2022 BMW 230i review highlights: 

• 2022 BMW 230i ($36,350 – $48,550) 
• 2022 IntelliChoice Best Overall Value award 
• Pros: Plenty of power, responsive handling, plenty of value 
• Cons: Firm seats, no manual transmission, cramped rear seat 

The BMW 2 Series is the most affordable option in the lineup. However, being an entry-level option doesn’t mean the BMW 230i lacks quality or performance. The interior has an upscale feeling, and the coupe has a long list of standard features. 

Despite lacking a manual transmission, the 230i provides a fast acceleration with smooth transmission shifts and responsive handling for an entertaining drive. Plus, the head-up display, digital rearview mirror, and driver-focused digital gauge cluster make this coupe feel like a modern racer. 

It’s available in rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, and can be equipped with an electronically controlled rear differential. However, the 2 Series could benefit from a bit of a more refined ride and more seat comfort. 

The BMW 230i was redesigned for 2022 with a renowned facia and modern interior that include luxurious upgrades. The BMW 2 Series lost its manual transmission and convertible option but gained new tech and more power. 

Which BMW 2 Series model is best? 

There are two options available: 

• 2022 BMW 230i Coupe – $36,350 
• BMW M240i xDrive Coupe – $48,550 

The BMW 230i Coupe provides access to a stout amount of power on tap and luxurious amenities such as 18-inch wheels, dual-zone climate control, and simulated leather upholstery. An 8.8-inch infotainment system and built-in navigation are standard. 

If you want a little more muscle, add the M Sport package for larger wheels, an adaptive suspension, and the M Sport differential. It also comes with unique badging for a more attractive look. 

Upgrading to the M240i provides more turbocharged power, 19-inch wheels, all-wheel drive, an adaptive sport suspension, a sport differential to maximize traction, upgraded brakes, a rear spoiler, and unique bumpers. 

How does the BMW 2 Series drive? 

The 2022 BMW 230i has a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that churns out 255 hp and 294 lb-ft of torque. According to Edmunds, it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 5.5-seconds, which is thrilling. 

You can upgrade to the M240i xDrive Coupe for the turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. This model reaches 60 mph in 3.6 seconds. The engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. 

We spent a week with the 230i equipped with the M Sport package, only to be impressed by its instant acceleration and smooth transmission shifts. The acceleration starts strong but loses steam toward the top of the rev band. 

It’s confident for passing others on the highway and merging into traffic. In Sport Mode, the brakes are strong and predictable, but in Comfort Mode, they seem a bit soft. Eco Mode provided reassuring feedback. 

The handling is impressive, and there’s no body lean around tight curves. The seats have plenty of side bolstering to hold you in place. The M Sport differential manages traction extremely well to prevent sliding. 

The steering is responsive but a bit light. It can be difficult to sense your tires on the road. But the 230i feels confident and well-planted. Even in bits of heavy rain, there was a strong sense of control. 

Is the BMW 230i comfortable?

Yes, the 2022 BMW 230i is comfortable. The doors have large openings for easy access, and the roofline provides plenty of head space. The front seats have a wide range of adjustments to fit people of all shapes and sizes. 

While the front seats are supportive and well-padded, they can feel a bit firm after long drives. They work ergonomically to keep drivers and passengers energized and alert, but longer trips can lead to rear ends feeling sore. 

The suspension smooths out impacts pretty well but is a little stiff. You do feel jolts from larger sections of rough pavement. The interior is quiet at lower speeds, but wind and road noise are noticeable at highway speeds. 

We were impressed by the robust climate control system and the effectiveness of the heated seats. The BMW 2 Series works quickly and efficiently to provide the optimal temperature. 

You can slide the front seats forward for easy access to the rear seats. However, we aren’t sure who it’s designed for. Only small children can sit back there comfortably. Sometimes the rear bench hits the pack of the front seats. 

Does the BMW 2 Series have a nice interior? 

Yes, the BMW 230i has an incredibly luxurious interior that feels strong and well-put together. Soft-touch surfaces, leather upholstery, ambient lighting, and accent stitching provide a high-quality sense of refinement. 

You can choose between tan, brown, and black leather. There are pops of silver that attract the eye. Plus, the metal pedals are a nice touch. It feels like a relaxing cockpit for daily commuting with the ability to provide a thrilling experience. 

