BMW 2 Series 228i, 230i & M240i Trims

Last updated August 4, 2026

BMW 2 Series

The BMW 2 Series lineup has three main branches. The 228 Gran, 228i, 228i Gran, and 230i are the core turbo four-cylinder models. Gran models emphasize four-door access, while the 228i and 230i follow the more traditional small BMW two-door formula. The 228 xDrive Gran, 228i xDrive, 228i xDrive Gran, and 230i xDrive add all-wheel drive. M235 and M240 versions form the performance branch: the Gran Coupe models combine four doors with turbo four-cylinder power and all-wheel drive, while the M235i and M240i families are known for turbo six-cylinder power with rear- or all-wheel drive.

What each trim is known for

BMW 2 Series Base Model

Base Model

228 Gran228i228i Gran230i

The Base Model trim level — 228 Gran, 228i, 228i Gran, and 230i — is the core 2 Series, combining turbo four-cylinder power with either four-door practicality or traditional small-BMW two-door character.

Best for: Drivers who want the everyday BMW experience without paying for all-wheel drive or the sharper M Performance setup.

Highlights

  • Turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine
  • Sport front seats
  • Automatic transmission
  • Front-wheel-drive Gran Coupe or rear-wheel-drive two-door layout, depending on the member trim
44 in stock
BMW 2 Series All-wheel Drive

All-wheel Drive

228 xDrive Gran228i xDrive228i xDrive Gran230i xDrive

The All-wheel Drive trim level — 228 xDrive Gran, 228i xDrive, 228i xDrive Gran, and 230i xDrive — adds year-round traction to the mainstream four-cylinder 2 Series formula.

Best for: Shoppers who like the regular 228 or 230 experience but want more confidence in rain, snow, or cold-weather driving.

Highlights

  • xDrive all-wheel drive
  • Turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine
  • Sport front seats
  • Gran Coupe practicality or traditional two-door styling, depending on the member trim

Adds xDrive all-wheel drive to the mainstream four-cylinder formula while keeping the basic character of the corresponding 228 or 230 model.

70 in stock
BMW 2 Series Performance

Performance

M235 xDrive GranM235iM235i xDriveM235i xDrive GranM240iM240i xDrive

The Performance trim level — M235 xDrive Gran, M235i, M235i xDrive, M235i xDrive Gran, M240i, and M240i xDrive — is the quicker, sharper branch below the full M2.

Best for: Drivers who want stronger acceleration and more focused handling while keeping the 2 Series practical enough for regular use.

Highlights

  • Turbo four-cylinder power in the Gran Coupe family or turbo inline-six power in the M235i and M240i families
  • Adaptive performance suspension
  • Sport front seats and an M leather steering wheel
  • Rear-wheel drive or xDrive all-wheel drive, depending on the member trim

Moves beyond the mainstream all-wheel-drive level with stronger engines and sharper suspension tuning. Some members retain all-wheel drive, while the M235i and M240i families also include rear-drive versions.

13 in stock

Trim comparison

FeatureBase ModelPerformanceAll-wheel Drive
Includes
228 Gran, 228i, 228i Gran, 230i44 in stock
M235 xDrive Gran, M235i, M235i xDrive, M235i xDrive Gran, M240i, M240i xDrive13 in stock
228 xDrive Gran, 228i xDrive, 228i xDrive Gran, 230i xDrive70 in stock
Lineup roleCore everyday modelsQuicker, sharper M Performance branchCore models with added traction
Driven wheelsFront- or rear-wheel driveRear- or all-wheel driveAll-wheel drive
Engine identityTurbo 2.0-liter four-cylinderTurbo 2.0-liter four or 3.0-liter inline-sixTurbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder
Chassis emphasisEveryday sporty tuningAdaptive performance suspensionEveryday tuning with added grip
Cabin identitySport front seatsSport seats and M steering wheelSport front seats
Four-door Gran Coupe members228 Gran, 228i GranM235 xDrive Gran, M235i xDrive Gran228 xDrive Gran, 228i xDrive Gran
Traditional two-door family228i, 230iM235i and M240i families228i xDrive, 230i xDrive

Frequently asked questions

What do 228, 230, M235, M240, xDrive and Gran Coupe mean?

