2019 BMW 2-Series Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

BMW is known for great engineering, quality and luxury. They make vehicles that offer a smooth, comfortable ride and excellent driving dynamics. The 2019 BMW 2-Series continues this trend and gives you everything you would expect from a BMW. BMW models have a tendency to get larger with each generation. The 2-Series is an exception here and has a body style and size more akin to the smaller BMWs of the past. You can get a 2019 BMW 2-Series as a 2-door coupe or as a convertible.

The BMW 2-Series comes equipped with one of two different engine choices. These high-performance engines really set this vehicle apart from the competition. The base engine is an inline four-cylinder model that produces 248 horsepower. This power-plant has 16 valves and a displacement of 2.0 liters. It's also equipped with a turbocharger. The second choice is that of a 3.0-liter engine with six cylinders and 24 valves. This engine gets a turbocharger as well. This upgraded model gives you 335 horsepower and 369 pounds-feet of torque.

Both engine choices provide good fuel efficiency. The 2.0-liter engine will get you up to 24 miles-per-gallon while driving around town and 35 miles-per-gallon on highways. The 3.0-liter engine is rated at around 24 miles-per-gallon for combined driving. The two engines come equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission system. You can even manually shift through the gears if you need to. The 2-Series comes in rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations.

All of the power and torque from either engine makes for some brisk acceleration. BMW has prioritized giving the Series-2 a sporty performance. Braking and handling are outstanding here as well. This car has a small turning radius of about 35.8 feet. It also has a near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution. It's easy to maneuver around traffic and in and out of parking spaces. Steering is firm and accurate with adequate feedback from the road. You can takes sharp bends with ease in this vehicle. BMW has equipped the 2-Series with a sporty suspension system to round things out. Best of all, this suspension doesn't mitigate the smooth and comfortable ride quality of the car.

The 2019 BMW 2-Series comes in two major configurations and four different trim levels. There are coupe and convertible body styles. You can also choose a fine-tuned coupe model for even better performance. The trim levels are called 230i, 230i xDrive, M240i and M240i xDrive. With most vehicle manufacturers, the trim levels designate which features you will get. With BMW, the trims have a lot more to do with the engine and powertrain choices. We will take a close look at every configuration and trim level that the 2019 BMW 2-Series has to offer and what makes them different.

Compare the 2019 BMW 2-Series 230i vs 230i xDrive Trims. What is the difference?

The 230i and 230i xDrive trims come with the exact same exterior, interior and safety features. All of the comfort, luxury and convenience features are identical. The only difference here is that the 230i is a front-wheel drive vehicle and the 230i xDrive offers all-wheel drive. The 230i xDrive will have slightly better acceleration thanks to that all-wheel drive. It also has slightly improved handling and much better traction. The 230i xDrive is a far superior performer on slick roads, making it a great vehicle for any weather conditions.

When it comes to safety, BMW has equipped all models with a ton of standard features in this category. Daytime running lights are standard for all models. You also get front- and side-mounted airbags for the driver and front passenger. There are additional front and rear head airbags as well. Traction and stability control keep the vehicle stable with power getting to the right wheels to prevent skidding or getting stuck. A tire-pressure monitor makes sure you always have the tires inflated to a safe level.

All models of the 2-Series get a lane-departure warning system. You also get BMWs post-collision safety system and emergency braking. The exterior mirrors have integrated turn signals for better visibility to the other drivers around you. You get automatic headlights that can even sense when it's dusk. Front fog lights help to increase your visibility in bad weather. You even get protection from theft with an alarm system and an engine immobilizer. The immobilizer will shut down the BMW 2-Series if someone drives off in it without your permission.

Both of these trims share the same entertainment system. You get a 205 watt Harmon Kardon stereo with AM/FM radio. The 2-Series comes equipped with seven speakers placed strategically throughout the interior. USB ports allow for connectivity to your smart devices. You also get an auxiliary port to connect an MP3 player or other devices to. The system is also equipped with speed-sensitive volume control. A navigation system is standard for all trims.

The front seats on every trim level are 10-way power-adjustable models. The 230i and 230i xDrive have power-adjustable lumbar support and leatherette upholstery. Rear ducts bring ventilation to the back seats which also feature a fold-down option for more storage space. You get climate control, keyless ignition and a rear-view camera in these two trims as well. Included are typical features such as power windows, power locks and cruise control. The steering wheel is wrapped in fine leather for these two trims. Power steering is standard for every trim.

