The 230i, in contrast to those two vehicles, only has an eight-speed automatic transmission and is a common and capable model from ZF. And you already know.
In This Article...
Performance – Engine, Transmission, and Other
The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder in the 230i produces 255 horsepower, while the 3.0-liter inline-six in the M240i has 382 horsepower. Rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive are both options for the 230i and M240i. There is only the option of an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 230i completed a quarter-mile at 101 mph in 13.7 seconds during our test, reaching 60 mph in 5.1 seconds. The M Sport and Dynamic Handling packages, which come with 19-inch wheels and performance tires, a sportier suspension, more powerful brakes, variable-ratio steering, and an electronically controlled rear differential, are the best options for those looking to get the most performance out of the 230i. The M240i comes with the majority of these extras as standard equipment. When we evaluated that particular model, we were astonished by its quick acceleration (60 mph in 3.6 seconds) and skilled ride and handling. However, we wish it had greater steering feel, just like many of the most recent Bimmers.
BMW 230i: Stunning in crimson
The 230i still has a lot of power. Compared to the preceding 230i, the 2.0-liter engine produces greater power and torque, and the latter starts to kick in at just 1,550 rpm. With low-end shove helping you power out like a boss in corners, the 230i is ideal for doing just that. I never feel the need to utilize the paddle shifters in the eight-speed automatic transmission, especially when the 230i is in Sport mode.
An M Sport rear differential and bigger brakes are included in the Dynamic Handling Package, an optional addition. This $1,900 accessory increases the enjoyment factor of corner carving by adding more torque to the outside rear wheel during turns. It is excellent that the improved brakes have more than enough bite without being grabby.
There aren’t many standard driver-assistance features in this BMW. I don’t have adaptive cruise control, parking assistance, or traffic jam assistance on my test vehicle. However, there are also features like rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring.
Inside, the 2 Series uses the tried-and-true iDrive 7 interface rather than BMW’s newest iDrive 8 infotainment system. My tester features a basic 8.8-inch infotainment display, but an optional 10.3-inch multimedia screen and 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster are also available. Wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is available, and a color head-up display is an option for the 2 Series. Both wireless phone charging and USB-A and USB-C outlets are included.
Although the power sliding function takes some time to work, the backs of the rear seats have a mechanical mechanism that allows the chairs to tilt forward. I can comfortably fit in the back seats because I am 5 feet, 9 inches tall. Taller people won’t be as pleased.
The trunk of the 230i has a meager 10 cubic feet of cargo space. Although I was able to move a motorcycle hitch carrier with the help of the back seats’ ability to fold down, a two-door coupe is certainly not the best choice if you frequently need to transport.
The base price of the 2022 BMW 230i Coupe is $37,345 (plus $995 for destination), but my tester cost $46,570 after adding a lot of options. The larger Audi A5 and Lexus RC 350 coupes are many thousand dollars more expensive than that starting pricing. The Mercedes-Benz CLA250, which the Germans refer to as a coupe despite having four doors, is the closest rival.
The 2 Series appeals to me because of its timeless design, amusing on-road shenanigans, and user-friendly multimedia technology. It’s not the most cutting-edge vehicle available, but it’s also one of the last remaining premium sport coupes. I’m pleased that BMW is sustaining this market.
Interesting New Design, Outstanding Interior Value
I believe the new 2 Series looks very excellent, especially given how much controversy other aspects of BMW’s design division currently cause. Some of the proportions are odd, and although I said in the pages of another journal that it only has a few acceptable angles, the more I consider it and review the images I took, the more I realize that it actually looks good with all of its M Sport exterior accessories. Just decent; not outstanding, extraordinary, bizarre, or weird. The new 2er boasts a traditional 2-door coupe design, a real, distinct Hofmeister Kink, a perfectly proportioned kidney grille with matching sharp headlamps, and lots of sporting touches. BMW, good job.
Although several of the accents used in this trial are optional extras, the money was well spent. For instance, the M Sport Package’s Shadowline exterior trim details, which contrast beautifully with Melbourne Crimson Metallic’s red hue. The portion of the rear bumper that secures the dual exhaust pipes in place is another something I truly enjoy. But more on it later. These identical pipes also provide a really beautiful choppy exhaust noise. And to top it all off, this 2er’s 19″ M double-spoke wheels and enhanced M Sport brakes give away the fact that it’s designed for corner-carving joy.
Sharp-eyed BMW devotees won’t notice much of a difference inside, despite the fact that BMW has modified a number of its tech and design aspects over the past few years. Welcome to one of the greatest interiors that $46,570 fully loaded can buy, however, to everyone else.
The top of the dash is made of a soft, rubbery substance, which is aesthetically pleasant and contrasts well with the tester’s white seats and other silver trim elements. Muted orange lighting highlights in the door cards provide some great atmosphere at night; this is the same subdued orange that BMW used to do so effectively in its instrument clusters. There isn’t much piano black plastic to be found, but there is a lot of substantial-feeling matte fair where it should be. The switchgear on the 230i is excellent, and when combined with BMW’s most recent and best iDrive 8 infotainment system, it’s a delightful way to navigate screens, change settings, and seamlessly connect to Apple CarPlay.
