The Cheapest BMW Sports Cars Make Daily Driving Fun
Cheap speed is becoming rarer by the day, but there are a few sneaky models in the BMW lineup that still provide plenty of fun for the money. These four cheapest BMW sports cars aren’t just fun, they’re comfortable too. Choose your favorite and enjoy a summer of exciting drives for less than $55,000.
1. BMW 230i Coupe is the cheapest BMW sports car
At just $38,200, the BMW 230i coupe is the cheapest BMW sports car in 2023. Of course, without an M badge and up to 35 mpg, it may be hard to see how, exactly, the base 2 Series coupe is a true sports car. Hear us out.
The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-banger delivers 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque in a car that weighs just 3,500 pounds. That’s fairly light for a new car in 2023, and it allows the 230i to sprint from zero to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds. That’s just a shade off of the newest Golf GTI, and two-tenths quicker than the Mazda MX-5 Miata according to Car and Driver.
Even better, the 230i is a rear-wheel drive coupe. That is, as everyone knows, the true sports car formula. And unlike the Miata, the BMW offers a comfortable cabin and the tech you want for daily driving as well as weekend hooning.
2. BMW M240i
If you like the idea of the 230i but you’re chasing a bit more punch, the M240i may be the next-best option. Keep in mind, though, that it’s an extra $10,000 over the base 2 Series coupe. If you’re willing to spend the scratch, you’ll get a BMW TwinPower turbo inline-6 developing 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The M240i also comes with the impressive ZF8 automatic transmission for lightning-quick shifts and a zero-to-60 mph sprint in just four seconds.
3. BMW 430i M Sport
While the base BMW 430i is too soft to feel like a true sports car, tacking on the M Sport package delivers the goods. It’s the same 2.0-liter turbo as the base 2 Series model above, but the M Sport package delivers more responsive handling despite the added weight of the longer 4 Series shell. It does have the pig-snout nose, though. We completely understand if that’s a dealbreaker.
Still, the 430i M Sport will get to 60 mph in the same 5.5 seconds as the 230i, but it has more interior and cargo space that may make big summer road trips an easier task. It’s more of a grand tourer than a true sports car, but its blend of affordability and performance earns the 4 Seris a place on this list.
4. BMW Z4 sDrive30i
Only available as a convertible, the 2023 BMW Z4 may not appeal to everyone. But at just under $53,000 with rear-wheel drive and BMW’s 2.0-liter turbo, it’s worth a second look. As a two-door roadster, it’s lighter than other models carrying the same kit. As a result, it’s three-tenths quicker to 60 mph than either the 230i or 4 Series coupe.
BMWs cheapest sports cars are fun, but cheap is relative
Aside from the 230i, most of BMWs cheapest sports cars aren’t exactly cheap. Still, if you’re a fan of the Bavarian brand and are looking for a new car that keeps The Ultimate Driving Machine dream alive, these are the four most affordable ways to buy in.
