2025 BMW 2-Series

Overview

Compact luxury coupes are a vanishing breed, but BMW refuses to go quietly, the 2-series coupe carrying the torch into the modern era. While the M2, its more extroverted sibling, holds down the ultimate performance spot, the 2-series presents a more balanced personality but still provides the heightened levels of steering, braking, and performance the brand is known for.

Two trims are available, the 230i and M240i, both with a choice of rear or all-wheel drive. The 230i uses a 255-hp turbocharged inline-four that's shared with the Toyota Supra 2.0, while the M240i, which is not a true "M" model but an "M Sport" variation, ramps up performance with a 382-hp turbocharged inline-six.

Regardless of the naming scheme, both 2-series models make the most of their compact dimensions and responsive powertrains to deliver the type of driving experience that takes the drudgery out of the daily commute. Disappointingly, a manual transmission is no longer offered, but even in its absence the versatile and satisfying 2-series earned a spot on our 2024 Editors' Choice list.

Yes, the 2-series shares a hint of BMW's controversial modern styling ethos, but its impact on the 2-series is more reserved than some of the larger models and the bulk of the bodywork is straight-up classic coupe. The 2025 2-Series receives no major appearance-altering changes, but there are a few new exterior color choices and wheels.

Otherwise, the 2-series maintains the same bar-setting combination of comfort and performance with a respectable level of interior appointments. If the 2-series checks the boxes but reality dictates a four-door, you can check out the four-door 2-series Gran Coupe, but it uses a front-drive platform and doesn't offer the same level of driver involvement and reward.

What's New for 2025?

The big news is the arrival iDrive 8.5, the latest version of BMW's infotainment software, which is accompanied by updated interior ambient lighting. There's also a new M Sport Professional Package—not to be confused with the previously and concurrently available M Sport package—brings M Shadow Line lights, an M rear spoiler in black, and M Sport brakes (standard on M240i models) with red or blue brake calipers on 230i models and red calipers on M240i models.

Exterior colors now include two new metallic shades Vegas Red metallic and Skyscraper Grey metallic. Zandvoort Blue, previously reserved exclusively for the M2, is now an option for the M240i. New 19-inch wheel designs join the options list; M double-spoke wheels in either a bi-color or Jet Black finish, and Y-spoke wheels in a bi-color finish.

Interior updates include new steering wheels, a two-spoke wheel for the 230i, and a new M leather flat-bottomed steering wheel as standard on the M240i and optional on the 230i. Brushed aluminum trim is standard on the 240i, and carbon fiber is optional; open-pore wood is available on both.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The price of the 2025 BMW 2-series starts at $40,375 and goes up to $53,275 depending on the trim and options.

Although the six-speed manual is no longer on the menu, the M40i with rear-wheel drive still makes for a very inviting package. It gets the more powerful engine that brings over 150 additional horsepower; plus, the inline six delivers the purest BMW experience available in the 2-series lineup. That alone is worth the price, although it also brings several additional performance items including among other items, a limited-slip rear differential, bigger brakes, and a different suspension tune.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The 230i features a 255-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, and the M240i has a 382-hp turbo 3.0-liter inline-six. The 230i and M240i are both offered with rear- and all-wheel drive. An eight-speed automatic is the only transmission choice.

Those looking to squeeze the most performance out of the 230i will want to choose the M Sport and Dynamic Handling packages that together include 19-inch wheels on performance tires, a sportier suspension, upgraded brakes, a variable-ratio steering system, and an electronically controlled rear differential.

Most of these goodies and more come standard on the M240i; so equipped, it draws a sharper bead on the performance paradigm and deliverers more BMW-style traits. But like many of the latest Bimmers, we wish it had better steering feedback.