It’s no secret that BMWs aren’t exactly cheap. In fact, they’re the most expensive car to own thanks to repair costs, basic maintenance, and parts that are nearly impossible to get for cheap. If that’s not enough, BMW now wants to make heated seats a subscription service that you have to pay for. Yet despite the high costs, there are some surprising features that weren’t standard on the BMW 2 Series – until now.  

MotorTrend was excited to report that BMW is finally making one feature standard that it’s been charging everyone pay extra to get. So what is it, and why does it matter to you if you’re looking to buy the 2021 BMW 2 series?

BMW finally got with the program

After years of consumers shelling out extra money for Apple CarPlay, BMW has finally decided to make it a standard feature on the 2021 2 Series. If you haven’t bought a new car in the last 10 years and have no idea what Apple CarPlay is, here’s a brief description.

According to Apple, “CarPlay is a smarter, safer way to use your iPhone while you drive. You can get directions, make calls, send and receive messages, and enjoy your favorite music. All on your car’s built-in display. And with iOS 14, CarPlay introduces all-new app categories and custom wallpapers for your CarPlay Dashboard.”

In other words, it’s sort of like your iPhone, only on a bigger screen. In this case, you’ll be able to view it on a 6.5-inch high-resolution screen that comes complete with programmable memory buttons.

Part of the technology included on the infotainment system include advanced real-time traffic information and on-street parking availability information, a HiFi sound system with a 205-watt digital amplifier with speaker speakers, SiriusXM® Satellite Radio with a one-year All-Access subscription

What other new features did the 2021 BMW 2 Series get?

BMW isn’t known for giving away much without charging extra, so it was surprising to find that there is a long list of standard features. The engine is a 2.0-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo inline four-cylinder, 16-valve 248-hp engine that MotorTrend reports had some great handling. This is coupled with an eight-speed sport automatic transmission.

The standard safety features are actually rather numerous. You’ll get forward collision warning with collision mitigation. While that’s not much, these features are actually pretty cool. According to BMW, this will warn the driver that there is a potential hazard in their path. If the system recognizes this, the brakes will be automatically applied. 

Another standard feature you’ll love is daytime pedestrian protection. This helps alert you to possible dangerous situations in urban settings by priming the brakes, or even reducing the vehicle speed. It’s not quite as cool as Fiat’s idea to blast Italian music, but it’s still very useful.

Other standard features include park distance control, auto start-stop function, high-gloss black interior trim with pearl gloss chrome highlight, a rear-view camera, and much more.

What features come standard on the 2020 BMW 2 Series?

If you’re like a lot of other people, you’re not bothered by buying the outgoing model year. You can save money and still get an amazing car. If that’s the case, then the 2020 BMW 2 Series is a great car that should be on your radar.

Apple CarPlay is the biggest change for the 2021 model, but the 2020 model ushered in a few firsts of its own. Rather than just having an option of a coupe, BMW introduced the Gran Coupe, which is a four-door 2 Series model. This was in an effort to compete directly with the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and the Audi A3, according to Edmunds. 

If you’re not interested in Apple CarPlay because you need Android Auto, which isn’t standard, then the 2020 model is a great pick. If not, then the 2021 2 Series is certain to please.