The 2025 BMW 2-Series Coupe starts at $39,600 for the 255-hp 230i and tops out at $52,600 for the 382-hp M240i xDrive, which hits 60 mph in a factory-claimed 4.1 seconds[1]. BMW's smallest two-door earned a spot on Car and Driver's 2025 Editors' Choice list for good reason—it's the last rear-drive compact coupe carrying the brand's classic driving formula into an SUV-dominated lineup[2].
The headline update is iDrive 8.5, BMW's latest infotainment software, now running on a larger 14.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster[2]. That's a significant jump from the previous 10.25-inch center screen.
New for this year is the M Sport Professional Package, which adds M Shadow Line lights, an M rear spoiler in black, and M Sport brakes with red or blue calipers on 230i models[2]. Two new metallic exterior colors—Vegas Red and Skyscraper Grey—join the palette, plus Zandvoort Blue (previously exclusive to the M2) is now available on M240i models[2].
Inside, BMW swapped out the steering wheels: the 230i gets a new two-spoke design, while the M240i comes standard with an M leather flat-bottomed wheel[2]. New interior trim options include Fineline Light Open-Pore and Ash Grey Blue Open-Pore wood, plus Tacora Red SensaTec and Black/Red Vernasca leather[1]. The catch? BMW eliminated physical HVAC, seat, and steering wheel heat buttons—those now live in the touchscreen or via voice command[2]. For 2025 BMW 2-Series additional details, check our model-year coverage.
| Specification | 230i (RWD) | M240i xDrive |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L Turbo Inline-4 | 3.0L Turbo Inline-6 |
| Horsepower | 255 hp @ 6,500 rpm | 382 hp @ 6,500 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft @ 1,550 rpm | 369 lb-ft @ 1,800 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-Speed Automatic | 8-Speed Automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD (AWD optional) | AWD Standard |
| 0-60 mph | 5.5 sec (BMW est.) | 4.1 sec (BMW est.) |
| 0-60 mph (C/D tested) | 5.1 sec | 3.6 sec |
| EPA Combined MPG | 30 (RWD) | 26 |
| Curb Weight | ~3,554 lbs (RWD) | ~3,877 lbs |
| Cargo Volume | 10 cu ft | 14 cu ft |
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Car and Driver clocked the 230i at 5.1 seconds to 60 mph and 13.7 seconds through the quarter-mile at 101 mph—beating BMW's own conservative estimate[2]. Real track numbers matter more than marketing claims, and the 230i delivers.
Add the M Sport ($3,250) and Dynamic Handling ($1,900) packages—19-inch wheels on performance tires, sportier suspension, upgraded brakes, variable-ratio steering, and an electronically controlled rear differential—and the 230i becomes genuinely engaging[2]. Edmunds recorded 60-0 mph braking in just 107 feet with M Sport suspension, and that rear diff manages traction well enough to coax out controlled slides on track[3].
The M240i xDrive? Car and Driver tested it at 3.6 seconds to 60 mph, 12.1 seconds through the quarter at 114 mph[2]. The venerated B58 inline-six pulls hard, sounds good, and delivers refined thrust for highway merging. One owner on Edmunds reported "lightening quick acceleration" while averaging 28-32 mpg on highway trips—not using eco mode[4].
Here's the honest assessment: steering feedback remains muted on both models[2]. The weighting feels appropriate, but there's no real conversation between your hands and the front tires. YouTube reviewer TheTopher compared the 230i, M240i, and M2 back-to-back, noting the 230i's comfort-tuned suspension doesn't inspire confidence mid-corner compared to its siblings, plus interior squeaks and rattles appeared on higher-mileage examples[5]. The M240i tested with only 5,000 miles was rattle-free—so mileage may play a role.
| Trim | 2025 MSRP | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| 230i | $39,600 | 14.9" display, iDrive 8.5, 10-speaker audio, heated seats |
| 230i xDrive | $41,600 | AWD added |
| M240i | $50,600 | 382-hp inline-six, RWD, M Sport diff, adaptive suspension |
| M240i xDrive | $52,600 | AWD, M Sport brakes, 19" M wheels |
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Car and Driver recommends the rear-drive M240i if you want the purest BMW experience—that inline-six delivers over 150 additional horsepower plus a limited-slip rear differential, bigger brakes, and different suspension tuning[2]. If budget matters, the 230i with M Sport and Dynamic Handling packages gets you most of the driving engagement at a lower price.
