2016 BMW 2 Series
New for 2016
Changes for 2016 are limited to reshuffling of options and packages.
A Welcome Reminder
Among other things, BMW is famous for its slogan, “The Ultimate Driving Machine.” Once in a while, it builds something that reminds everyone why it deserves that moniker. The 2016 BMW 2 Series is one of those cars. A scrappy little two-door, it offers nimble rear-wheel drive handling, powerful yet efficient engines, and impeccable road manners. This is a true driver’s car.
Powertrains and Performance
The 2016 BMW 2 Series seeks to recapture the magic of the classic BMW 2002 and more recent models like the E30 3 Series and 1 Series. To do that, it combines a compact rear-wheel drive chassis and well-tuned suspension with powerful engines.
The 228i features a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, with 240 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque. It comes standard with rear-wheel drive and either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission, but BMW also offers xDrive all-wheel drive, albeit only with the automatic.
With rear-wheel drive, the 228i coupe will do 0 to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds with the manual transmission, and 6.0 seconds with the automatic. It also gets an EPA-rated 27 mpg combined (23 mpg city, 35 mpg highway) with the automatic,* and 26 mpg combined (23 mpg city, 34 mpg highway) with the manual.* The automatic-only 228i convertible does 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds, and gets 27 mpg combined (23 mpg city, 34 mpg highway).* All 2 Series models are limited to 130 mph, but that limit could be raised to 155 mph.
The all-wheel drive 228xi coupe does 0 to 60 mph with the mandatory automatic transmission, and fuel economy is unchanged from the rear-wheel drive automatic model. The convertible version does 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds, and gets 26 mpg combined (22 mpg combined, 34 mpg highway).*
BMW also offers an M235i in both coupe and convertible body styles, with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six and some performance modifications. The six-cylinder engine produces 320 hp and 330 lb-ft. Rear-wheel drive models are offered with either six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmissions and all-wheel drive is optional, but only with the eight-speed automatic and coupe body style.
As far as the coupes are concerned, the rear-wheel drive M235i will do 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds with the automatic transmission and 5.0 seconds with manual transmission. EPA-rated fuel economy is 24 mpg combined (30 mpg city, 31 mpg highway) with the automatic,* and 22 mpg combined (19 mpg city, 28 mpg highway) with the manual.* The all-wheel drive M235i xDrive does 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds, and gets 23 mpg combined (20 mpg city, 30 mpg highway).*
The convertible M235i does 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds with the automatic transmission and 5.0 seconds with the manual. It gets the same EPA-rated gas mileage as the M235i coupe with the automatic, while the manual model gets 22 mpg combined (19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway).*
Features and Trims
The 2016 BMW 2 Series is available as a two-door, four-seat coupe or convertible. It’s priced starting from $32,850.**
Standard features include 17-inch alloy wheels, halogen headlights and fog lights, 60/40 split-folding rear seats, pre-wiring for SiriusXM® satellite radio, HD Radio®, a three-spoke leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, iDrive system with 6.5-inch display screen, automatic climate control, rain-sensing wipers, and more.
Optional features include carbon-fiber trim, a harman/kardon® surround-sound system, power front seats, a moonroof, and Enhanced USB and Bluetooth® Plus Smartphone Integration. There are also several option packages, including a Cold Weather Package (retractable headlight washers, heated front seats and steering wheel), Lighting Package (adaptive Xenon headlights), Technology Package (navigation, real-time traffic information, BMW Online and BMW Apps), and M Sport and Luxury trim packages.
Design
The 2016 BMW 2 Series recreates the look of classic BMW coupes and convertibles. Its short wheelbase and tall greenhouse tie the 2 Series to the 2002 that helped create the BMW performance legend. The look is updated with a modernized version of BMW’s twin-kidney grille, halogen headlights, and plenty of smoothing and sculpting.
The interior is just as purposeful as the exterior. It’s tailor-made for drivers, with a thick-rimmed three-spoke steering wheel, easy-to-read gauges, and minimal clutter. A 60/40 split-folding rear seatback helps make the most of the cabin space by creating a pass-through to the trunk for longer items.
Safety
Standard safety equipment on the 2016 BMW 2 Series includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, front, front-side, and front knee airbags, and the BMW Advanced Safety System, which integrates deployment of passive and active safety features.
In addition to the standard features, the Driver Assistance Package adds Park Distance Control and a rearview camera, while Driver Assistance Plus adds Speed Limit Info, Active Driving Assistant, and automatic high beams.
Bottom Line
The 2016 BMW 2 Series is truly worthy of the title “Ultimate Driving Machine.” It's a driving purist's car -- one that will continue to please long after you've driven it off the lot.
Be sure to contact us online or visit us at BMW of Silver Spring to schedule a test drive.
*EPA-estimated figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on speed, driving habits, trip length, and driving conditions; actual mileage may be lower.
**MSRP excludes destination & handling fee of $995, tax, title, license, and registration.
Image: BMW