The layout is well-planned and practical. Everything you need is easily within reach. The available sunroof provides fresh air and natural light. Plus, the front windshield is large with tons of visibility. 

It could be helpful for short drivers if the seat adjustments went a little higher to provide more sight over the hood. The rear visibility is limited, but large review mirrors and surround-view camera systems make up for the difference. 

How is the tech in the BMW 2 Series? 

The 2022 BMW 230i Coupe is well-equipped with modern tech. An 8.8-inch touchscreen comes standard, but you can upgrade to the 10.3-inch unit. The system could be a little more intuitive, but it’s relatively easy to learn. 

It provides vibrant, attractive graphics without any lag. The steering wheel controls are responsive, and the voice recognition system is pretty straightforward. There are multiple apps for personalization. 

With the M Sport package, you get a lap timer, but we didn’t get to use it. The digital gauge cluster provides crucial driver information, and you can check out charts that display your fuel usage. 

The head-up display can be customized to display different stats, including a sport gauge. You can easily adjust its position and colors. The wireless phone charging pad is in a convenient location. Plus, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. 

A 10-speaker audio system is standard, but you can upgrade to a 14-speaker 464-watt Harmon Kardon setup for a more immersive experience. The premium sound quality is very impressive, especially when it comes to covering road noise. 

Does the BMW 230i have enough cargo space? 

The 2022 BMW 230i has 13.8 cubic feet of cargo space in the trunk. The rear seats fold down to provide room for longer items. You can probably squeeze three carry-on-sized suitcases into the trunk. 

Then you can stack some duffle bags in the backseat. Storage for smaller items is a little lacking, but there is a storage tray in front of the center console. The center console is a bit shallow, and the glove box is tight. 

How safe is the 2022 BMW 230i? 

The 2022 BMW 2022 is an Insurance Institute of Highway (IIHS) Safety Top Pick, meaning it’s pretty protective. It earned a ‘Good’ rating in almost all of its simulated crash tests. That’s the highest score possible. 

While the structure, safety cage, and roof strength have high ratings, the BMW 230i did receive two ‘Acceptable’ scores for sections of the side impact test. This is like receiving a B instead of an A. 

The front crash prevention system earned a superior rating and avoided collisions at 12 and 25 mph. During the 37 mph impact test, speed was reduced by 33 mpg, and a warning was issued 1.9 seconds in advance. 

The child seat anchors received a perfect score. The tethers aren’t too deep in the seat and are easy to attach. 

Standard safety features include: 

• Forward collision warning 
• Automatic emergency braking 
• Lane departure warning 
• Lane-keeping assistance 
• Blind spot warning 
• Front and rear parking sensors 

The lane-keeping assistance provides a gentle vibration when you’re on the line. It’s subtle and not very intrusive. However, the forward collision warning system seemed a bit sensitive, with loud beeps if you got too close to the vehicle in front of you. 

How reliable is the BMW 230i? 

The 2022 BMW 2 Series has a reliability ranking of 83 out of 100 from J.D. Power, which is above average. A score between 91 and 100 is best, while 81 to 90 is great, and 70 to 80 is average. 

You can expect the BMW 230i to last between 200,000 to 250,000 with the proper care and maintenance. But some models are making it past 300,000 miles. If you drive an average of 15,000 miles yearly, then you can expect 13 to 17 years of service on the road. 

It costs about $922 to maintain the BMW 2 Series annually. It is a little more expensive than its rivals. The average yearly maintenance cost for coupes is about $652. 

The MotorBiscuit editors give the 222 BMW 230i a score of 8.3 out of 100 

The editors at MotroBiscuit award the 2022 BMW 230i Coupe with an overall score of 8.3 out of 100. While the BMW 2 Series is irresistible fast with responsive handling, it could have more direct steering. 

We found the front seats to be comfortable and energizing, but they can seem stiff after long drives. Also, the rear seat is too tight to accommodate adult passengers. The BMW 230i has a relatively smooth ride and a stiff suspension with noticeable road noise. 

The BMW 230i is affordable and doesn’t skimp on value with a well-crafted interior and tons of standard tech. We can’t wait to see how the 230i M Sport compares to the BMW M240i xDrive Coupe.