BMW’s entry-level models share a number and an engine, but that’s about it. They’re wholly unrelated vehicles and they drive quite differently. We score them at 7 out of 10 since the Gran Coupe typically sells in higher volumes. It gets points for decent handling and great acceleration. The Coupe would easily net another point for spectacular handling, while the M2 is an easy 9 on our scale—and maybe a 10, depending on who you ask.
Funny you ask. The 2-Series Coupe—that’s the two-door one—comes standard with rear-wheel drive and offers all-wheel drive across the range for about $2,000. The 2-Series Gran Coupe comes standard with front-wheel drive and offers all-wheel drive in 230i Gran Coupe form, while the M235i Gran Coupe comes only with all-wheel drive.
M2s are rear-wheel drive only.
How fast is the BMW 2-Series?
It’s a rapid choice, even with the 2.0-liter turbo-4 that’s rated at 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque in 230i Gran Coupe form and 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque as a 230i Coupe. Either way, an 8-speed automatic transmission (of differing design, depending on the drive wheels) delivers power with authority. These cars zip to 60 mph in less than six seconds, and they’re slightly more rapid with all-wheel drive.
The M235i Gran Coupe gets a 301-hp version of the turbo-4 to fire off the 60-mph run in about 4.5 seconds. It’s genuinely quick, but it’s no match for the thrust of the 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 in the M240i Coupe. That engine is a thrill machine, good for a 4.1-second rip to 60 mph and it boasts effortless highway passing.
The difference between the way the cars handle is clear. Front-drive models benefit from a standard limited-slip differential to help better transition power between the front wheels for good grip, but they never have the balance of the rear-drive Coupes. Those cars boast spectacular weight distribution for a neutral, predictable feel.
BMW turns up the wick considerably in M guise, though again it’s the M240i that shines far brighter. Adaptive dampers work well to overcome thrum from its big wheels and grippy tires (which you’ll want to swap out for dedicated winter rubber when the snow flies). These cars are a delight on a winding road and they’re ready for a track day with good brakes ready for a morning of fun. BMW M2 performance
The M2 is a rocket with a 3.0-liter inline-6 that posts up at 453 hp, some 48 hp more than its predecessor, and twists out 406 lb-ft of torque as it winds toward a 7,200-rpm redline. Its 6-speed manual gearbox is an absolute joy to operate.
It’s a winding road champ, with massive Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer tires (275/35-ZR19 in front, 285/30-ZR20 in back). Those conspire with a host of upgrades, from an active rear differential to a stiffer chassis, aluminum suspension pieces, adaptive dampers, and more finely tuned electric steering. It begs to be driven with gusto.
The M2 makes for a stiff-kneed long-distance tourer as it drones too much on textured concrete pavement. For daily driving, stick to the M240i.
