BMW is one of the most prestigious luxury brands in the world, producing some of the most luxurious and exciting vehicles out there. If you’re on a bit of a budget but are committed to driving something from the German automaker, you do still have some choices.
While no BMW is going to be particularly cheap, the brand has specifically created more affordable options to open itself up to buyers on a budget. They may not be as classy nor as quick as the brand’s top models, but they are certainly capable of giving you a taste of what BMW has to offer.
We explore the most affordable option that you can buy from BMW in 2025. We uncover how much you’ll have to pay and what the car’s direct rivals are. We also explore what makes it tick, detailing how powerful and efficient it is. Finally, we explore whether or not the affordable BMW is actually worth it, or if there are other options that just make more sense.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from BMW websites and other authoritative sources, including TopSpeed and the EPA.
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The 2-Series Gran Coupe Is The Cheapest New BMW You Can Get
BMW’s lineup is extensive, with anything from two-door sports coupes to large and luxurious SUVs. However, if you’re looking for the most affordable way to get behind the wheel of a car from the German brand, then the 2-Series Gran Coupe is the way to go. While not quite as exhilarating as the 2-Series Coupe, it is still an engaging and rewarding car to drive.
2026 Trims and Pricing
|
Model |
Starting MSRP |
|---|---|
|
228 |
$39,600 |
|
228 xDrive |
$41,600 |
|
M235 xDrive |
$49,500 |
The 2-Series Gran Coupe is the only BMW currently on sale that starts under $40,000, making it more affordable than the average car in 2025. It does, however, go up against some pretty heavy competition in the subcompact luxury car segment, sitting between super affordable options like the Acura Integra and its classic rivals, the Audi A3 and Mercedes-Benz CLA.
While the allure of the more powerful M235 is certainly hard to resist, we think that the newly added base front-wheel drive 228 is the way to go. The M235 is just too expensive, encroaching on 3-Series territory. Spend much more than the MSRP of the 228, and we think it is better to consider the larger sedan or the sleeker and sportier 2-Series Coupe instead.
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BMW’s Cheapest Sedan Is Still Pretty Quick And Fun To Drive
While those might be concerned due to the fact that the 2-Series is one of the least powerful BMWs on sale and that the base model is front-wheel drive, you’ll find it is still a really exciting car to drive. BMW has always found a way to carefully walk the line between performance and comfort, and while they lean a little more towards the latter with this car, there is a heaped helping of the former.
Performance Specifications
|
Engine |
2.0-Liter Turbocharged Inline-Four |
2.0-Liter Turbocharged Inline-Four |
|---|---|---|
|
Transmission |
7-Speed Auto-Shift Manual |
7-Speed Auto-Shift Manual |
|
Horsepower |
241 HP |
312 HP |
|
Torque |
295 LB-FT |
295 LB-FT |
|
Driveline |
FWD or AWD |
AWD |
|
0-60 MPH |
5.8 Seconds |
4.7 Seconds |
|
Top Speed |
151 MPH |
155 MPH |
A hearty turbocharged four-cylinder engine sits under the hood of both the 228 and the M235. Front-wheel drive is the standard setup for the more affordable 228, but BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system is available. In either case, an automatic shifting manual is the only transmission on offer, but it is smooth and responsive and the paddle shifters help the sedan feel sporty.
Both models are fairly quick off the line. They won’t compete for the title of fastest BMW on the road, but they feel quick nonetheless. Opt for the optional M Sport package, and you can hold down the left shift paddle for the Sport Boost mode, which primes everything for peak acceleration. The 2-Series Gran Coupe handles impressively well, and its standard adaptive suspension means it can be as comfortable as it is quick.
