BMW 2 Series vs. BMW 3 Series: which is better?
BMW is known across the globe for its sleek and powerful cars, but which comes out on top between the 2 Series and 3 Series?
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BMW is a German car brand with stacks of appeal and caters to drivers who want something sportier than the average set of wheels without having to make a tradeoff in practicality.
Deciding between a sporty coupé and a more practical saloon needn’t be a head vs. heart mission, though, because both have their own characteristics that make them useful to a variety of buyers.
Below, we outline some similarities and differences between the BMW 2 Series and BMW 3 Series, helping you to inch closer to a decision.
BMW 2 Series and 3 Series styling
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While there are many similarities between the 2 Series and 3 Series, including the brand’s characteristic kidney grille, aggressive lines along the body, and sharp angles, there are also several key differences.
The 2 Series is primarily a two-door coupé, and while there are convertible, four-door saloon and even people carrier versions available, we’ll focus here on the sporty-looking coupé.
Similarly, the 3 Series is primarily regarded as an incredibly popular saloon model, but there’s also an estate version available.
In a way, the BMW 3 Series looks like many other saloons – including the Mercedes C-Class – because it follows the conventional ‘three-box’ design, which means there are distinct front, middle, and rear ends.
There isn’t an awful lot similar in size to the BMW 2 Series, which is quite large for a small coupé. It’s not as big as a 4 Series Coupé, but it’s bigger than an Audi TT or Porsche Cayman.
What is it like to drive a BMW 2 Series vs. BMW 3 Series?
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Some other BMW models have transitioned to a front-wheel-drive layout in the name of fuel efficiency, but fortunately, these two models remain rear-wheel-drive.
That means they’re fun and engaging to drive, and can be more confidence-inspiring than a front-wheel-drive car from a standing start.
The brand’s engineers have clearly put a lot of thought into how they drive, with direct steering and a fairly firm suspension setup giving them a planted feel.
Compared to the 3 Series, the 2 Series has a shorter wheelbase and is generally shorter overall, so it feels a lot more agile around corners.
Because they’re both designed to feel sporty, you sit reasonably low, but thankfully, still high enough not to feel like driving around town is a challenge.
For the most part, the regular engines, which largely consist of 2.0-litre petrol and diesel units, offer a good balance of economy and performance.
For an extra punch without going to the expensive M2 and M3 models, there are M240i and M340i petrol models and a diesel-powered M340d, each using a powerful 3.0-litre, six-cylinder engine.
What technology is in the 3 Series vs. the 2 Series of BMW?
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The front of both cars revolves around the excellent ‘iDrive’ infotainment system, which controls many of the cars’ features. They’re both designed to place an emphasis on driving, so the dashboard is otherwise fairly minimal.
Older cars use a conventional instrument cluster, while newer ones get an upgraded screen that essentially serves as a digital version of conventional speed dials. This means all the information you need is available at a glance, without unnecessarily confusing graphics like in some other cars.
Behind both cars’ clean and simple layouts is plenty of car tech, including safety kit and other driving aids.
Does the 2 Series or 3 Series of BMW have a bigger boot?
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The 2 Series is a much smaller car than the 3 Series, so it’s no surprise that it has the smaller of the two boots. At 390 litres, though, it’s just as big and bigger than some family hatchbacks, like the Volkswagen Golf.
The 3 Series has a larger 480-litre boot, which is about average for this class of car, though slightly larger than what you’d get in a Mercedes C-Class.
The plug-in hybrid version of the 3 Series – badged 330e – has a 375-litre boot because it has to sacrifice some space for the extra batteries, but the same is true of most plug-in hybrids.
Both have saloon-style boot openings rather than hatchback-style doors, so it can be trickier to pack large items into their spaces.
Safety and reliability of the BMW 2 Series and 3 Series
Both models – and indeed the brand as a whole – often compare favourably with main rivals, and the 2 Series and 3 Series each have a reputation for excellent build quality and great reliability.
Some surveys suggest that the 3 Series has a slightly better record, but it’s worth noting that these are incredibly popular cars (especially among company car drivers) so there’s more data available for these. The 2 Series has also been around for less time.
The latest version of the BMW 2 Series coupé was tested in 2022 and received a four-star rating from Euro NCAP, with positive remarks made about its adult and child protection.
The BMW 3 Series got the full five-star rating thanks to exceptional adult protection and strong protective measures for pedestrians.
BMW 2 Series vs. 3 Series dimensions
At 4,537mm long, 1,838mm wide and 1,390mm tall, the 2 Series is noticeably larger than other small coupés like the Audi TT, though its rear seats are still best reserved for children.
Fitting three adults abreast in the back of the 3 Series, like with most saloons, can be challenging on longer trips, but two adults can sit comfortably in the rear thanks to plenty of legroom and headroom.
The 3 Series is 4,713mm long, 1,827mm wide and 1,440mm tall, so it’s longer than a Tesla Model 3 but shorter than a Mercedes C-Class.
BMW 2 Series vs. 3 Series: which should you buy?
From the driver’s point of view, both cars are designed to be fun to drive but equally capable at covering long distances on the motorway.
The main consideration is whether you need a pair of rear doors and space for more people and luggage, or if you prefer something smaller and sportier-looking.