The $2,400 Cooling and High-Performance Tire Package on M240i models adds larger brakes, an extra oil cooler, and grippier tires—probably overkill unless you're tracking the car regularly[1]. Worth noting: all BMW 2-Series Coupes are built in San Luis Potosí, Mexico[1]. For more options, explore the 2025 BMW 3-Series or the 2025 BMW M2.
SensaTec (synthetic leather) comes standard; Vernasca leather runs $1,500[1]. The same money gets you the Convenience Package with moonroof, Comfort Access, and ambient lighting—a better value for most buyers. The M240i includes those features as standard.
Front-seat space is generous. The rear seat? Better than you'd expect for a coupe this size. BMW quotes 34.7 inches of headroom and 32.2 inches of legroom back there, plus 40/20/40 split-folding seats help when you need extra cargo flexibility[1]. Trunk space is tight at 10-14 cubic feet depending on configuration.
Infotainment runs iDrive 8.5 with QuickSelect on the 14.9-inch touchscreen[1]. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, along with built-in navigation and BMW Assist. A head-up display, wireless charging, and remote engine start are available as options. The Premium Package bundles several tech features for $3,300 on the 230i—nearly 10% of the car's base price, so choose wisely[1].
EPA estimates put the rear-drive 230i at 26 mpg city, 35 highway, and 30 combined[1]. xDrive models lose about 2 mpg across the board. During Car and Driver's 75-mph highway test, the rear-drive 230i achieved 38 mpg—handily beating its EPA estimate and delivering roughly 520 miles of highway range[2].
The M240i rates 23 city, 32 highway, 26 combined regardless of drivetrain[1]. Real-world reports from J.D. Power testing showed the 2-Series Gran Coupe (different platform, similar efficiency profile) hitting 39.5 mpg on highway-only drives[6]. That's competitive with the Audi A3's 28 mpg combined and the front-drive Acura Integra A-Spec's 32 mpg combined[1].
| Spec | 2025 BMW 230i | Audi S3 | Mercedes CLA 250 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 255 hp | 333 hp | 221 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 5.1 sec (tested) | ~4.5 sec | 6.3 sec |
| Base MSRP | $39,600 | ~$47,400 | ~$44,000 |
| Drivetrain | RWD (AWD opt.) | AWD | FWD (AWD opt.) |
| Body Style | Coupe | Sedan | Sedan |
[1][7]
The 2025 Audi S3 now packs 333 hp with a rear torque splitter, hitting 0-100 km/h in 4.7 seconds—proper hot hatch territory[7]. But it's a sedan on a front-drive-based platform. The CLA 250 starts around $5,000 more than the 230i and delivers less power across the board[1].
Where BMW separates itself: rear-wheel drive and genuine two-door coupe proportions. If those matter to you, no competitor delivers the same formula at this price. The four-door 2-Series Gran Coupe uses a front-drive platform and doesn't match the Coupe's driver involvement. For direct competitors, see our 2025 Audi S3 coverage.
As of January 2026, neither NHTSA nor IIHS has published official crashworthiness ratings for the 2025 BMW 2-Series Coupe[6][8]. Third-party sources claim a 5-star NHTSA rating and IIHS Top Safety Pick, though these may refer to the Gran Coupe variant[9].
Standard safety equipment includes forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assist[2]. Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go requires a package upgrade. The $700 Parking Assistance Package adds active park distance control and surround-view cameras—good value, but on the 2-Series, price and simplicity are part of the appeal[1].
BMW covers the 2-Series with a four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and three years or 36,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance[2]. That maintenance coverage is a genuine advantage over Mercedes, which includes none.
Early reliability looks solid. Forum users on Bimmerpost report the main issues are headlight condensation and occasional rear suspension noise—neither catastrophic[10]. The B48 four-cylinder in the 230i shares components with Toyota products (including the Supra 2.0) and has proven durable[2]. The B58 inline-six in the M240i is generally reliable, though owners should budget for potential water pump issues and gasket replacements around 60,000-80,000 miles. For more context, explore which mileage BMW vehicles start to break down.
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