BMW 230i Compact Sport Coupe Puts Real Performance Within Reach

In the competition at the top of the performance luxury field, the BMW 230i compact sport coupe is clearly gerrymandered for a very specific market. Though it borrows drivetrain and interior features from the vaunted 3 Series, the first darling of the US market, even on the BMW website the 2 Series Coupe is dubbed the “Drift Machine”.

The exterior of the 230i retains the classic low slung coupe profile and traditional front grille with backswept LED lighting finishing off its downward tapered hood. This BMW coupe gets outsized performance flair from the M Sport Package which includes an aero kit, sport suspension. M steering wheel and subtle styling touches.

Under the hood the BMW 2.0 liter twin-turbo 4-cylinder 16 valve plant kicks out 240 horsepower propelling this trim 3,500 lb two-door to feats of flat out highway fun and corner squealing handling prowess, priced from $37,000 – $47,000.

For hi jinx, like smokey burnout donut making, there’s a 382 horsepower M240i xDrive edition that starts at about $50,000.

Upgraded M interior offers a 12.3-inch digital cluster and 10.25-inch infotainment display completing a comprehensive tech package.