The numbers identify the version and general performance level. Gran Coupe means the four-door body, while xDrive means all-wheel drive. M235 and M240 are sportier M Performance trims, not the full M2. The M235 Gran Coupe uses a four-cylinder engine, despite its higher number.

What’s the difference between the 228 Gran Coupe and 228 xDrive Gran Coupe?

On newer models, the main difference is traction. The 228 Gran Coupe uses front-wheel drive, while the 228 xDrive Gran Coupe sends power to all four wheels. Both use a 241-hp turbo four-cylinder engine and share the four-door body and modern curved-screen cabin.

What’s the difference between the 230i and 230i xDrive?

The 230i is the rear-wheel-drive Coupe, while the 230i xDrive adds all-wheel drive. On newer examples, both use the same 255-hp turbo four-cylinder engine, eight-speed automatic and curved display, so the decision mainly comes down to driving feel and bad-weather traction.

What does the M240i add over the 230i?

On newer Coupes, the M240i adds a 382-hp turbo six-cylinder engine, adaptive performance suspension, sportier seats and an M steering wheel. The 230i uses a 255-hp turbo four-cylinder and is the calmer choice; the M240i delivers much stronger acceleration and a sharper feel.

What’s the difference between the M240i and M240i xDrive?

The M240i uses rear-wheel drive, while the M240i xDrive adds all-wheel drive. On newer cars, both have the same 382-hp turbo six-cylinder engine, eight-speed automatic and adaptive suspension. Rear drive gives the more traditional layout; xDrive adds all-weather grip.

Should I get a 228 Gran Coupe or a 230i Coupe?

Get the 228 Gran Coupe for four doors, easier rear-seat access and greater daily usefulness. Get the 230i for the traditional two-door shape and rear-wheel-drive character. In recent years, both use turbo four-cylinder power and modern curved-screen cabins.

How do the M235 xDrive Gran Coupe and M240i xDrive compare?

The M235 xDrive Gran Coupe is the practical performance choice, with four doors, a turbo four-cylinder and standard all-wheel drive. The M240i xDrive is a two-door Coupe with a stronger 382-hp turbo six-cylinder. Pick based on rear-seat access versus classic coupe character and power.

Which 2 Series trim makes the most sense for everyday commuting?

A 228 Gran Coupe is the everyday-focused pick because its four doors make rear-seat access easier. On newer models, it also has heated sport seats, navigation, premium audio and driver-assistance features. The xDrive version is the better fit when extra bad-weather traction matters.

Which 2 Series trim has the most traditional rear-wheel-drive feel?

The 230i Coupe is the straightforward choice for classic BMW balance without the stronger performance hardware. The rear-wheel-drive M240i keeps that layout but adds six-cylinder power and adaptive suspension for drivers who want a much quicker, sharper Coupe.

Which BMW 2 Series trims have a six-cylinder engine?

The six-cylinder choices are Coupe and Convertible performance trims. Early cars used the M235i name, while models from 2017 onward use M240i. Gran Coupe versions named M235i or M235 use a turbo four-cylinder, so the similar badge does not mean the same engine.

Is a 228i the same trim as a 230i?

They fill a similar role but belong to different eras. The 228i was the early four-cylinder Coupe or Convertible, and the 230i replaced it for 2017 with a newer turbo four-cylinder. Both sit below the six-cylinder performance trim of their respective period.

Are the M235i and M240i full BMW M cars?

No. The M235i and M240i are M Performance versions that sit between the regular four-cylinder trims and the full M2. They add stronger engines and sportier suspension, steering and brakes while retaining more everyday usability than the range-topping M car.

Which newer 2 Series trims have the curved display and phone integration?

Newer 230i and M240i Coupes use BMW’s curved display, and recent versions run the OS 8.5 touchscreen system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Redesigned 228 and M235 Gran Coupes also use a curved display, but with the newer OS 9 interface.