read Review

$54,500

Gasoline

7.33

288 hp @ 5400 rpm

280 lb.-ft. @ 1900 rpm

4

Read Review

$92,950

Gasoline

7.21

471 hp @ 7100 rpm

398 lb.-ft. @ 4800 rpm

4

Read Review

$57,500- $99,200

Gasoline

8.61

300 hp @ 6500 rpm

280 lb.-ft. @ 1950 rpm

2

Read Review

$28,845- $31,495

Gasoline

7.21

205 hp @ 7000 rpm

156 lb.-ft. @ 6400 rpm

4

Read Review

$25,000- $48,000

Gasoline

7.16

275 hp @ 5600 rpm

295 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm

4

Read Review

$28,095- $79,595

Gasoline

6.81

305 hp @ 6350 rpm

268 lb.-ft. @ 4800 rpm

5

Read Review

2020 BMW 2 Series vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    5.3 sec14.1 sec130 mph
    3.9 sec--
    2020 Audi TTS

    Ranked #2

    4.4 sec13.4 sec155 mph
    4.4 sec12.6 sec-
    4.9 sec13.0 sec-
    2020 Audi TT

    Ranked #4

    5.2 sec14.1 sec130 mph

    2020 BMW 2 Series vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      21 mpg32 mpg27 mpg13.7 gal.328.8/438.4 mi.
      2020 Audi TT

      Ranked #2

      23 mpg31 mpg26 mpg14.5 gal.333.5/449.5 mi.
      24 mpg31 mpg26 mpg13.7 gal.328.8/424.7 mi.
      2020 Audi TTS

      Ranked #3

      23 mpg29 mpg25 mpg14.5 gal.333.5/420.5 mi.
      21 mpg29 mpg24 mpg13.2 gal.277.2/382.8 mi.
      21 mpg28 mpg24 mpg13.2 gal.277.2/369.6 mi.

      2020 BMW 2 Series vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        174.7 in.69.8 in.55.8 in.5.5 in.105.9 in.
        197.9 in.75.7 in.57.7 in.5.2 in.116.2 in.
        188.3 in.74.7 in.53.1 in.-110.7 in.
        188.3 in.75.4 in.54.4 in.-107.1 in.
        187.4 in.75.6 in.53 in.5.2 in.113 in.
        172.5 in.73 in.50.9 in.4.5 in.97.2 in.

        2020 BMW 2 Series vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          13.8 cu.ft.120.9 cu.ft.41 cu.ft.
          6.9 cu.ft.76.5 cu.ft.172 cu.ft.
          6.9 cu.ft.76.5 cu.ft.147 cu.ft.
          14.9 cu.ft.102.1 cu.ft.14.9 cu.ft.
          13.5 cu.ft.84.5 cu.ft.52.7 cu.ft.
          16.2 cu.ft.93.9 cu.ft.74.7 cu.ft.

          2020 BMW 2 Series vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            41 cu.ft.13.8 cu.ft.41 cu.ft.98 ft.
            12.4 cu.ft.9.1 cu.ft.46 cu.ft.-
            2020 Audi TTS

            Ranked #3

            50.3 cu.ft.12 cu.ft.50.3 cu.ft.67 ft.
            172 cu.ft.6.9 cu.ft.172 cu.ft.-
            10.2 cu.ft.10.2 cu.ft.10.2 cu.ft.-
            5.4 cu.ft.5.4 cu.ft.5.4 cu.ft.-

            2020 BMW 2 Series vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              -750 lbs.3386 lbs.
              1000 lbs.1092 lbs.3858 lbs.
              2020 Audi TTS

              Ranked #2

              -772 lbs.3263 lbs.
              --3351 lbs.
              -906 lbs.2776 lbs.
              -720 lbs.4280 lbs.

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              #10

              2020 BMW 2 Series User Reviews

              4.0

              [1 Reviews]

              1

              [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

              2

              [100.0%] [1 Reviews]

              3

              [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

              4

              [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

              5

              [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

              POPULAR TAGS

              TW

              Tyler Weber

              2021 BMW 2 Series

              228i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)

              4

              User Overall Rating

              Posted On: July 23, 2024

              Speedy but needy

              Pros - ["Fast and good on mileage", "Aggressive looking"]

              Cons - ["Not the greatest suspension", "Very compact"]

              I bought this car new in 2020 and I loved driving it to and from work every day. It was fast, reliable, and had all the bells and whistles. As I started to get older, it became more and more of an inconvenience to get in and out of the car given its size and how low to the ground it is. Not to mention, I would feel all bumps while driving which made traffic only that much more unbearable.

              Not Rated
              Features
              Not Rated
              Interior
              Not Rated
              Design
              Not Rated
              Safety
              Not Rated
              Reliability
              Not Rated
              Deal Value
              Not Rated
              Dealer Review


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