BMW 2 Series G42 2-Door Coupe (2021–2024): The small coupe that still puts you in the driver’s seat
I’ve spent enough time in the 2 Series over the years to remember when “small BMW coupe” meant spiky, lightweight fun and a slightly rattly dashboard. The BMW 2 Series G42 2-Door Coupe is different. Bigger. Heavier. Sharper suit. But on a drenched Saturday morning, the first time I properly leaned on an M240i’s front axle, it still felt like a BMW to its core: poised, rear-biased, and grippy enough to make you grin without going full hero mode. That’s the magic trick.
The rear-drive foundation that matters
Launched in 2021, the G42 rides on BMW’s rear-wheel-drive architecture, not the front-driven stuff used by some other compact models. It’s the difference between a car that turns because it has to and one that rotates because it wants to. Longer wheelbase, wider tracks, properly stiff chassis—when I tried it on rough roads, the body control stayed calm while the suspension ironed out the chatter. The steering isn’t chatty like the old hydraulic setups (those days are gone), but it’s accurate and quick, and the car feels satisfyingly planted mid-corner.
BMW 2 Series G42 2-Door Coupe: Engines, performance, and economy
Two personalities, one philosophy. The base 230i is the everyday athlete; the M240i is the gym rat that still aces a long-distance run.
- 230i: 2.0-liter turbo four, 255 hp, 295 lb-ft. 0–60 mph in the mid-5s. EPA combined up to around 29 mpg, depending on spec.
- M240i xDrive: 3.0-liter turbo inline-six (B58), 382 hp, 369 lb-ft. 0–60 mph near 4.1 seconds. EPA combined up to around 26 mpg when driven sanely (good luck).
- Transmission: ZF 8-speed auto across the board—quick shifts, smart ratios. No manual here, which still stings a bit.
- Drive: 230i starts rear-drive; the M240i is xDrive-only in many markets. You can feel the rear bias in the way it powers off corners.
On a twisty back road, the M240i’s torque hits like an espresso shot—short, sharp, effective. The brakes are stout, too, resisting fade after a few committed downhill runs. If you’re into the subtler stuff, the 230i is a sweet spot: lighter nose, tidy balance, and the sort of efficiency that makes Monday feel less like a penalty for Sunday.
BMW 2 Series G42 2-Door Coupe: Interior, tech, and the “live-with-it” details
Inside, the G42 is a driver-first space with a grown-up vibe. Excellent driving position, supportive seats, and materials that feel more 4 Series than budget coupe. Infotainment varies by model year—some cars run iDrive 7, newer builds get the curved-display setup with the latest software. Either way, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto keeps life simple, even if a few on-screen menus are a touch buried.
- Quiet enough to hear your kids negotiating snack rations in the back seats (which are fine for shorter adults, better for kids).
- Trunk space is surprisingly usable for weekend bags or a Costco run with restraint.
- Driver assists on tap: adaptive cruise, lane-keeping, and forward-collision avoidance work cleanly in traffic.
BMW 2 Series G42 2-Door Coupe: Ownership notes and accessories
A few owners mentioned to me they like to armor the cabin early—this coupe’s a keeper, and its carpets don’t deserve muddy January boots. If you’re in the same camp, I’ve used AutoWin’s stuff before and it’s properly cut to fit. The company leans hard into the G42 specifically, so there’s no weird curling edges or slippery backing.
Want to dress it up or keep it clean? These are tailored for the 2 Series G42 and look the part:
How the BMW 2 Series G42 stacks up
Spec sheets don’t tell the whole story, but they’re useful. Here’s where the M240i lands versus its natural rivals.
| Model | Power | Torque | 0–60 mph (approx.) | EPA combined mpg (approx.) | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW M240i xDrive (G42) | 382 hp | 369 lb-ft | ~4.1 sec | ~26 mpg | AWD (rear-biased) |
| Audi S3 | 306 hp | 295 lb-ft | ~4.5 sec | ~27 mpg | AWD |
| Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 | 302 hp | 295 lb-ft | ~4.8 sec | ~26 mpg | AWD |
The Audi and Mercedes are quick and techy, no doubt. But the BMW still feels like the one built by people who love carving up off-ramps at 7 a.m. on the way to the bakery.
Everyday life with the G42
- City commuter: Compact footprint, easy to park, stop-start smooth enough that you forget it’s there.
- Weekend blast: The chassis doesn’t wilt after three corners. It encourages you to keep going.
- Road trip: Road noise stays low, adaptive cruise works without drama, and the seats pass the “three-hour stretch without fidgeting” test.
- Looks: Not everyone will love the blockier tail and chunky surfacing. Personally? It’s grown on me. Especially in bright colors.
Quick background on the 2 Series G42
The 2 Series story has always been about compact fun. The G42 arrived for 2021 with a more mature feel but kept the rear-drive bones that made earlier small BMWs cult favorites. It’s a proper successor—more refined, still playful.
Conclusion: Why the BMW 2 Series G42 2-Door Coupe still matters
In an age when compact “sporty” cars often skew soft or front-driven, the BMW 2 Series G42 2-Door Coupe keeps faith with drivers who like a proper chassis and a sense of connection. It’s comfortable enough for daily life, quick enough to embarrass bigger stuff, and composed when the road turns nasty. If you’re planning to keep yours looking fresh inside, AutoWin’s tailored floor mats for the 2 Series G42 are an easy win—fit, finish, done.
BMW 2 Series G42: FAQ
Will there be a new BMW 2 Series coupe?
Yes. The current 2 Series G42 is the latest generation of the two-door coupe, introduced for the 2021 model year.
What does G42 mean in BMW-speak?
It’s BMW’s internal code for this specific generation of the 2 Series 2-door coupe body style.
When did the BMW 2 Series G42 come out?
The 2 Series G42 debuted in 2021 and has been on sale since, evolving with incremental tech updates.
Has the G42 had a facelift yet?
As of this writing, no full facelift has landed. Software and interface updates have rolled in depending on model year.
Is the M240i only AWD?
In many markets (including North America), the M240i is sold as xDrive (AWD). The 230i is the rear-drive purist’s pick, with available AWD in some regions.
