Car Review: 2023 BMW 230i xDrive Coupe

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The country is awash in sport-utes, crossovers and pickup trucks, yet the conversation these days seems to be all about this massive shift to electric vehicles. Seemingly lost in the hubbub is the ever-decreasing number of automobiles available to buyers generally and, specifically for the gearheads out there, the dearth of genuinely quick, fun, and thoroughly enjoyable cars. Allow me to impart glad tidings — the situation may be dire but it’s not a lost cause. The new BMW 230i xDrive Coupé has arrived to shore up the defenses.

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Last year saw BMW introducing its second generation of the 2 Series, the compact sports coupe. The launch was spearheaded by the M240i xDrive Coupé, the higher-performance two-door sporting a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six pushing out a spirited 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The 2023 2 Series lineup adds the lower priced, lower powered 230i xDrive, this model with BMW’s ubiquitous 2.0L turbo four under its hood.

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Sure, with 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque (at a low 1,550 rpm) to tap, the coupe isn’t as quick as its sibling but it’s still a pleasure to drive. And at $47,950 to start, it’s also $11,000 less expensive. Of course, BMW stands for Bring Many Wallets, and the bright red tester, weighed down with a $5,400 Premium Enhanced Package, a $2,000 M Sport Package, plus a couple of thousand dollars’ worth of miscellaneous options, was a pricier $58,395. Still, it’s not stupid money for those looking for an elevated driving experience, especially if it involves twisting tarmac.

The engine is a sweetheart, smooth in operation, with a seemingly linear flow of power. Punch Sport Plus, hit the launch control function and put your foot into it and the 230i xDrive will respond, delivering a solid push into the seat and hitting 100 km/h in a zippy 5.6 seconds. Start flicking the Sport automatic’s paddle shifters, part of the M Sport Package, and you’re in for party time, the car responding with an eagerness belying its 1,620 kilograms. And when through with the silly playing, choose Comfort or even Eco Pro mode and it is equally happy just cruising around town.

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An eight-speed Steptronic transmission is standard in all 2 Series. Yes, as a long-time three-pedal guy, I feel obligated to say a six-speed manual would be nice, but frankly I’m not shedding tears. The car’s Sport Steptronic is a perfect complement, delivering impressively smooth and fast gear changes and never interrupting the power flow.

The 230i xDrive’s handling dynamics are every bit as impressive as the powertrain, BMW engineering a rear-wheel-drive bias into the coupe when road conditions do not require a need for all-wheel drive. The dynamic stability control system assists by countering any tendency to understeer in corners, shifting power to the outside wheel. Even with the relatively narrow footprint of the P225/50R17 Pirelli winter tires, the car tracked beautifully, albeit on roads unseasonably devoid of snow and ice.

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BMW cites 50/50 weight distribution — an aluminum hood and front fenders are used to reduce weight at the front — and improvements to the 2 Series’ steering and suspension for its sportier feel in comparison to its predecessor. A wider track, adjusted wheel camber and an increase in the body’s static torsional rigidity all play a role. And this comes with a ride that, while on the firm side, is still reasonably comfortable. Yes, variations to the road surface are felt, thanks in part to the M sport suspension as well as the stiff nature of the winter run-flat rubber, but noise, vibration and harshness are effectively damped. In fact, the cabin is so quiet that I found the car creeping up into speeds that would earn a stern lecture from the local constabulary and a hefty fine to boot.

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The least pleasing aspect of the 2 Series is its looks. Yes, the car displays a long hood, with short overhangs and a set-back cabin, typical sports coupe fare.  And there is an athletic appearance with the flared wheel arches, swooping roofline and short trunk lid with the obligatory pronounced spoiler lip. Also, thank you, BMW, for not forcing the beaver-tooth kidney grille on the 2. That said, the coupe is a bit lumpy from certain angles and too thick in the middle to elicit fawning from the passersby.

Fortunately, a cabin in a happy place to while away the hours. Hop into the pilot’s perch and you’re looking at BMW’s latest interpretation of the driver-focused cockpit, with controller, gear selector switch, start/stop button, Driving Experience Control switch and other function buttons grouped in the centre console. The standard dual-zone automatic climate control features independent control of the temperature and ventilation settings for the driver’s side, the front passenger side and for the rear passengers. The 2 Series Coupé is also equipped with a standard rear-view camera and front and rear Park Distance Control sensors.

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Keep in mind the back seats are better suited for the gym bag or wee bairn; the long legged will soon lose feeling in their lower extremities. For those occupying the front seats, there’s no such issue, with plenty of stretch-out room. If you do need to access the back seats, the Easy-Entry function handily slides the front seats forward when their backrests are folded.

Info and entertainment functions are handled through the iDrive 7 operating system with a centre 8.8-inch digital touchscreen display, analogue gauges with a 5.1-inch instrument display, navigation, Driving Assistant and other functions. The optional head-up display — part of the Premium Enhanced Package as is the Harman/Kardon sound system — boasts a very large projection area and full-colour graphics. The information projected includes speed, speed limits and overtaking restrictions, Check Control messages, status indicators and warnings from the assistance systems, detailed route guidance and turn instructions, etc.

The 230i xDrive might be the gateway car to the BMW brand, but the company has not skimped in the sporting department, imbuing the coupe with a balanced combination of engine, chassis and brakes, plus the requisite luxe touches and safety backups. And, in a segment that is slowly disappearing, the 230 provides an available solution to a present need for those desirous of performance, punching above its weight as it does so.