2022 BMW 2 Series 230i Features, Specs and Pricing: A Comprehensive Review

The 2022 BMW 2 Series 230i is a compact luxury sports coupe that offers a blend of performance, style, and technology. This comprehensive review will explore its features, specifications, and pricing to help potential buyers make an informed decision.

Key Features and Performance

The 2022 BMW 230i is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque[1]. This powerplant is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering power to the rear wheels. The combination results in positive impressive performance figures:

• 0-60 mph acceleration: 5.1 seconds[5]
• Quarter-mile time: 13.7 seconds at 101 mph[5]
• Top speed: 155 mph (with optional high-performance tires)[4]

The 230i’s chassis is tuned for agile handling, with a positive near 50/50 weight distribution (50.4% front, 49.6% rear)[5]. This balance, combined with a sophisticated suspension setup, provides excellent cornering capabilities and a engaging driving experience.

“The 230i that we tested has more than enough power to make the most of the excellent cornering ability, too, by giving you oomph out of the bend.”[3]

Interior and Technology

The interior of the 2022 BMW 230i reflects the brand’s commitment to luxury and technology. Key features include:

• SensaTec faux leather upholstery (standard)
• 10-way power-adjustable front seats
• 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with iDrive 7
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
• Three-zone automatic climate control
• Optional 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• Available head-up display

The positive iDrive 7 interface is generally user-friendly, although some users may prefer to rely on CarPlay or Android Auto for navigation and media control[6].

While the 230i is a compact coupe, it offers reasonable space for front passengers. The rear seats, however, are best suited for occasional use or shorter trips:

“Speaking of rear passengers, there is some room at the back for them. According to BMW, there’s a little more room in the back for 2022, but frankly, this car still isn’t built to carry more than two people long distances.”[6]

Exterior Design and Dimensions

The 2022 BMW 230i features a restrained yet sporty design that sets it apart from some of the more aggressively styled models in BMW’s lineup. Notable exterior features include:

• Long hood and short deck proportions
• Compact kidney grille with active air flaps
• LED headlights (adaptive LEDs optional)
• 18-inch alloy wheels (19-inch wheels available)
• Optional M Sport package with aerodynamic body kit

Dimensions of the 2022 BMW 230i:

• Length: 179.0 inches
• Width: 72.4 inches
• Height: 54.8 inches
• Wheelbase: 107.9 inches

These dimensions make the 230i slightly larger than its predecessor but still compact enough for easy maneuverability in urban environments[1].

Fuel Economy and Efficiency

Despite its sporty nature, the 2022 BMW 230i offers impressive fuel economy figures:

• EPA-rated fuel economy: 26 mpg city / 35 mpg highway / 29 mpg combined[1]
• Real-world highway fuel economy test: 38 mpg[5]

These figures make the 230i an efficient choice for a sports coupe, balancing performance with reasonable running costs.

“Even repeated stops from 100 mph elicited consistent results and more than 1.0 g of deceleration…. Since this is a BMW, all manner of options are available, but the 230i works best with minimal adornment—no need to kill that throwback vibe with the color head-up display and Tacora red leather. The standard SensaTec faux leather is believable enough, and if you’re careful with the options, you might build a 230i that costs less than a Toyota Supra 2.0, which uses the same powertrain. Perhaps those two machines don’t seem like natural competitors, but the 230i delivers near-Supra performance along with a back seat and less extroverted styling. It even returned 38 mpg on our highway fuel-economy test.”[5]

Safety Features and Ratings

The 2022 BMW 230i comes equipped with a range of standard and optional safety features:

• Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking
• Lane departure warning
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Optional adaptive cruise control
• Available blind-spot monitoring
• Optional 360-degree camera system

However, it’s important to note that the 2022 BMW 2 Series received a somewhat disappointing four-star rating out of five in Euro NCAP safety tests[3]. The breakdown of the safety scores is as follows:

• Adult Occupant Protection: 82%
• Child Occupant Protection: 81%
• Vulnerable Road User Protection: 67%
• Safety Assist Systems: 64%

While these scores are not alarming, they do indicate room for improvement in certain areas, particularly in pedestrian protection and safety assist systems.

