“Great smaller BMW. Roomier than it looks. Faster than expected. Aesthetically pleasing. Good sound on the exhaust, better than expected. Controls of the vehicle are super easy.”
2021 BMW 2 Series: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2021 BMW 2 Series is the addition of the front-wheel-drive 228i Gran Coupe, a new entry point for the four-door range. Otherwise, this is a light equipment-update year rather than a redesign.
About the 2021 BMW 2 Series
Split lineup year: first-generation F22/F23 coupe and convertible in their final U.S. model year, alongside the first-generation F44 Gran Coupe in its second U.S. model year.
For 2021, BMW positions the 2 Series as its compact, driver-focused entry point, but with two distinct personalities. The coupe and convertible lean into the brand’s traditional small rear-drive sports-car feel, while the Gran Coupe adds a sleeker four-door shape and easier everyday use. Across both body styles, the core pitch is a smaller BMW that still feels sporty, premium, and distinctly more style-led than a typical compact luxury car.
The 2021 lineup splits into two distinct versions: traditional rear-wheel-drive-based coupes and convertibles, plus a front-wheel-drive-based four-door Gran Coupe. The 230i is the approachable two-door model, while the M240i adds a 335-hp turbocharged six-cylinder engine; on the four-door side, the M235i xDrive Gran Coupe pairs a 301-hp four-cylinder engine with AWD and upgraded brakes and suspension.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The new 228i Gran Coupe adds a front-wheel-drive model with a 228-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The other engine choices carry over.
Tech
Apple CarPlay becomes standard on the coupe and convertible. Gran Coupe trims gain Android Auto and an upgraded digital instrument display with touchscreen navigation as standard. Navigation also becomes standard on 230i and M240i variants, while satellite radio becomes standard on the 230i and 230i xDrive.
2021 BMW 2 Series specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 8-Spd Sport w/Sport & Manual Modes | Automatic, 8-Spd Sport w/Sport & Manual Modes | Automatic, 8-Spd Steptronic w/Sport & Manual Modes | Automatic, 8-Spd Sport w/Sport & Manual Modes | Automatic, 8-Spd Sport w/Sport & Manual Modes | Automatic, 8-Spd Steptronic w/Sport & Manual Modes | Automatic, 8-Spd Sport w/Sport & Manual Modes |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | FWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 23–25 mpg | 21 mpg | 24 mpg | 21 mpg | 21 mpg | 23 mpg | 23 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 32–33 mpg | 30 mpg | 33 mpg | 30 mpg | 30 mpg | 33 mpg | 32 mpg |
| Horsepower | 248 hp | 335 hp | 228 hp | 248 hp | 335 hp | 228 hp | 301 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 368 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 368 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 331 lb-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 31.8–33 in | 31.8–33 in | 34.4 in | 31.8–33 in | 31.8–33 in | 34.4 in | 34.4 in |
| Seats | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Doors | 2 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | |||||||
| Automatic High Beams | |||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||||
| Park Assist | |||||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | |||||||
| Fog Lights | |||||||
| Heated Mirrors | |||||||
| LED Headlights | |||||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||||||
| Power Retractable Soft Top | |||||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||||
| Bluetooth | |||||||
| Navigation System | |||||||
| Premium Audio | |||||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||||
| USB Ports | |||||||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | |||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | |||||||
| Leather Seats | |||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||||
| Remote Start | |||||||
| Wood Interior Trim | |||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2021 BMW 2 Series?
The biggest change is the new 228i Gran Coupe. It gives the four-door 2 Series range a front-wheel-drive entry model with a 228-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
Is the 2021 BMW 2 Series a redesign?
No, the 2021 BMW 2 Series is not a redesign. The existing coupe and convertible are in their final model year, while the Gran Coupe is in its second model year; there is no major styling, platform, or suspension overhaul.
Does every 2021 BMW 2 Series have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Every 2021 BMW 2 Series has Apple CarPlay, but Android Auto is limited to the Gran Coupe models. The Gran Coupe also receives an upgraded digital instrument display and touchscreen navigation as standard equipment.
Which 2021 BMW 2 Series models have rear-wheel drive, front-wheel drive, or AWD?
The 228i Gran Coupe has front-wheel drive. The 230i and M240i coupe and convertible use rear-wheel drive, while models carrying the xDrive name have AWD, including the 228i xDrive Gran Coupe and M235i xDrive Gran Coupe.
Is the 2021 BMW 2 Series meaningfully different from the 2020 model?
The 2021 model is meaningfully different mainly if you want the new front-wheel-drive 228i Gran Coupe or the added standard technology. The engines, styling, chassis, and body structures otherwise change very little from 2020.
2021 BMW 2 Series Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 BMW 2 Series.
4.4
2021 BMW 2 Series
(562 reviews)
“For the price and performance, there is simply no better car. It outperforms its older brothers the M3 and M4 in enjoyment and thrill. It feels more compact, nimble, and quick. It's a joy every time you drive it. Best performance car I've ever owned, although not even close to being the fastest.”
“I love the car's get up and go. Driving the car is so smooth and I feel in control. Even though it's lower to the ground, I feel secure and protected. I love the car's responsiveness to me as a driver.”