Every trim level of the 2-Series gives you plenty of small-item storage options. There are cup holders up front. There are storage pockets on the back of the front seats. You get a number of pockets and small cubbyholes throughout the interior. You also get dual vanity mirrors up front. Interior air filtration keeps you breathing clean, fresh air whether you're using the A/C, heat or nothing at all. Transmission shifters, audio controls and climate controls are all conveniently located right on the steering wheel.

The exterior mirrors are heated for quick defrosting and better visibility in all weather. Both of these trims come with 18-inch Ferric Grey Alloy Wheels. You can select from sports tires, performance run-flat tires or all-season models. Every trim level gives you around 13.8 cubic-feet of storage space in the trunk. The coupe versions of these two trims come with a moon roof.

Compare the 2019 2-Series 230i xDrive vs M240i Trims. What is the difference?

The major difference in these two trims is that the M240i gets you the more powerful six-cylinder engine. You immediately get more power and torque and faster acceleration. The six-cylinder cranks out 335 horses compared to the 248 from the 230i xDrive's four-cylinder. Other than this difference, most of the remaining features are the same.

On the outside of the 2-Series, the M240i adds on adaptive headlights with a self-leveling feature. The wheels for the M240i are different too. This time around you get 18-inch double-spoke wheels. You can also opt for upgraded tires that are both all-weather performers and runflat tires rolled into one. The previous trim makes you choose from tire sets that offer one feature or the other.

On the inside of the 2-Series, the M240i adds better lumbar support with more adjustment options. You now get illuminated vanity mirrors and an electrochromatic rear-view mirror. The audio system remains the same, but the M240i also comes with satellite radio with a 12 month free trial. All of the safety and security features are the same for these two trim levels.

Compare the 2-Series M240i vs M240i xDrive Trims. What is the difference?

The difference between the M240i and the M240i xDrive is the same as that of the 230i and 230i xDrive. These two trims are identical except for the fact that the M240i xDrive gives you all-wheel drive. Once again, you'll get better traction, better acceleration, improved handling and a superior driving experience in slick weather conditions. The exterior and interior features are the same. Both models come equipped with all of the previously mentioned safety and security features.

2019 BMW 2-Series M2 Competition. What is it?

If the already athletic power and performance of the standard 2-Series models isn't enough for you, BMW also offers the M2 Competition model. This version of the 2-Series comes outfitted with the same six-cylinder engine as before, but it now comes equipped with dual turbochargers. The horsepower gets increased up to 405 and it redlines at around 7,600 rpms. This model gets paired with a six-speed manual transmission.

The base engine of the standard models is quick. It can get you from 0 to 60 miles-per-hour in just 5.6 seconds. Moving up to the six-cylinder gets you to 60 miles-per-hour in just 4.4 seconds. The M2 Competition shaves this time down to an astounding 4.2 seconds. With each engine choice, you'll see slightly better acceleration times with an all-wheel drive model.

The M2 Competition sounds like it's ready for the racetrack thanks to the dual-exhaust system. It has a powerful exhaust note that is sure to please performance-vehicle fans. Electronically controlled flaps help to regulate airflow for better efficiency and performance. The steering and handling dynamics get a tweak here as well. The suspension is also upgraded with some additional performance parts. BMW even adds in some lightweight sports seats for the driver and front passenger.

Final Thoughts

BMWs are not known as economical vehicles. They're not cheap due to the high level of quality and fine engineering. The fit and finish on the inside and level of luxury appointments are outstanding. Every BMW is a luxury vehicle first and foremost. With that said, the 2-Series offers something different in that it's a luxury coupe with sports-car performance. It's also one of the most affordable cars that BMW offers. There is also not a massive jump in price between the different trim levels.

Whether you need a coupe or a convertible is really up to you and the climate you live in. The M2 Competition is a fine option for performance-vehicle fans, but most drivers will be just fine with the standard six-cylinder engine. There isn't a lot of difference in standard features between the four different trim levels. For this reason, the M240i xDrive will probably be the best value for most buyers. You get the best engine choice and all-wheel drive for this model. You also get the best safety, comfort and convenience features that BMW has to offer.