“235i is a beast and the handling is great. The car drives so smooth and is up there in power with the 240i, but significantly cheaper!”
BMW 2 Series: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 13, 2026
The BMW 2 Series is a compact luxury performance-car family that includes a driver-focused two-door coupe, a more practical four-door Gran Coupe, and older convertible models. It is known for premium cabins, quick responses, and a more engaging drive than most entry-level luxury cars.
The 2 Series began as BMW’s small, rear-wheel-drive coupe and later expanded to include a convertible and the four-door Gran Coupe. The coupe has remained the classic enthusiast choice, while the Gran Coupe trades some of that traditional layout for easier everyday access and usefulness. Across the family, the common thread is compact size, a premium feel, and lively road manners.
Strengths
- The coupe’s rear-wheel-drive-based layout and quick responses give it a more engaging feel than most entry-level luxury cars.
- The Gran Coupe brings four doors and better everyday usefulness without giving up the 2 Series’ compact footprint.
- The cabin has a premium feel, and recent models use a large curved display for the instruments and touchscreen controls.
- The range spans everyday turbo-four models, stronger turbo-six coupes, and all-wheel-drive versions for added traction.
- Older first-generation cars include a convertible for buyers who want the same small-car formula with an open roof.
Who it's for
The 2 Series suits someone who wants a small luxury car that feels more engaging than a typical daily driver. The coupe is the better fit for buyers who put driving feel first, while the Gran Coupe makes more sense for regular passengers and day-to-day errands. Shoppers considering older examples can also look to the convertible for open-air driving.
BMW 2 Series lineup
Pick the 230i for the classic 2 Series coupe experience with a turbo four-cylinder, or step up to the six-cylinder M240i when stronger performance matters more. The xDrive versions keep those same basic identities but use all-wheel drive. On the four-door side, the 228 Gran is the straightforward front-wheel-drive entry, while the 228 xDrive Gran favors added traction. The M235 xDrive Gran is the sportier four-door choice for someone who wants the Gran Coupe’s usefulness with a more performance-focused character.
BMW 2 Series generations
From 2014 to 2026, the 2 Series spans four generations. The current 2nd-Generation Coupe / 2nd-Generation Gran Coupe — G42/F74 arrived for 2025, following the 2nd-Generation Coupe / 1st-Generation Gran Coupe — G42/F44 (2022–2024).
2nd-Generation Coupe / 2nd-Generation Gran Coupe — G42/F74 (2025–Present)
This range combines the rear-drive-based G42 two-door Coupe with the front-drive-based F74 four-door Gran Coupe. The Gran Coupe was redesigned for 2025, while the Coupe received a lighter cabin and technology update that year.
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2026Trim changes
The front-wheel-drive 228 Gran Coupe joins the U.S. lineup. The rest of the range largely carries over.
2025Trim changes
The Gran Coupe starts its second generation with new styling, revised engines, a 7-speed automatic, adaptive suspension, and a curved-display cabin. The Coupe gets an updated curved display and other smaller changes.
2nd-Generation Coupe / 1st-Generation Gran Coupe — G42/F44 (2022–2024)
The two-door Coupe moved to its larger, more powerful G42 generation for 2022. The four-door Gran Coupe remained the earlier F44 design throughout this period.
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2024
Both body styles largely repeat their 2023 trim structure, engines, and core equipment.
2023Trim changes
The Coupe gets a standard curved display with a digital instrument panel and 14.9-inch touchscreen. The Gran Coupe carries over.
2022New generation
The Coupe is fully redesigned with new styling, more power, a roomier cabin, and added technology and safety equipment. The Gran Coupe is largely unchanged.
1st-Generation Coupe/Convertible and 1st-Generation Gran Coupe — F22/F23/F44 (2020–2021)
The original rear-drive-based Coupe and Convertible shared the lineup with the first F44 Gran Coupe. Introduced for 2020, the Gran Coupe brought four doors and a front-drive-based layout to the 2 Series family.
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2021Trim changes
The front-wheel-drive 228i Gran Coupe joins the lineup. Apple CarPlay becomes standard in the Coupe and Convertible, while the Gran Coupe gains Android Auto and an upgraded digital cockpit.
