In 2021, BMW released the last of the F22 2 Series lineup. The 2021 BMW 230i was the base trim in the lineup, but it still maintained the agility and sporty driving we’ve all known about the 2 Series. It was offered in both rear and all-wheel-drive configurations, but the model we have here is the all-wheel drive. Sure, the rear wheel is more suited for sporty driving, but you’ll want to ride it often with a compact car like this. The cabin space might be limited and not as stylish as in the 4 Series coupe, but it still offers a driver-focused layout, high-quality materials, and the intuitive technology BMW is known for. Before we talk more about that, let’s peep under the hood.
A 2.0-liter twin-turbo inline-4 might seem like a small engine (and it is), but BMW optimizes its performance through advanced engineering. In the 2021 BMW 230i xDrive makes 248 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, distributed to the four wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission or the optional 6-speed manual. There’s slight turbo lag at launch, but that doesn’t stop it from hitting 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds and accelerating to 155 mph. Of course, this is not the fastest subcompact sports car, but it weighs 3,512 pounds, thanks to its xDrive drivetrain.
When you get inside the 2021 BMW 230i, you will immediately notice the reserved design. Overall, it’s pretty much a sporty car, with a driver-focused cockpit and a comfortable front passenger seat. Bucket seats are standard with SensaTec upholstery. However, in terms of space, we wouldn't advocate much about the rear seat, as its short wheelbase limits legroom while the sloping roofline takes up headspace. Storage space is decent, with pockets in the cabin and a trunk that would fit your everyday essentials.
The 230i xDrive maintains a coupe silhouette with a long hood and short deck proportions, reminiscent of classic BMW designs. This layout contributes to its sporty stance presence on the road. Its front fascia has a smaller kidney grille than the larger ones found on other BMW models, such as the 4 Series. Additionally, the front end has triangular air vents at the lower corners that serve a functional purpose by reducing turbulence around the front tires, improving overall aerodynamics. Its LED headlights are not as sleek as those in newer models, but they complement the bumper. The standard wheel size is 18 inches, but you can find a unit with the optional 19 inches for a higher ride height.
Most base trims give you just enough features to understand what it would be like in the highest trim. However, with BMW, most features are distributed almost evenly across lineups like the 2 Series, with options to upgrade for premium features. For instance, the 2021 BMW 230i xDrive has an 8.8-inch infotainment display running on iDrive 7 with an option to upgrade to 10.3-inch for more real estate. Its infotainment supports CarPlay, navigation, SiriusXM, and Bluetooth, but no Android Auto. Surprisingly, the standard driver-assist package includes collision and lane-departure warning and emergency braking.
A well-maintained 2021 BMW 230i xDrive will cost between $20,000 and $30,000, depending on its mileage and location. If you’re sold on buying one, we have a few units in our BMW listings, alongside other models you can check.
It might not be the most popular or flashy BMW, but the 2 Series has found its place in the subcompact car segment. The 2021 BMW 230i xDrive takes its sporty character seriously enough to keep up with traffic and do daily short runs in the city. Exotic Car Trader creates an exclusive and safe way of buying and selling cars, eliminating the daunting experiences of private selling for buyers and sellers. Every vehicle listed on Exotic Car Trader goes through a private seller verification process, ensuring legitimacy for our buyers. Also, Exotic Car Trader's car buying process is well outlined, with all fees and packages providing our buyers with a seamless and inclusive experience. We can handle the escrow of funds at no additional cost to the buyer and seller, and we also provide trade-in and financing options for buyers. For transaction safety, our Transactions Team is world-class and equipped with industry fraud detection tools to ensure a safe and secure transaction. These are just some of the benefits you enjoy when buying or selling on Exotic Car Trader. Contact us for listing services or to buy a car on Exotic Car Trader today.
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