2021 BMW 2 Series

BMW’s sedans and SUVs regularly earn CR’s recommendations for packing industry-leading comfort and technology into vehicles that are agile, quick, and even fuel efficient. Among luxury brands like Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Lincoln, and Land Rover, BMW’s SUVs often rank near the top of their category. Models like the X5 are remarkable for having powertrains that accelerate quickly while also managing above-average fuel efficiency. Some BMWs can be bought as plug-in hybrids, with useful electric-only range, or in performance trims, with more powerful engines and stiffer suspensions. BMW’s growing roster of EVs also generally rank high in our tests. Like most luxury cars from European manufacturers, BMWs fall on the expensive side of our assessments of maintenance and repair costs, but some specific models are a good option to buy used. However, shoppers considering a preowned BMW should opt for warranties or budget for repairs.

The small 2 Series coupe and convertible has razor-sharp handling and a sense of immediacy that is unlike other recent BMWs, which seem to focus more on luxury and comfort. The 228i comes with a 240-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder while the up-level M235i we tested has a terrific 320-hp, 3.0-liter turbo six-cylinder. Transmission choices are a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic. The excellent front seats are surrounded with ample space, but the rear seats remain very cramped. Interior appointments are first rate but the iDrive unified control system remains a bit of a pain to learn and use. . A sportier, more-powerful M2 version arrived in 2016. Updates for 2017 brought a change in nomenclature, with the base 228i becoming the 230i and powered by a 248-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The 2020 introduced Gran Coupe 4-door versions, 228i xDrive and M235i xDrive, were based on a different, less performance-oriented platform.