Yahoo Autos 2022 BMW 2 Series Interior Review | Personal luxury compact coupe
Don’t automatically assume that just because the 2 Series Coupe is the lowest number in BMW’s lineup that it will also have the most entry-level and cheap-feeling interior. You see, you’d be half right in making that assumption, for such an honor belongs to the 2 Series Gran Coupe. Despite the two being branded "2 Series," they have very little in common. The Gran Coupe is a front-drive-based, four-door sedan while the Coupe is a rear-drive-based two-door literal coupe.
Just like BMW borrowed the 3 Series’ powertrains for the new 2 Series, it also borrowed the 3 Series’ interior. That’s a huge plus for the 2 Series Coupe in our book, for the 3 Series enjoys a luxurious interior look with a practical layout and excellent technology. Before we dive into the nitty gritty there, though, let’s take a look at the usability and utility of the 2 Series’ insides, which is perhaps the most perplexing thing about it.
From a pure numbers standpoint, it’d make sense to assume the new 2 Series is going to be oodles more practical than the outgoing one. It’s 4.3 inches longer, 2.6 inches wider and has a 2.0-inch longer wheelbase. One might expect that some of this extra space has been put to use expanding the passenger compartment, but not so fast. Rear legroom is down by 0.8 inch in the 2022 car. Shoulder room ticks down by 1.7 inches and headroom is down an even more impactful 1.5 inches thanks to a minor reduction in overall height. Even the trunk space is down by 3.8 cubic-feet. Say, what now?
Even if all the above is result of BMW changing the way it measures interiors, which is certainly possible, that wouldn't change the fact that the new 2 Series backseat and trunk aren’t that hot despite the bigger exterior dimensions. The length and width are there for handling, stability and design purposes, not for turning the 2 Series into a family car. If you want a BMW coupe with a sizable rear seat, the 4 Series Coupe and its snout await.
Clearly, the priority of BMW’s personal luxury coupe is the driver. Take a look at the 2 Series’ (left above) and 3 Series’ (right above) interiors side-by-side, and try to pick apart the differences. It’s not completely obvious at first glance, and that’s on purpose. Being able to enjoy BMW’s luxury fittings and best tech in the smaller 2 Series package is a boon for those who want the smallest and lightest rear-drive BMW model (or a two-door BMW without that snout).