The 230i’s doors open wide and the driver’s seat is simple to slide into, making accessing the cabin a breeze. Once inside, there is lots of room for elbow and shoulder movement, and visibility is superb. Although the cabin is light and roomy, headroom is a problem at 39.8 inches, which is made worse by the sunroof that comes as standard. I had to bend my six-foot-three frame quite far back to fit properly, so it’s not really tall guy friendly. This all makes sense when you look at the dimensions of the 2022 230i: the new G42 is 4.3 inches longer overall and 2.6 inches wider than its F22 predecessor at 72.4 inches. However, compared to the previous generation, the roof line is one inch lower.
Nevertheless, the seats themselves are really comfy, the steering wheel telescopes out nicely, and the seat can travel much further back than my gangly legs require. These motorized and heated, soft-touch leather vehicles performed much better than I had anticipated on curvy roads. The 230i turned out to be a blast to maneuver about despite my less than optimal leaned-back driving stance, and I swear it seems like it makes lot more power than its numbers say.
Review of the BMW 230i: On the Shoulders of Little Giants
It’s challenging to overlook the extremes when thinking about the BMW brand. With their powerful presence and eye-watering sticker prices, those top-trim vehicles with badges like M and Competition rule the headlines. These automobiles are bigger and heavier because of middle-aged bloat, and as a result, they need a lot of power to achieve the performance levels that individuals who chase numbers expect.
However, it wasn’t large money, big numbers, or big power that made BMW a legend. No, the legendary 2002 and other compact sedans and coupes enhanced the prestige of the Bavarian automaker. Most of these early BMWs weren’t wild, close to race-spec vehicles (or crossovers, for that matter), barely street-legal vehicles. Instead, they provided real driving fun without placing a heavy burden on the driver.
The lunacy plaguing the range-toppers across the lineup is a welcome difference from this 2022 BMW 230i Coupe. Entry-level Bimmers were historically known for their comfortable rides, moderate power, and pleasant driving experiences. Here, it nearly has the sensation of a return to an earlier period.
Enough power for the majority
Don’t be worried about the 230i’s power if you are. One of the best 2.0 liter turbo-fours now for sale, it has a snappy and enjoyable turbo-four engine. It produces a lot of power at all RPMs and even has exceptional fuel efficiency.
The admission fee is also substantially lower. Despite the M240i’s superior power, the 230i costs almost $12,000 more. If you’re careful with your option list, you can purchase a nicely equipped BMW 230i for under $40,000 in most cases. Even at its $36,000 retail price, the 230i offers an outstanding bargain for a sports coupe and comes well-equipped.
The BMW M240i is without a doubt the superior performance vehicle. It has more speed, capability, and sound quality. The cheaper BMW 230i, though, is still quick, has better steering, is sharper on turn-in, is less expensive, and gets better gas mileage. Therefore, if you prefer agile handling and light weight over straight-line performance, it might actually be the better driver’s car.
BMW 230i’s speed?
The turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in the 2022 BMW 230i produces 255 horsepower and 294 lb-ft of torque. It can go from 0 to 60 mph in around 5.5 seconds, according to Edmunds, which is exhilarating.
For a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with 382 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, you may upgrade to the M240i xDrive Coupe. This car needs 3.6 seconds to accelerate to 60 mph. An automatic transmission with eight speeds is mated to the engines.
The 230i with the M Sport option left us delighted by its quick acceleration and seamless transmission shifts after a week of use. The acceleration picks up speed early on but slows down as the rev band rises.
It has confidence when entering into traffic and overtaking other vehicles on the highway. The brakes feel a little bit mushy in Comfort Mode but are robust and reliable in Sport Mode. Feedback from Eco Mode was comforting.
There is excellent handling and no body lean when navigating tight turns. There is a lot of side bolstering on the seats to keep you in place. To stop skidding, the M Sport differential controls traction incredibly well.
Although light, the steering is responsive. It may be challenging to feel your tires on the ground. The 230i, though, exudes assurance and stability. There was a firm sense of control present even when it briefly rained heavily.
How much does a new BMW 230i cost?
A 2022 BMW 2 Series 230i Coupe RWD is one of the four brand-new 2022 BMW 2 Series 230i vehicles that TrueCar is offering for sale nationally. The current range of prices for a brand-new 2022 BMW 2 Series 230i is $40,995 to $42,870. By entering your zip code, you may find new 2022 BMW 2 Series 230i inventory at a TrueCar Certified Dealership nearby by viewing the closest matches.
What distinguishes the BMW 228i and 230i?
The rear-wheel-drive only 230i coupe is the lowest model. The M235i xDrive Gran Coupe comes standard with all-wheel drive, whereas the 228i Gran Coupe has front-wheel drive as standard and offers all-wheel drive as an option.