The baby bimmer was a popular car when it was first released, and now it is traveling to show off its newest visage. Most recently, Top Gear caught up with the new 2023 BMW 2 Series at the Philippines launch. Although the latest generations of BMWs have been controversially styled, the newest 2 Series is still an attractive little coupe, if maybe not as handsome as its predecessor. Still, the new 2 Series looks right at home traveling the world. 

Key Points:

• The little bimmer is available as a 230i coupe RWD and an M240i xDrive coupe. 
• The 230i packs a 2.0L four-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.
• The sportier M240i xDrive is motivated by a 3.0L six-cylinder engine producing an impressive 382 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. 
• Filipino customers can purchase the BMW 2 Series as a 220i M Sport. 

Which new BMW is available? 

During the launch event in the Philippines, Top Gear had the opportunity to survey a BMW 220i M Sport. The 220i M Sport currently has no counterpart within the North American market. Also, the 220i M Sport is powered by a turbocharged 2.0L TwinPower four-cylinder engine making 184 horsepower. That may seem docile compared to the 230i or M240i, but it is probably still enough to send the baby bimmer clinging through corners. The Filipino spec 220i M Sport gets many of the same design touches as the American market BMW 2 series cars, including an aero package and brilliant purple livery. 

In the North American market, consumers can expect to have a choice of larger engines and an AWD variant. First, shoppers can choose an entry-level M230i coupe, which is equipped with a 2.0L turbocharged engine that produces a commendable 255 horsepower. Again, given the miniature dimensions of the BMW 2 Series, 255 horsepower is almost certainly enough to have fun with. In addition to the peppy engine, the 230i sends power to the rear wheels only (at least for now). So consumers can expect to have fun while driving the little BMW spiritedly. 

Finally, the serious 2 series customer can buy the M240i xDrive coupe. The M240i comes with a larger 3.0L six-cylinder engine producing an exciting 382 horsepower. Additionally, the M240i has xDrive, BMW’s all-wheel drive system. M240i drivers can almost certainly expect addictive launches and great mechanical grip from the little 2 series.   

How much does the BMW 2 Series cost?

According to Top Gear, the Filipino spec BMW 220i M Sport is reportedly starting at P3,690,000, or about $70,499. That seems steep, but it is the only BMW 2 Series available in the Philippines. Conversely, the BMW 230i coupe has a starting price of $36,350, nearly half of the price of the Filipino spec M Sport. 

However, the M240i xDrive splits the difference between the 230i and the smaller 220i M Sport. MotorTrend says the BMW M240i xDrive has a starting price of  $48,550. In addition to a bigger engine, M240i drivers will have an AWD at their disposal. Scroll down if you want to read more about the 2022 BMW 2 Series.