2020Trim changes
The first 2 Series Gran Coupe joins as a four-door sedan. The Coupe and Convertible receive lighter styling and equipment updates.
1st Generation — F22/F23 (2014–2019)
The 2 Series began as a rear-wheel-drive-based two-door Coupe, replacing the 1 Series Coupe for 2014. The related Convertible followed for 2015, and both received refreshed styling and a redesigned cabin for 2018.
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2019
The safety assistance package and extended instrument display become standard across the range.
2018Mid-cycle update
Refreshed front styling, standard LED exterior lighting, and a redesigned dashboard update the Coupe and Convertible.
2017Trim changes
The 228i and M235i continue under the new 230i and M240i names, with new turbocharged four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines.
2016
Standard equipment expands across the range, and an all-wheel-drive M235i Convertible is added.
2015Trim changes
The Convertible joins the U.S. lineup, while all-wheel-drive versions broaden the Coupe range.
2014New generation
The all-new 2 Series Coupe replaces the 1 Series Coupe with a larger body, roomier cabin, and broader standard equipment.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the BMW 2 Series.
Frequently asked questions
Is the BMW 2 Series a coupe or a sedan?
It has been both. The range includes a two-door Coupe and, since 2020, a four-door Gran Coupe sedan. Earlier first-generation cars also included a two-door Convertible, so body style is one of the first things to check when shopping used.
Are the 2 Series Coupe and Gran Coupe basically the same car?
No. The Coupe uses a more traditional rear-drive-based layout and puts driving feel first. The Gran Coupe has four doors, easier rear-seat access and a front-drive-based design, with front- or all-wheel drive depending on the version.
Was the BMW 2 Series sold as a convertible?
Yes. BMW offered a 2 Series Convertible from 2015 through 2021 in four-cylinder and six-cylinder forms, including some all-wheel-drive versions. The second-generation Coupe introduced for 2022 has not been joined by another 2 Series Convertible.
Does the BMW 2 Series come as a hybrid?
No. The 2 Series models covered here use gasoline turbo engines. Four-cylinder versions emphasize everyday efficiency, while performance-oriented Coupe trims use a stronger six-cylinder engine.
Does the BMW 2 Series have all-wheel drive?
Yes. BMW calls its all-wheel-drive system xDrive. It appears across several Coupe, Convertible and Gran Coupe trims, while other versions use rear-wheel drive or, on some Gran Coupes, front-wheel drive.
Who is the BMW 2 Series a good fit for?
It suits someone who wants a small luxury car with quick responses and an upscale cabin. The Coupe fits drivers who value two-door style and a more traditional sporty layout. The Gran Coupe fits commuters who need four doors and easier rear-seat access.
What is the BMW 2 Series known for?
It is known for packing BMW’s sporty character into a compact car. The Coupe emphasizes rear-drive balance and strong engine choices, while the Gran Coupe combines sharper styling and modern cabin tech with greater everyday usefulness.
Why do Coupe and Gran Coupe generations change at different times?
They are separate vehicles that share the 2 Series name. The current Coupe generation began for 2022, while the Gran Coupe moved to its second generation for 2025. That split means cars from the same model year may have different platforms, cabins and controls.
BMW 2 Series Reviews
What owners are saying about the BMW 2 Series.
4.5
BMW 2 Series
(4,064 reviews)
“This vehicle is perfect for anyone who would like to drive a luxury vehicle and save on fuel. It's a safe car that performs well and has several features that make driving more enjoyable.”
“I love this car. Fun to drive and a ton of customization available. Parts are reasonable as long as you do the work yourself.”
“It feels more powerful than the 255 bhp and 295 lbs/ft of torque numbers indicate. Even the M Sport suspension allows for a comfortable ride. The My BMW app is great. It is roomier than it looks, both in terms of seating as well as cardo and cupholder storage. The SensaTec seats/armrests/etc. feel like nice leather.”
“All around great choice for sports car, small enough to be sporty without being uncomfortable, with added value of all wheel drive and backseat when needed for packages or passengers.”
“It should have BLIS standard in this day and age also the front seat is not that comfortable for my husband and he is not a large man.”