Pricing and Trim Levels

The 2022 BMW 230i is available in a single trim level, with a starting MSRP of $37,345[1]. However, BMW offers a wide range of optional packages and standalone features that can significantly increase the price. Some popular options include:

• M Sport Package: $3,250
• Dynamic Handling Package: $1,900
• Premium Package: $1,950
• Harman Kardon Sound System: $875
• Leather upholstery: $1,450

A fully loaded 230i can easily approach or exceed $50,000, so careful consideration of options is recommended to balance desired features with budget constraints.

Driving Experience and Handling

The 2022 BMW 230i is praised for its engaging driving dynamics and balanced chassis. Key aspects of its performance include:

• Responsive steering with good feedback
• Well-tuned suspension for both comfort and sportiness
• Strong braking performance
• Agile handling in corners

“Helped by the fact it’s pretty small, so you’re not constantly worried about keeping between the white lines, the 2 Series is great fun to drive down a winding country road. The 230i that we tested has more than enough power to make the most of the excellent cornering ability, too, by giving you oomph out of the bend.”[3]

However, some reviewers note that the steering can feel a bit numb or disconnected, especially in Sport mode[2]. This is a common criticism of modern electric power steering systems and may not be a significant issue for many drivers.

Comparison with Competitors

The 2022 BMW 230i competes in the compact luxury sports coupe segment. Here’s how it stacks up against some key rivals:

Model	Horsepower	0-60 mph	Starting MSRP
BMW 230i	255 hp	5.1 sec	$37,345
Audi TT	228 hp	5.2 sec	$50,500
Mercedes-Benz CLA 250	221 hp	6.3 sec	$38,200

The BMW 230i offers competitive performance and pricing in its segment, with a good balance of power, handling, and luxury features.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Engaging driving dynamics
• Strong performance from the turbocharged engine
• Impressive fuel economy for a sports coupe
• High-quality interior with advanced technology
• Classic BMW styling with modern touches

Cons:

• Limited rear-seat space and practicality
• No manual transmission option
• Can become expensive with options
• Somewhat numb steering feel in certain driving modes
• Lower safety ratings compared to some competitors

Conclusion and Recommendations

The 2022 BMW 230i is a compelling option in the compact luxury sports coupe segment. It offers a blend of performance, style, and technology that will appeal to driving enthusiasts who also value everyday usability. The car’s strong points include its peppy turbocharged engine, agile handling, and surprisingly good fuel economy.

However, potential buyers should consider their needs carefully. If rear-seat space and practicality are high priorities, a four-door option like the BMW 3 Series or a competitor’s offering might be more suitable. Additionally, those seeking the ultimate in performance might want to consider the more powerful M240i variant or wait for the upcoming M2.

For those who prioritize a engaging driving experience in a compact, stylish package, the 2022 BMW 230i is positive an excellent choice. It successfully carries on the spirit of BMW’s compact coupes while incorporating modern technology and efficiency.

FAQs

• Is the 2022 BMW 230i available with all-wheel drive?
  No, the 230i is only available with rear-wheel drive. For all-wheel drive, you would need to opt for the more powerful M240i xDrive model.
• What is the warranty coverage for the 2022 BMW 230i?
  BMW offers a 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty and a 4-year/50,000-mile powertrain warranty for the 230i[1].
• Can I get a manual transmission in the 2022 BMW 230i?
  Unfortunately, a manual transmission is not available for the 2022 230i. It comes exclusively with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
• How does the 230i compare to the previous generation in terms of size?
  The 2022 230i is slightly larger than its predecessor, with increased track width for improved stability and handling[2].
• Is the 2022 BMW 230i suitable for tall drivers?
  Yes, the 230i offers good front-seat space and adjustability, making it comfortable for most tall drivers. However, rear-seat space is limited, especially for taller passengers.