Beach buggies: The 2022 BMW 230i is a lively driver’s car, without the drama

The Melbourne Red Metallic 230i tester with the M-sport package to give it a muscular look.

by Craig Hymovitz

BMW’s 2-series is positioned as more entry level BMW than top of the line. But it still manages to impress in just about every way, as it enters its  second generation in 2022.

Our Melbourne Red Metallic 230i tester was delivered with the M-sport package, which added nice visual and performance elements to the coupe’s already muscular appearance.

Up front is the traditional twin kidney grille, although it is much more modest than it is on other models. The lower ride height, wider stance, longer platform and broader shoulders add to its athletic presentation.

The M-sport package adds an additional punch with 19-inch double spoke wheels, black gloss, and Shadowline trim pieces, and M-badging, including on the red, oversized brake calipers.

The modern interior of our tester was Canberra Beige, and featured the latest tech and ergonomic accompaniments.

We appreciated the larger cabin and overall interior styling of our test subject, and especially liked BMW’s digital instrument panel, heads up display, and infotainment center, which included an available 10.3-inch touchscreen. 

Other features included available wi-fi, Apple CarPlay, an upgraded 14-speaker Harmon Kardon 464-watt sound system and a $2,650 Premium Package, which gained us heated seats and steering wheel, and a full host of LED lights. 

Making the 230i feel safe to drive is accomplished by BMW adding a front and rear HPS airbag system, collision warnings and blind spot warnings, front and rear cameras and 4-wheel vented ABS with those cool bright red calipers.

The real joy of the 230i, though, is the silky smooth power plant, and feel from behind the wheel. 

The BMW’s 2.0 liter twin turbo 4-cylinder engine is rated at 255 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft of torque, routed through an aggressive 8-speed automatic transmission. The little coupe’s power delivery is urgent, and balanced without feeling too tamed.

As we cruised Hermosa Avenue, we really didn’t have the chance to open it up much, but on another less traveled stretch of pavement in the South Bay, we were able to deliver a 0-60 mph time of 5.4 seconds. Not as fast as its more powerful m240i stablemate which eats up that same speed in 3.6 seconds thanks in part to its larger, and more racy, 382 horsepower inline 6-cylinder engine.

The power delivery flows evenly, paired with the rear wheel drive, M-sport stiffened suspension and dynamic handling package. The result is an energetic and lively driver’s car with the balance to go fast, or not, without any drama.

We really enjoyed the able bodied drive character and urgency offered by the 230i, especially with the M-sport package, and are looking forward to comparing it to the M version.

Pricing on our tester, before options, was $36,350. and after was $45,575. ER

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