Name: BMW 2 Series Review
Item: BMW 2 Series
Author: Gumtree.com

After the coupe and convertible variants broke ties with the 1 Series name badge, BMW set themselves up as a contender against the Audi TT with the 2 Series. This was more than just a relabel – sleeker looks and a host of gadgetry accompanied the 2014 launch. What didn’t change, though, were the powerful engines under the hood. A luxury subcompact car that’s zippy, zingy and serious all at the same time, the 2 Series is a great BMW.

Check out the BMW 2 Series model page to learn more

What we think about the BMW 2 Series

Addictively fast while being unconventionally comfortable, the BMW 2 Series is a beauty on the inside and out.

Pros

Superbly nimble handling

Quality build

Lots of standard features

Cons

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Narrow opening on the rear boot

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Pricier than the 1 Series

With seven engine choices and three main trim levels, the 2 Series has a wide variety to balance price and performance. As a compact package, both the coupe and convertible are only available as 2-doors. Check out the 2 Series Gran Tourer or Active Tourer if you prefer 5-door variants.

Driving performance of the Bmw 2 Series

Our Driving Rating8 / 10

If there’s one thing that BMW always nails, it’s the pleasure of driving, and the BMW 2 Series makes a podium finish here. The sensational handling comfortably outperforms its closest rivals. The best part is that you can tweak the throttle response and steering with three different driving modes: Eco Pro, Comfort and Sport. Switching between these with the simple controls makes it easy to harness the engine’s full power or go for a more laid-back drive feel. If you want the extra ‘oomph’ factor, the high-performance M Series iteration – the M2 – is an absolute marvel in engineering. All in all, no complaints on this front.

Safety and reliability of the Bmw 2 Series

Our Safety Rating9 / 10

The engine line-up is tried and tested. It’s been around for a while and many other BMWs share it, so the car is hassle-free in terms of reliability. While the latest 2 Series hasn’t been tested by Euro NCAP, its brother, the 1 Series hatchback, performed exceptionally. The standard safety kit covers the need-to-haves – airbags, traction control and skid-preventing electronic stability control. With add-ons, you get collision warning to alert the driver to an imminent collision, as well as automatic emergency braking.

Under the bonnet of the Bmw 2 Series

Our Engine Rating9 / 10

There’s plenty of choice in both diesel and petrol with the BMW 2 Series. Petrol variants start with the turbocharged 1.5-litre 218i, while the entry-level diesel is the 2.0-litre 218d. The range-topping M240i in petrol comes with a 3.0-litre inline-six-cylinder engine, dashing from 0-60 mph in just under 4.6 seconds. Used diesel car buyers should know that BMW has stopped manufacturing the very desirable 230i, which could hit top speeds of 155 mph. All models are available as the smooth 8-speed automatic and the snappy 6-speed manual.

What you'll find in the Bmw 2 Series

Our Design Rating8 / 10

While the 2 series isn’t as eye-catching as the Audi TT, it has all the signature sharp styling of a rear-wheel-drive BMW – a smooth yet edgy contour, finishing off with smouldering LED tail-lights. A 2017 facelift gave it some extra character with standard LED headlights too, as well as a few more colour options and a new wheel design. With a very noticeable 10mm drop in suspension along with the larger alloy wheels, the M Sport Series takes the crown in terms of styling.

Comfort and interiors in the Bmw 2 Series

Our Comfort Rating6 / 10

On the inside, it’s the standard BMW kit, which is shared with the 1 Series. The build is top-notch, with high-quality materials and design, and in terms of comfort, it certainly works well as a car for two. For longer rides, kids would be comfortable in the back, but the design doesn’t leave much headspace for taller passengers. The 2 Series fares better than the Audi TT in terms of practicality, especially with its larger boot – the opening may be a bit narrow, but to carry bulkier items you can fold down the rear seats.

What features you'll find in the Bmw 2 Series

Our Features Rating8 / 10

This Series features an iDrive infotainment system with a 6.5-inch touchscreen and a handy controller as standard. Its 2017 facelift also marked an improvement in the instrument cluster and new air-vents. Entry-level SE models get 17-inch alloy wheels, DAB radio, automatic air conditioning and rear parking sensors. While the M Sport Plus pack adds bigger alloys and a much talked-up Harman and Kardon stereo, the pricier M2 comes with 19-inch alloys, leather upholstery, cruise control and automatic Xenon headlights – fancy stuff.

What fuel efficiency to expect from the Bmw 2 Series

Our Fuel Consumption Rating8 / 10

If keeping fuel costs down is a priority, the best bet is the 2 Series M Sport, giving you a very reasonable 64.2 mpg in the manual and slightly higher in the automatic. Unsurprisingly, the sportier trims don’t fare as well in terms of efficiency. When it comes to diesel options, the 218d gets you 49.6 mpg and the 218i automatic 37.2 mpg. There are no hybrid engine versions available with the 2 Series coupe, which means that the CO2 emissions can’t be brought down significantly.

Running costs of the Bmw 2 Series

Our Cost Rating8 / 10

As it’s sporty, upmarket and higher on the BiK rates, the 2 Series does make your pockets a little lighter when it comes to insurance. On the upside, fixed-price servicing means that you’re in very good hands. While consumables like tyres and brakes can add up to a hefty figure at times, the 3-year or 36,000-mile plan is much better than what Audi has on the table for the TT. BMW also offer a monthly instalment option for servicing.

Our verdict of the Bmw 2 Series

4.5 / 5 Gumtree rating

A dream to drive yet humbly practical, the BMW 2 Series is an enticing beast that won't let you look away.

BMW 2 Series Review