BMW has always been known for producing some of the most premium luxury cars in the market, however, they don’t come cheap. Many prospective luxury buyers set out to lease and purchase pricier models like the X5 and M3, without really batting an eye to the fact that they spending well over $50,000 to do so.

But for every expensive car in an automaker’s lineup, there has to be a cheaper one to round out the bottom end of the list. As such, any budget-minded BMW buyers might wonder: What is the cheapest model in BMW’s lineup?

The BMW 2 Series

Anyone looking for the cheapest way to get into a premium BMW vehicle will find a solution in the brand’s 2 Series. The BMW 2 Series is the automaker’s entry-level model that comes in a coupe or a Gran Coupe (four-door hatchback) body style and there’s even an M2 variant that’s geared toward performance.

That doesn’t mean that the regular 2 Series is a slouch to drive. In fact, the 230i coupe comes standard with a turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 248 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The 228i Gran Coupe, on the other hand, comes with a similar-sized engine that produces 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.

Both variations are available with either an eight-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual that each routes the power to the rear wheels. Although, an all-wheel-drive configuration is available as well. The 230i can get from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds, according to Car and Driver’s testing, which is respectable for an entry-level luxury coupe. The 228i Gran Coupe can cover that same distance in 6.3 seconds, according to BMW.

BMW M235i Gran Coupe and 240i Coupe

Anyone in need of a little more power under the hood and more grip under the tires, the BMW M235i Gran Coupe is part of the 2 Series roster as well. The M235i is powered by a more powerful turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that puts out 301 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque. The upgraded powerplant is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission that routes power to all four wheels. According to BMW, the M235i is able to get to 60 mph from a standstill in just 4.7 seconds.

If buyers would rather have two doors, as opposed to four, then they can choose the M240i Coupe. Under the hood of that version is a turbocharged 3.0-liter engine that produces 335 hp and 368 lb-ft of torque and is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. With this combination, the M240i is able to get up to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds, BMW reports.

What else does the BMW 2 Series come with?

While power and performance figures are half of the equation when choosing to buy a BMW, many buyers will also benefit from a host of standard luxury features in every 2 Series. The most notable standard features on the 230i include leather upholstery, power front seats, auto climate control, LED headlights, dynamic cruise control, and Apple Carplay.

All other 2 Series models come with these same features, but opting for the higher and sportier trim will give buyers a little more. For example, the M240i Coupe comes with 18-inch wheels, M Sport brake calipers, an adaptive suspension, and an M Sport steering wheel.

How much does the BMW 2 Series cost?

The BMW 230i coupe has a starting MSRP of $35,900 plus a $995 destination charge. If all-wheel-drive is needed, then buyers can opt for the 230i xDrive, which starts at $37,900. The 2 Series Gran Coupe models share a similar pricing structure.

However, the pricing does increase if more power is desired. The M240i Coupe starts at $46,350, while the AWD version raises that price up to $48,350. The BMW 235i Gran Coupe has similar pricing as well.

BMW on a budget

While the BMW 2 Series doesn’t have the type of passenger and cargo room that some buyers might need in a larger sedan or SUV, it’s still a zippy and luxurious performer. The BMW 2 Series might be the cheapest one in the bunch, but it’s great for budget-minded performance.