2017 BMW 2 Series
Overview
Among other things, BMW is famous for its slogan, “The Ultimate Driving Machine,” and once in a while, it builds something that reminds everyone why it deserves that moniker. The 2017 BMW 2 Series is one of those cars. A scrappy little two-door, it offers nimble rear-wheel-drive handling, powerful yet efficient engines, and impeccable road manners. This is a true driver’s car.
The 2017 BMW 2 Series is available as a two-door, four-seat coupe or convertible. Both offer two new engines for 2017, featuring more power while retaining impressive fuel efficiency. As a result, the 228i is now the 230i and the M235i is now the M240i. The BMW 2 Series is available now with a starting MSRP of $33,150.*
The Perfect Ride for…
Drivers looking for an affordable but thrilling entry into the BMW brand. The 2 Series boasts all the luxury and performance heritage of its larger siblings in a more compact, highly maneuverable package. Every 2 Series delivers a true luxury experience with standard features such as the iDrive user interface, Bluetooth®, and automatic dual-zone climate control, but the vehicle can also be customized for an exceptionally high level of extravagance.
Drive & Handling
The 230i features a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, with 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It comes standard with rear-wheel drive and either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission, but BMW also offers xDrive all-wheel drive, albeit only with the automatic.
With rear-wheel drive, the 230i coupe gets an EPA-rated 28 mpg combined (24 mpg city, 35 mpg highway) with the automatic, and 25 mpg combined (21 mpg city, 32 mpg highway) with the manual.** The automatic-only 230i convertible gets 27 mpg combined (23 mpg city, 34 mpg highway).**
The all-wheel drive 230i coupe gets an EPA-rated 27 mpg combined (24 mpg city, 33 mpg highway) with the mandatory automatic transmission.** The convertible version gets 26 mpg combined (23 mpg combined, 33 mpg highway).**
BMW also offers an M240i in both coupe and convertible body styles, with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six and some performance modifications. The six-cylinder engine produces 335 hp and 369 lb-ft. Rear-wheel drive models are offered with either six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmissions and all-wheel drive is optional, but only with the eight-speed automatic and coupe body style.
EPA-rated fuel economy for the M240i coupe is 25 mpg combined (21 mpg city, 32 mpg highway) with the automatic, and 22 mpg combined (19 mpg city, 28 mpg highway) with the manual.** The convertible gets the same EPA-rated gas mileage as the M240i coupe with the automatic, while the manual model gets 23 mpg combined (19 mpg city, 29 mpg highway).** The all-wheel drive M240i xDrive coupe and convertible both get 25 mpg combined (21 mpg city, 31 mpg highway).**
Key Features
BMW Navigation
The available BMW Navigation system includes BMW ConnectedDrive services and the all-new iDrive 5.0 system. Keep up with every turn with the 8.8-inch display and automatic map updates several times a year.
harman/kardon® Surround Sound System
For the perfect complement to the roar of the turbo-charged engine, add the available harman/kardon® Surround Sound System. Enjoy crystal-clear sound with a 360-watt amp, five tweeters, five midrange speakers, and two central bass speakers.
Alternative Options
The 2017 BMW 3 Series continues to impress in the small luxury sports sedan category (a segment it essentially created). Changes for 2017 include the addition of the 330i and 330e iPerformance models, as well as some tweaks to equipment options. The larger 5 Series is completely redesigned for 2017 with an emphasis on efficiency and performance, as well as a heavy dose of technology. The 5 Series features driver aids so sophisticated that it can nearly drive itself.
Gallery
*MSRP excludes destination & handling fee of $995, tax, title, license, and registration.
**EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary depending on driving habits and conditions.
Image Credit: BMW