2022 BMW 2-Series

Pros: Agile handling; good acceleration; available all-wheel drive

Cons: No manual transmission offered; convertible version dropped; a bit pricey, especially with options; limited rear seat and cargo space

CG Says: BMW’s premium compact coupe is redesigned for 2022, gaining a significant horsepower bump for its top engine but losing the convertible version. A new version of the high-performance M2 model is expected to arrive in the near future, perhaps as a 2023 model. Dimensionally, the new 2-Series is slightly bigger than its predecessor and rides on a 2-inch longer wheelbase. For now, only the rear-wheel-drive 230i and the all-wheel-drive M240i xDrive are offered. The 230i’s 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine puts out 255-horsepower, a 7 horsepower bump over the previous version. The big power increase goes to the M240i xDrive; its 3.0-liter turbocharged inline 6-cylinder now makes 382 horsepower, a gain of 47 hp. Both engines pair with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Manual transmission isn’t offered, but the forthcoming M2 will almost certainly offer a stick shift, along with even more power.

Occupants of the new 2-Series get cabin dimensions that are a bit bigger than its predecessor, which translates into additional interior space, particularly in the rear seat. Analog gauges are standard, but a digital instrument panel is offered; it has a 12.3-inch screen and an available head-up display. The infotainment system has an 8.8-inch touchscreen or an available 10.3-inch screen. Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity is standard, and a Wi-Fi hotspot is available. Safety and driver-assistance features include standard blind-spot monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keep assist. Also available are self-parking assist and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. Performance enthusiasts cherished the spirited personality of the previous 2-Series, and BMW appears to have kept that intact for this new version. One of the few major complaints of its predecessor was a cramped backseat, but this design’s extra inches should help in that regard. And thankfully, BMW stuck to its traditional tasteful exterior styling instead of following the more eccentric grille designs of its recent offerings. Together, these should make the new 2-Series a worthy successor to its well-liked forebear, and a fine choice in a sporty premium coupe by any measure.