DecodedCars2021 BMW 2 Series
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Body styles
- 228i Xdrive Gran Coupe, 230i 2dr Coupe RWD, 230i Xdrive 2dr Cabriolet, 230i Xdrive 2dr Coupe
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 28 combined · 25 city / 33 hwy
- Length
- 174.4–178 in
- Curb weight
- 3,541–3,986 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 28 MPG combined — 20% better than the average 2021 subcompact car (23.4 MPG).
- AWD / 4WD available
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 20 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 BMW 2 Series is a subcompact car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine and rear-wheel drive, front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 178 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 105-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,541 lb (228i Xdrive Gran Coupe).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 28 MPG combined (25 city / 33 highway), 20% better than the 2021 subcompact car average of 23.4 MPG, for an estimated $2,950 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
What changed for 2021
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 2 Series — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 2 Series →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 228i Xdrive Gran Coupe | 178 in | 70.9 in | 55.9 in | 105.1 in | 61.8 / 61.8 in | 3,541 lb | 59/41 |
| 230i 2dr Coupe RWD | 174.4 in | 69.7 in | 55.9 in | 105.5 in | 59.8 / 61.4 in | 3,545 lb | 50/50 |
| 230i Xdrive 2dr Cabriolet | 174.4 in | 69.7 in | 55.5 in | 105.9 in | 59.8 / 61.4 in | 3,986 lb | 50/50 |
| 230i Xdrive 2dr Coupe | 174.4 in | 69.7 in | 55.9 in | 105.5 in | 59.8 / 61.4 in | 3,715 lb | 52/48 |
| M235i Xdrive Gran Coupe | 178 in | 70.9 in | 55.9 in | 105.1 in | 61.8 / 61.8 in | 3,613 lb | 58/42 |
| M240i 2dr Cabriolet RWD | 174.4 in | 69.7 in | 55.5 in | 105.9 in | 59.8 / 60.2 in | 3,953 lb | 50/50 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 230i Coupe | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 25 / 32 / 28 | +20% | $2,950 | 321 |
| 228i Gran Coupe | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 33 / 28 | +2% | $2,950 | 319 |
| 228i xDrive Gran Coupe | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 23 / 33 / 27 | -2% | $3,050 | 332 |
| 230i Convertible | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 23 / 33 / 27 | +15% | $3,050 | 333 |
| 230i Coupe | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 / 32 / 25 | +7% | $3,300 | 356 |
| 230i xDrive Coupe | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 30 / 24 | +3% | $3,400 | 366 |
| 230i xDrive Convertible | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 30 / 24 | +3% | $3,400 | 366 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2021 BMW 2 Series.
Similar 2021 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 BMW 2 Series (this car) | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 BMW 3 Series | 30 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2021 Lexus IS | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Audi A4 | 28 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2021 Tesla Model 3 | 353 mi | ★★★★★ | 22 |
| 2021 Audi A5 | 28 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class | 29 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2021 BMW 2 Series.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2021 BMW 2 Series is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2021 BMW 2 Series in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2021 BMW 2 Series buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 BMW 2 Series. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other 2 Series years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 2 Series | 31 | 179.1 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 2 Series | 31 | 179.1 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 2 Series | 30 | 178 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 2 Series | 30 | 178 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 2 Series | 29 | 178.7 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 2 Series | 29 | 178 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 2 Series | 27 | 178 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 2 Series | 28 | 174.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 2 Series | 28 | 174.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 2 Series | 28 | 174.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 2 Series | 27 | 174.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 2 Series | 27 | 174.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or BMW. How we calculate this →