Everything you need to know about the BMW 2 Series

• Is the BMW 2 Series a good car? 
• Who is the BMW 2 Series a good car for?
• Is the BMW 2 Series a good first car?
• Is the BMW 2 Series a good family car?
• Is there a Hybrid BMW 2 Series?
• What’s it like to drive? 
• Reviewer’s opinion
• What does it look like?
• What is the BMW 2 Series like inside? 
• Tech features
• Price and specs
• Which is the cheapest BMW 2 Series?
• How much does it cost?
• Similar Cars to the BMW 2 Series

Now in its second generation, the BMW 2 Series remains popular with the youthful characters that are looking for a front-engined, rear-wheel-drive offering that is compact and manageable yet still practical enough for daily use.

In this article:

Is the BMW 2 Series a good car? 

The BMW 2 Series was born from the E82 1 Series coupe of 2007. When BMW decided to split their model ranges with 4-doors taking on the odd-numbered designations and the 2-door models receiving the even-numbered model codes. Now in its second generation, the BMW 2 Series continues the trend of being a compact, 2-door, rear-wheel-drive offering with a variety of engine options and interior combinations.

The BMW 2 Series coupe is based on the CLAR rear-wheel-drive platform while its 4-door, Gran Coupe sibling uses the UKL2 front-wheel-drive platform with xDrive AWD offered as an option. For more information on this somewhat different model, check out this link: Everything you need to know about the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe

Who is the BMW 2 Series a good car for?

The current, G42 BMW is ideal for the sporty, enthusiastic driving fan that is looking to make a statement about their choice in cars. The front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout and design give the latest 2 Series a character that will appeal to driving enthusiasts. While perhaps not as practical as its Gran Coupe sibling, the 2 Series is for the driving enthusiast.

Is the BMW 2 Series a good first car?

The BMW 2 Series is packed with driver aids and safety systems that make it a suitable car for a first-time driver or car buyer. The agreeable proportions make it easy to park and position on the road as well.

Is the BMW 2 Series a good family car?

While the BMW 2 Series is equipped with back seats, ingress and egress are more difficult due to the 2-door arrangement. The boot is a sizeable 390-litres but the access to the back seats is your biggest concern if you have child seats or larger teens.

Is there a Hybrid BMW 2 Series?

No, the BMW 2 Series is only available with a choice of diesel or petrol engines.

View the latest used BMW 2 Series for sale in South Africa

What’s it like to drive? 

Reviewer’s opinion

“Despite the increased weight and addition of xDrive, the M240i feels light and nimble in relation to its figures, with the xDrive system being more advanced than a simple Haldex set-up, allowing for individual wheels to receive power. The product is also fitted with an electronic limited-slip differential, which means that the tail-happy nature of the product remains intact, but it is far more controlled, and certainly less fun but equally less lairy than previous models.”

– Sean Nurse, AutoTrader

What does it look like?

Exterior

Interior

What is the BMW 2 Series like inside? 

The BMW 2 Series has a rather familiar look at feel to the interior. The interior design appears to be a scaled-down version of the G20 3 Series and that’s not all bad. A wonderful overall fit and finish await you as you climb onboard and revel in the quality trimming of leather and high-quality materials.

Style

The 2 Series didn’t get much love when the news broke of its styling. BMWs latest design approach has been largely controversial and it has been no different with the 2 Series. Admittedly, the vehicle does not photograph well and it’s only when one sees it in the metal that the styling cues are appreciated.

Tech features

• BMW OS7
• Intelligent Personal Assistant
• BMW Digital Key
• Connected music
• BMW Live Cockpit

Price and specs

Which is the cheapest BMW 2 Series?

Pricing for the BMW 2 Series starts from R822 590 for the BMW 220i coupe M Sport. Only M Sport models are available in South Africa.

Search the latest New and Used BMW 2 Series deals in South Africa

How much does it cost?

*Pricing correct at time of publishing and subject to change without notice.

Competitors

Similar Cars to the BMW 2 Series

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Audi A3

Subaru WRX

Chad LückhoffWith over 18 years of motorsport commentary and a passion for 90s Japanese Sports Cars, Chad Lückhoff is happiest when surrounded by drift cars and smoking tyres. His experience as the Technical Editor of the country’s top tuning magazine means that it’s the nuts and bolts of motoring that tickles his fancy. As comfortable in front of the camera as he is behind it, he’ll take you behind the wheel with his video reviews, written recounts, and invoking photography. One of the first to join the AutoTrader fray, Chad has been living his passion at AutoTrader for over 7-years.View News & Reviews

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