Archived model-year dossier
2021 BMW 2 Series
The 2021 BMW 2 Series makes minimal changes, with the new front-wheel-drive 228i Gran Coupe adding a 228-horsepower turbo four, and a redesigned generation is expected for 2022. NHTSA lists four recalls and 9 complaints. EPA rates it 24 to 28 mpg combined, and used ones start at $19,850 per Kelley Blue Book.
Configurations7
Model/option labels6
Combined efficiency24–28 MPG/MPGe
Electric rangeNot listed
Decision answers5
What changed on the 2021 BMW 2 Series
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) says BMW has made only minimal changes to the 2 Series lineup for 2021 and expects a thoroughly redesigned generation for the 2022 model year. Carvana (opens in a new tab) says the 2021 model is meaningfully different mainly for the new front-wheel-drive 228i Gran Coupe, a 228-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, or the added standard technology.
BMW (opens in a new tab) previewed the next two-door Coupe with rear-wheel drive and a 382-hp 3.0-liter inline-six. Kelley Blue Book (opens in a new tab) lists ratings of 21/30 to 23/33 mpg and puts the cheapest used 2021 2 Series, the 230i xDrive Coupe, at a Fair Purchase Price of $19,850.
Recalls and problems owners report
NHTSA lists four recall campaigns for the 2021 2 Series. 21V554000 and 23V584000 cover seat belt issues, 21V091000 covers a power window that may not stop when closing automatically, and 21V342000 covers roof liner supports that may be insecurely attached on the 230i and M240i.
Owners have filed 9 complaints: electrical system, exterior lighting and service brakes with 2 each, and power train, lane departure and engine with 1 each. Consumer Reports (opens in a new tab) keeps a reliability page for the year.
2021 2 Series against the CLA and MINI Cooper
EPA rates the 2021 2 Series at 24 to 28 mpg combined and $2,750 to $3,250 a year in fuel. The Mercedes-Benz CLA lists 23 to 29 at $2,650 to $3,350 and the MINI Cooper 26 to 108 including its electric version. The 2 Series matches the CLA.
Trim-by-trim specifications
The 2021 BMW 2 Series: 3 trims compared.
Kelley Blue Book specifications, one row per trim.
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drive | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | 0–60 mph | Top speed | EPA city / hwy / comb | Seats | Basic warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 228i xDrive Gran Coupe | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | Automatic, 8-Spd Steptronic w/Sport & Manual Modes | AWD | 228 | 258 | 6 s | 130 mph | 23 / 33 / 27 mpg | 4 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| 228i Gran Coupe | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | Automatic, 8-Spd Steptronic w/Sport & Manual Modes | FWD | 228 | 258 | 6.3 s | 130 mph | 24 / 33 / 28 mpg | 4 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| M235i xDrive Gran Coupe | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | Automatic, 8-Spd Sport w/Sport & Manual Modes | AWD | 301 | 331 | 4.7 s | 130 mph | 23 / 32 / 26 mpg | 4 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| Trim | Curb weight | Length | Height | Wheelbase | Fuel tank | Front headroom | Front legroom | Tires |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 228i xDrive Gran Coupe | 3,534 lb | 178.5 in | 55.9 in | 105.1 in | 13.2 gal | 38.2 in | 41.4 in | P235/35R19 |
| 228i Gran Coupe | 3,393 lb | 178.5 in | 55.9 in | 105.1 in | 13.2 gal | 39.8 in | 41.4 in | P235/35R19 |
| M235i xDrive Gran Coupe | 3,605 lb | 178.5 in | 55.9 in | 105.1 in | 13.2 gal | 38.2 in | 41.4 in | P235/35R19 |
Equipment by trim
Which 2021 BMW 2 Series trim has what.
Std is standard, Opt is optional, a dash means Kelley Blue Book lists it as not available.
| Equipment | 228i xDrive Gran Coupe | 228i Gran Coupe | M235i xDrive Gran Coupe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | |||
| Adaptive headlights | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Anti-theft alarm | Std | Std | Std |
| Blind-spot alert | Std | Std | Std |
| Child door locks | Std | Std | Std |
| Child-seat anchors | Std | Std | Std |
| Forward collision warning | Std | Std | Std |
| Rearview camera | Std | Std | Std |
| Front and rear parking sensors | Std | Std | Std |
| Rear parking sensors | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Electronic stability control | Std | Std | Std |
| Traction control | Std | Std | Std |
| Technology | |||
| Bluetooth audio streaming | Std | Std | Std |
| Bluetooth | Std | Std | Std |
| Hands-free calling | Std | Std | Std |
| Built-in internet access | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Navigation system | Std | Std | Std |
| Premium audio system | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Real-time traffic information | Std | Std | Std |
| Satellite radio | Std | Std | Std |
| Apple CarPlay or Android Auto | Std | Std | Std |
| Steering-wheel audio controls | Std | Std | Std |
| Voice recognition | Std | Std | Std |
| Emergency and security services | Std | Std | Std |
| Comfort | |||
| Heated front seats | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Heated steering wheel | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Heated mirrors | Std | Std | Std |
| Power front seats for driver and passenger | Std | Std | Std |
| Power driver's seat | Std | Std | Std |
| Leather seats | Opt | Opt | Std |
| Leather-wrapped steering wheel | Std | Std | Std |
| Panoramic moonroof | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Tilt steering wheel | Std | Std | Std |
| Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel | Std | Std | Std |
| Folding rear seat | Std | Std | Std |
| Exterior and convenience | |||
| Alloy wheels | Std | Std | Std |
| Rear spoiler | Opt | Opt | Std |
| Power-folding mirrors | Std | Std | Std |
| Power liftgate or trunk | Std | Std | Std |
| 12-volt power outlet | Std | Std | Std |
| Power windows | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote keyless entry | Opt | Opt | Std |
| Remote engine start | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Proximity keyless entry | Opt | Opt | Std |
| Push-button start | Std | Std | Std |
| Cruise control | Std | Std | Std |
| Integrated garage-door opener | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Rear-window defroster | Std | Std | Std |
| Rain-sensing wipers | Std | Std | Std |
| Limited-slip differential | – | – | Std |
Complete certification table
7 configuration records.