Fuel Economy
|
Model |
City |
Highway |
Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
|
228 xDrive |
26 MPG |
38 MPG |
30 MPG |
|
M235 xDrive |
24 MPG |
33 MPG |
27 MPG |
Due to the fact that the Gran Coupe is a little less powerful, it is lighter on fuel than the fully-fledged Coupe version. Not by much, but it is still worth noting. For something so responsive and sporty, it is pretty impressive how light on fuel BMW’s most affordable sedan is, especially when taken over long distances. The M235 drops a couple of miles per gallon over the base model.
The EPA hasn’t yet posted estimates for the front-wheel drive version of the 228, but we imagine that it will be reasonably more efficient than the all-wheel drive model.
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Inside, The 2-Series Is Sleek, Handsome, And Packed With Tech
Just as BMW balances the performance and comfort of their cars when it comes to how they behave on the road, their cabin offers a good mix of upscale materials and features and sporty styling elements. While options from Audi and Mercedes-Benz may feel a little bit more luxurious, the BWM is still more than comfortable enough to give you a taste of opulence.
Interior Comfort Features
- Sport Seats with Power Adjustment
- Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
- Optional Heated Front Seats and Steering Wheel
- Panoramic Moonroof
- Leather Upholstery
BMW’s design ideology when it comes to the interiors of their cars is to create something sleek and simple. Everything is designed to be driver-focused, tilting slightly towards the driver’s seat. Premium materials are used throughout the cabin, from the dashboard to the seats, meaning that you’ll feel comfortable if not a little bit snug.
While BMW claims that the 2-Series Gran Coupe has almost as much rear legroom as the 3-Series sedan, we’re extremely doubtful. Those sitting in the front or the back will find it difficult to stretch their legs, and longer journeys might get a bit uncomfortable. The cargo area isn’t the smallest in its class, but it is still only really enough for a quick run to the grocery store or a couple of bags.
Infotainment and Technology
As has become the norm in BMW’s newest vehicles, two large screens which share a bezel sit in front of the driver. The 10.7-inch screen directly in front of the driver is the digital gauge display and the 10.3-inch screen to the right houses the information system. BMW’s iDrive software runs the show, and while it is great, there can be a bit of a learning curve to operating it. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.
Those that like to play games will appreciate that the infotainment system supports BMW’s new AirConsole, which allows you to play some casual games on the screen while parked. You also get a standard wireless charging pad for your smartphone and a pretty impressive 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system on even the most affordable model.
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It Feels Like There Are Better Choices In BMW’s Lineup
Front 3/4 shot of a 2025 BMW 2-Series Coupe
Throughout this article, we’ve highlighted that the 2-Series Gran Coupe is a pretty good car. It is affordable, loaded with premium features, and is pretty fun to drive. Despite all of this, it is really hard to recommend. While it is technically the cheapest BMW, there are other options within the brand’s own stable that feel like they offer much better value for money without being that much more expensive.
Better BMW Options
|
Model |
Starting MSRP |
|---|---|
|
2-Series Coupe |
$41,200 |
|
3-Series Sedan |
$45,950 |
|
X1 SUV |
$41,350 |
If you’re someone who wants a small, playful, sporty car, then the 2-Series Coupe is easily the better choice. While you lose two doors, you still have access to rear seats for the occasional passengers. The 240 Coupe is also more powerful and quicker off the line, getting to 60 miles per hour from a standstill in 5.1 seconds.
Let’s say that you really need a four-door car, though, but you’re not willing to sacrifice when it comes to driving engagement. The 3-Series sedan isn’t all that much more expensive in the grand scheme of things. It is also a much more functional sedan, comes better equipped, is more comfortable for rear passengers, and the base 330i still goes from zero to 60 in 5.2 seconds.
If you’re not willing to spend that much, putting the 3-Series out of your budget, then the X1 is also a viable option. The X1 is much more spacious on the inside and its additional ride height makes it more versatile. Despite being a crossover, the base xDrive 28i is still quicker off the line than the Gran Coupe, getting to 60 miles per hour in 5.4 seconds, and it still hugs corners impressively well.
