The BMW 2 Series Coupe is a fairly low-volume model for BMW. Selling just one-third as many of these two-doors as the four-door 3 Series, the 2 Series Coupe isn’t for everyone. But the base model may be the best sports car for daily driving under 40k. And an even sportier version is an M2 on a budget. But if you want a sports car for daily driving, is this BMW coupe actually a good choice?

Ample cargo space for its size

The 13.8 cubic feet of trunk space in the BMW 2 Series Coupe isn’t going to help you move, but it’s certainly good enough for a week-long road trip. Two full-size suitcases fit comfortably in the trunk, so you’ll have all the kit you need to hit the road for your next vacation.

Rear-wheel drive amps up the fun

The BMW 2 Series Coupe competes with the likes of the Audi A3 and Mercedes-Benz A-Class but with much more panache. The rear-wheel drive layout makes it feel more alive than either of those front-wheel drive-based models. Sure, the S3 comes with Quattro all-wheel drive, but it is still based on front-drive architecture and doesn’t let you forget it.

Meanwhile, the A-Class is more focused on luxury than outright fun. It’s a great daily driver, but it doesn’t have any of the chops to be considered a sports car.

Meanwhile, the rear-drive-biased 2 Series Coupe is a daily driver that brings true sports car chops for under 40k. It has the luxury you want for long road trips or just a comfortable morning commute. At the same time, the power heads to the rear wheels over the fronts, even if you choose an xDrive variant. That makes the little 2er feel more lively while behind the wheel. If it’s a sports car you want, you won’t be disappointed.

Not great for the daily school run

If part of your daily driving routine involves carpooling or bringing the kids to school, the 2 Series Coupe may not be for you. As fun and comfortable as it is to be in the driver’s seat, those behind you will be cramped.

The headroom is lackluster, and the legroom is OK, at best. If you’re a taller driver, anyone sitting behind you is going to regret their decision to come along for the ride. They might even be happier curled up in the trunk instead. (Note: This is not a suggestion. Please do not put passengers in the trunk.)

1 of the best sports cars for daily driving under $40k

There are a pair of engine choices available in the BMW 2 Series Coupe. The standard setup is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine good for 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. With rear-wheel drive, it’s good for an EPA-estimated 26 mpg city and 35 mpg highway. That’s great efficiency for a modern sports car, and the four-pot 2 Series still gets from zero to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds.

Then we have the spicier BMW M240i. The TwinPower turbocharged six-cylinder engine delivers a whopping 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. And while it lacks the verve of the previous F22-body version, the new M240i is still a competent back-road barnstormer with enough luxury for a three-day excursion.

Verdict: Is the BMW 2 Series a good daily car?

In a word, yes. But it’s not perfect. It’s certainly a good sports car for daily driving, as the back seat and trunk add function to the fun form. But if you’re frequently hauling kids and have a family to get groceries for, there isn’t enough space for this to be a one-car solution. The BMW 230i is one of the best sports cars for daily driving under $40,000, and the M240i packs a huge punch for less than $50k.