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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 4 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Coupe |
| Base Price | $35,763–$44,438 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.6/10, the 2021 BMW 2 Series earns a Recommended rating among the coupes we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.0/10. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability comes in at 7.1/10 in our assessment — above the middle of the pack for this class, though not flawless. On safety it earns 8.0/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance lands mid-pack at 7.7/10: enough power and composure for everyday needs, without the dynamics that distinguish the segment's driver-focused options. Technology comes in at 7.8/10 — functional and modern, with wireless connectivity and core ADAS features, though some competitors pack more standard tech at this price point.
Priced from $35,763–$44,438, 27 MPG, seating 4, the BMW 2 Series sits in the mid-market bracket of the coupe segment. Value lands at 7.4/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Bottom line: Think of the 2021 BMW 2 Series as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Shoppers who value predictability over headlines will be well served.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2021 BMW 2 Series ranks #42 of 110 coupes in the Carivo database — better than 63% of the segment. Its 7.6/10 overall score is 0.1 points above the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $35,763 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $47,314 by about 24%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Coupe ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2018 BMW 2 Series scores 7.4/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 7.6 — and starts roughly $3,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 7.8/10 | $40,479 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.7/10 | $39,300 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.6/10 | $38,121 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.6/10 | $36,942 | Read review → |
| 2021 (this review) | 7.6/10 | $35,763 | |
| 2020 | 7.5/10 | $34,584 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.5/10 | $33,405 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.4/10 | $32,226 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.3/10 | $31,047 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.4/10 | $29,868 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.2/10 | $28,689 | Read review → |
Explore the full lineup of BMW models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.