BMW 2 Series Coupe review

In the front it's got all the usual BMW instruments and controls, including the buttons that are to be banished with the next update. See our i4 review for details of that next-gen system.

We don't care for the odd-shaped instruments but they can be augmented by a HUD. Otherwise BMW's is still the most useable interface anywhere, as far as we're concerned. The screen is touch-sensitive if you like, or operable by the iDrive wheel. We tend to use a combination. There are also programmable shortcut buttons.

We sense a but coming...

BMW has started down the lamentable path to binning all of its common sense. The newer iDrive system in the BMW iX has fiddlier menus. The similar screen in the new 2 Series Active Tourer contains the heater controls: they've gone and binned the buttons, and the result is the fiddliest, most irritating BMW cabin in years. So, quick, go ahead. If you're on the fence, buy a 2 Series now, before BMW ruins it. 

What makes it seem even more of a bargain in the 2 Series is that apart from cloth seats, the 220i gets very much the same dash as an 850i. Overall cabin quality looks more expensive than the 220i's £35k.

Is it comfortable?

The front seats do their job well whatever your shape, and put you in a low-slung straight-ahead driving position. Sitting in the driver or passenger chair is generally a great place to be.

Any adults in the back wouldn't be so happy, though. It has only two seats of belts and head restraints, and leg and headroom are tight. Anyway, this is clearly not a car for people who have people. Then again, you could say the same of a 4 Series. The 2 and the 4 really do seem to do the same job equally as well. 

For people who have stuff, the backrest folds down 40:20:40 – a surprisingly practical touch in a non-hatch coupé. Overall boot space is 390 litres.