2019 BMW 2 Series Coupe

The 2 Series Coupe range starts with the rear-wheel-drive 230i at an MSRP of $35,300, excluding a destination and handling charge of $995. The price is also exclusive of tax, licensing registration, and incentives. Next is the 230i xDrive, fitted with BMW's all-wheel-drive system, and it costs $37,300. The M240i Coupe, with its more powerful six-cylinder engine, is $45,800 in RWD form and the M240i xDrive tops the range at $47,800.

The 2 Series Coupe is a joy to drive with a fast and highly responsive steering system being one of the dynamic highlights. While feedback isn't overly generous, the 2 Series is still involving enough to entertain, with the steering weighting up nicely as speeds rise. Eco Pro and Comfort modes endow the 2 Series with softened responses that make it ideal for everyday driving, while Sport and Sport Plus firm up the suspension appreciably when tackling a mountain pass. The stability control is thankfully not overly intrusive, allowing for just enough leeway to keep keener drivers on their toes when pushing the limits. The M240i also gets an Adaptive M Suspension as standard, further improving handling and agility.

Thankfully, the driver-focused 2 Series also offers a pliant, comfortable ride quality despite its keen handling. Most bumps and irregularities are sufficiently cushioned in Comfort mode, ensuring that the 2 Series doesn't become tiring after many hours behind the wheel. Further adding to the surprisingly good refinement levels is more than adequate sound insulation for the segment. Braking feel and consistency is excellent, and available M Sport brakes add even more bite and composure when executing an emergency stop, or when reining in the 2 Series from high speeds.

In an era where many BMW's have lost the driver-focused simplicity that was once the brand's hallmark, the 2 Series is a refreshingly simple sports coupe wrapped in a modern design. Rear-wheel-drive, an available manual transmission, a compact and reasonably lightweight body, and two exceptional engines ensure that this BMW is properly fun to drive. The 2 Series does many other things well, too: the cabin is well-made, it is a comfortable cruiser considering its dynamic potential, the infotainment system is one of the best in the class, and refinement is exceptional. Only a lack of some key standard features (Android Auto, heated seats, and navigation), cramped rear seats, and a rather humdrum interior design detract from its appeal. However, these flaws are easily forgotten once you get behind the wheel of BMW's smallest coupe, and rivals such as the Audi A3 and Mercedes-Benz A-Class simply don't offer the same level of driving engagement.

There isn't a bad option in the 2 Series range. If you can stretch to the M240i, this model's additional two cylinders and a power advantage just shy of 100 horsepower make it feel like a true performance car. It also looks sharper and is more suited to track use thanks to the standard M Sport package.

However, the 230i models also offer superb performance and at a saving of over $10,000. Adding the M Sport Package to the standard RWD 230i will still see you save $5,000 over the M240i. While the manual gearbox will please those who like to be fully involved in the action, the eight-speed automatic is a flawless transmission that rivals a dual-clutch for smoothness and responsiveness.

Although a sedan, the Audi A3 offers a similar level of brand cachet to the 2 Series Coupe. With its extra pair of doors, the A3 is naturally the more practical proposition, but it's the BMW that's the sleeker of the two designs. The Audi has the edge for perceived quality, but the BMW's infotainment system is the easier of the two to use. Dynamically, the BMW is the more involving driver's car, although Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system does offer rock-solid handling in a variety of conditions. At the top-end of each range, the A3 lacks a direct competitor to the much more powerful and soulful M240i. Between the two, enthusiasts would be better off opting for the 2 Series.

The TT is a closer style match for the 2 Series and looks squat and purposeful. However, it's also more expensive and less of an all-rounder: while the TT offers good performance, the base model is priced on par with the much more powerful M240i. The TT also suffers from extremely cramped rear seats and far less trunk space. It does, however, boast an exceptionally crafted interior and Audi's Virtual Cockpit is available, which makes the BMW's setup feel dated by comparison. If supreme style is what you're after, the TT may fit the bill - but the BMW does offer a wider spread of talents at a lower price, and rear-wheel-drive will make you feel like a hero when the conditions suit.