BMW 2 Series coupe - Interior & comfort (2014-2021)

The BMW 2 Series feels more grown-up than the 1 Series Coupe it replaced, which didn’t have the sturdy feel you might expect of a BMW. That newfound maturity is mainly thanks to a more relaxing interior, which is great for long motorway journeys. Noise suppression is excellent, particularly in the quiet petrol models, but while the diesels are hushed at a cruise, they can sound harsh when you’re accelerating.

The standard suspension focuses on comfort, while the firmer M Sport springs reduce body lean in corners. The Adaptive M Sport suspension system allows you to choose between sporty handling or a comfortable ride. Models fitted with the basic M Sport suspension can have it replaced with the standard (more comfortable) setup at no extra cost.

BMW 2 Series dashboard

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BMW’s classic driver-focused dashboard design is on show in the 2 Series. Along with a sporty steering wheel in M Sport models, it gives the car a racy feel. It does, however, lack the low seating position and tall transmission tunnel of a Porsche Cayman. Plastic quality inside is excellent and you can add some visual zing by specifying a variety of bright trims.

Although it’s logically designed inside, the BMW lacks the nice touches you get in the Audi TT, such as individual heater controls on its turbine-style vents. The 2017 facelift has brought some improved tech, including new digital dashboard dials and BMW ConnectedDrive, which includes a wi-fi hotspot and real-time traffic updates.

Equipment

Cloth seats are standard on SE and Sport trim, with M Sport versions getting cloth and suede-like Alcantara fabric. Upgrading to leather costs £1,200 in an SE and Sport or £800 in an M Sport version. Sport models also get more eye-catching alloy wheels and splashes of dark chrome on the exterior, while inside, there’s a sports steering wheel and sports seats.

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M Sport models look even more imposing thanks to their 18-inch wheels and they get sporty touches inside, too. The M240i sits at the top of the tree and looks the fastest of all thanks to its unique 18-inch alloy wheels and more aggressive bodykit. It also comes with variable steering – which requires fewer turns lock-to-lock at low speeds – and leather upholstery. Every model of 2 Series – indeed, every BMW – has satellite navigation as standard, while the 2017 facelift sees all 2 Series fitted with LED headlights as standard.

Every 2 Series also comes with ‘remote services’, allowing you to check its fuel level from a smartphone app, and even flash its headlights, operate its ventilation and lock or unlock the doors.

Options

BMW offers a huge number of options for the 2 Series – many of which are desirable. Standout features include the eight-speed automatic gearbox and adaptive M Sport suspension. BMW also offers several option packs, including a Media package, with an upgrade sat nav, online entertainment and a dark finish for the instrument display, adding to its upmarket appearance. There are also comfort packs, adding features like heated seats and two-zone climate control, plus appearance packs for the M Sport and M240i versions.