2018 BMW 2-Series Pros vs Cons

Despite the fact that it is halfway through its current generation, BMW's 2-Series remains a popular contender in the entry-level luxury sport category. The 2018 BMW 2-Series includes a lot of the same features found on the higher-end luxury vehicles BMW put out for this model year. While it suffers from the typical tiny backseat that you find in this segment, this year's 2-Series has a lot of high-tech features to offer, along with a surprising amount of power.

What's New for 2018?

The 2018 BMW 2-Series remains relatively unchanged from the previous year's model lineup. The only significant difference is this year's upgrades that were made to the vehicle's instrument panel.

Ten Reasons You May Like the 2018 BMW 2-Series – The Pros

1. Powerful, Fuel-Efficient Engines

When you choose between the coupe (230i) or convertible (M240i), you will get either the coupe's 2.0-L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine or the convertible's 3.0-L inline 6-cylinder engine. The 2.0-L engine generates a generous 248 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque while the 3.0-L gets 355 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. Either way, you're getting a strong engine. The vehicle's 8-speed automatic transmission is paired with a standard rear-wheel drive. However, AWD is available as an option and makes the vehicle feel better-suited for rough climates. A 6-speed manual transmission is available on most rear-wheel drive vehicles. Both engines sip very generously on the gas and produce better-than-average fuel economies for this class.

2. Swift Acceleration

The high-powered engines both generate swift acceleration for the 2018 BMW 2-Series. The 2.0-L engine is able to get from 0 to 60 mph in just a matter of a few seconds. Overall, it will be difficult to find a quicker vehicle in this segment.

3. The Optional M Sport Brakes

The optional M Sport brakes add an extra sense of security to the vehicle. When equipped with sticky summer tires, the 2-Series can come to an emergency stop from 60 mph in just 111 feet, which is quite remarkable for this class. Braking is predictable, and the firm pedal instills confidence.

4. Effortless Steering and Handling

Steering and handling on the 2018 BMW 2-Series are both smooth and responsive. The vehicle handles sharp turns with elegance, and you won't feel much body roll in this sporty little vehicle. Sport Plus mode adds more stiffness to the suspension and amps up the vehicle's stability control, making for one fun ride.

5. Makes a Great Everyday Driver

While this is a sports vehicle, the 2-Series doubles over well as an everyday driver. It easily navigates along busy city roads and can make it into tight parking spaces without a hassle. You can soften up the suspension in Eco Pro or Comfort mode to optimize the 2-Series' performance in the city.

6. Maximum Seat Comfort

Front and rear seats are quite comfortable. The front power side bolsters are a nice touch, and the front seats are highly adjustable. Drivers shouldn't have a problem finding a good driving position. The ride itself is also pretty smooth and comfortable, even when you switch it over to Sport mode.

7. A Quiet Ride

There is virtually no intrusion from wind or road noise, and the car's engine purrs like a kitten. Also, the suspension is so finely-tuned that you won't experience much in the way of bumps and dips in the road.

8. Great Visibility

Despite its thick roof pillars, the 2018 BMW 2-Series offers a decent amount of rear visibility. Front and side visibility are excellent, and the rearview camera is a huge assist when it comes to backing up.

9. High-Quality Construction

BMW is known for crafting its vehicles with only the highest quality of materials available, and the 2-Series is no exception. Just one peek inside the cabin, and you will see that everything looks refined. The upholstery looks durable and well-sewn, the aluminum trim really pops out from the black paneling, and the center stack looks well-organized.

10. Plenty of Storage

There is a surprising amount of storage space in the 2-Series. The trunk is larger than what you will find on most competitors, allowing you to easily store bulky items. Also, there are plenty of small storage spaces to be found throughout the cabin.

Reasons You May Not Like the 2018 BMW 2-Series – The Cons

1. Tiny Rear Seat

Most vehicles in this segment suffer the same fate, but the 2-Series has it particularly bad. The rear seat is absolutely tiny and can only fit small children. Even fitting a large breed of dog in the rear might prove difficult.

2. Difficulty Getting In and Out of the Rear

While the driver and front passenger should have no problem getting in and out of the vehicle, those in the rear will have to be careful not to bonk their heads. Getting out of the back seats is a little bit complicated if you are over 6 feet tall.

3. The Head-Up Touchscreen Display

The head-up infotainment touchscreen display isn't a total deal-breaker, especially since it is pretty large. However, its position feels slightly awkward, depending on where you are sitting in the vehicle.

How it stacks up to the competition:

2018 BMW 2-Series vs. 2018 Audi A3

The 2018 Audi A3 is also cursed with a tiny back seat. It doesn't offer generous cargo space, but it more than makes up for these flaws with its strong turbocharged engine, regal-looking interior, and Audi Virtual Cockpit. It also maintains a sporty vibe while still being a good everyday driver.

2018 BMW 2-Series vs. 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is one of the most popular vehicles in the segment this year based on its name brand alone. While it has a lot of standard features and handles steep inclines well, it struggles to match the 2-Series in terms of acceleration and power. Also, the CLA-Class gives a ride that is too stiff for most people (especially those in the cramped rear seats) to enjoy.

Conclusion

There isn't much to dislike about the 2018 BMW 2-Series. In fact, it's well worth its price tag and outperforms several big competitors. Its generous trunk space should be attractive, as it bests most of the competition. Whichever powertrain you go with, you're going to get a lot of oomph from this vehicle, whether you're zooming along on the highway or carefully winding your way through crowded city streets.