| EPA ID / label | Engine / technology | Drive / transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 43561228i Gran Coupe | 2L 4-cyl SIDIConventional | Front-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8) | Premium | 24 | 33 | 28 | N/A |
| 42818228i xDrive Gran Coupe | 2L 4-cyl SIDIConventional | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8) | Premium | 23 | 33 | 27 | N/A |
| 42918230i Convertible | 2L 4-cyl SIDIConventional | Rear-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8) | Premium | 23 | 33 | 27 | N/A |
| 42874230i Coupe | 2L 4-cyl SIDIConventional | Rear-Wheel DriveManual 6-spd | Premium | 21 | 32 | 25 | N/A |
| 42995230i Coupe | 2L 4-cyl SIDIConventional | Rear-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8) | Premium | 25 | 32 | 28 | N/A |
| 43609230i xDrive Convertible | 2L 4-cyl SIDIConventional | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8) | Premium | 21 | 30 | 24 | N/A |
| 42817230i xDrive Coupe | 2L 4-cyl SIDIConventional | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8) | Premium | 21 | 30 | 24 | N/A |
Model-specific answer center
5 answers for this exact family-year.
Q01What changed on the 2021 BMW 2 Series versus the 2020 BMW 2 Series?
Model year
Against the 2020 BMW 2 Series: Model/option labels added: 228i Gran Coupe. Model/option labels no longer listed: M235i xDrive. Drive designations added: Front-Wheel Drive. Midpoint combined efficiency moved from 25.5 to 26.0 MPG/MPGe.
Source: FuelEconomy.gov certification records for both model years
Q02How quickly does the 2021 BMW 2 Series accelerate from 0 to 60 mph?
Performance
The 2021 BMW 2 Series's 0-60 mph time is 4.7 seconds on the M235i xDrive Gran Coupe, 6 seconds on the 228i xDrive Gran Coupe and 6.3 seconds on the 228i Gran Coupe. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q03How do the 2021 BMW 2 Series trims differ from one another?
Trims
The 228i Gran Coupe has FWD instead of AWD over the 228i xDrive Gran Coupe. The M235i xDrive Gran Coupe has 301 hp against 228 and AWD instead of FWD and leather seats, a limited-slip differential, proximity keyless entry and 2 more as standard equipment over the 228i Gran Coupe.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q04What is the 2021 BMW 2 Series's top speed?
Performance
The 2021 BMW 2 Series's top speed is 130 mph on every trim. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications. The 2020 model year has the same figure.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q05What size wheels does the 2021 BMW 2 Series have?
Wheels and tires
The 2021 BMW 2 Series's wheel diameter is 19 inches on every trim. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications. The 2020 model year has the same figure.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Live NHTSA evidence
Current federal safety records for 2021 BMW 2 Series.
Exact-vehicle evidence desk
Check the exact vehicle, not just the model name.
Recalls, build data and service applicability are determined at VIN level, not by model name.
01 · NHTSASafety ratings, recalls, complaints and manufacturer communicationsExact model-year search → (opens in a new tab)02 · NHTSACheck open safety recalls by 17-character VINOfficial VIN remedy status → (opens in a new tab)03 · vPICDecode manufacturer-submitted vehicle attributesInternal VIN tool →04 · EPAQuery another year, make, model and option1984–current browser →
FuelEconomy.gov data source (opens in a new tab) · Methodology
Other model years
Compare the BMW 2 Series across model years.
Ownership desk
Problems and maintenance decisions worth checking next.
Seasonal and storageVehicle suspected of a lightning strikeStop driving →Warning lightsAirbag or SRS warning lightSoon →Starting and chargingEngine starts and immediately diesDepends →Engine and coolingEngine loses power during accelerationSoon →Transmission and drivetrainWhine or howl from a differentialSoon →Brakes, tires and steeringWhy tire pressure drops in cold weatherRoutine →