The new models of 2 Series from BMW have now hit the sales floor, and one model, the 230i, has a lot of notable features that make the vehicle distinct and desirable. BMW has made a lot of flagship and standout sports cars in its time, and the 230i seems to be getting praise from the public as well. With a powerful, turbocharged engine, optional packages with many bonus features, lighter weight, and more effective and advanced features, the 230i provides a superior driving experience in so many ways, including safety and maneuverability.

Read on to find out which features of the 2022 BMW 230i stand out the most as being highly prized.

Related: 10 Things To Know Before Buying The 2022 BMW M240i

2022 BMW 230i: Producing The Power

Purple 2022 BMW 230i on road
via Motor Authority

The engine in the 2022 BMW 230i puts out a decent amount of horsepower. The manual transmission option may be gone for the 2 Series, but in its place comes an eight-speed automatic transmission, which transmits power all the way to the rear wheels. Speaking of power, the 230i has a 2.0-L turbocharged I4 engine that can put out 295 lb-ft of torque and 255 HP. BMW's engines, after all, are notable enough to be used in other non-BMW cars and motorcycles. Also notable is that the power and torque the 230i puts out far exceeds that of its predecessors from previous years, increased by 7 HP and 37 lb-ft of torque.

The engine gives drivers the ability to power through corners, and the transmission is noted for being very crisp and responsive. Further, the optional Dynamic Handling Package for an additional $1,900 gives drivers the ability to move through corners with increased ease and generating even more torque during turns. The package includes an M Sport rear differential and larger brakes, courtesy of BMW's M Division, recently entering its 50th year. These larger brakes are considered to be more reactive. The 230i can achieve 60 MPH in just 5.5 seconds, and it weighs 3,519 pounds. Therefore, it may be heavier than the previous generation of 230i, but it also comes in lighter than its M240i counterpart. Some of the lost weight is thanks to the use of aluminum for the fenders and hood, and a slight majority of the weight is on the front wheels.

2022 BMW 230i: Solid Drivetrain, Cheaper Price

White 2022 BMW 230i parked outside
via Edmunds

As quality as the drivetrain is, the price is surprisingly reasonable. The starting MSRP for the 230i is $36,000, which is $12,000 cheaper than its M240i counterpart. The drivetrain is also notable in that the 230i is available with rear-wheel drive, resulting in a more favorable feeling. It also allows the 230i to rotate more freely than the M240i.

As mentioned before, the 230i is notable for its lack of weight in the front end, allowing for superior steering feel and response, as well as improved turning ability. On top of that, the engine is praised for its power, given that it's 2.0-L turbocharged four-cylinder engine with efficient fuel economy. The 230i has seen more favor in regard to its price, improved fuel economy, superior steering, and sharper turning ability.

Related: 2022 BMW 240i Vs Toyota Supra 3.0: Here Is Which Coupe You Should Go For

2022 BMW 230i: Delightful Design

Purple 2022 BMW 230i parked outside
via Bimmerfile

A lot of careful consideration went into the design of the 2022 BMW 230i. SensaTec faux leather with genuine Vernasca leather adorns the standard sport seats. And the leather doesn't end there, as the steering wheel is also wrapped in it. Further, newly-designed, multi-function buttons are placed strategically throughout the three-spoke steering wheel. Many controls and functions can also be accessed via the shifter-commander knob. Soft upholstery is everywhere, like on the door panels, also featuring three-dimensional triangular shapes.

The lower console area showcases a matte finish. That said, while interior space has been improved since previous cars hit the sales floor, there's still room to improve, both figuratively and literally. The compact aspect is not only limited to the interior, as the trunk is also rather compact. BMW used the CLAR platform for the 230i, just as it did with their 3 Series and 4 Series. On the inside, there's either an 8.8-inch or an optional 10.25-inch screen, both of which have the iDrive 7 infotainment system installed.

2022 BMW 230i: Small, But Mighty

Red 2022 BMW 230i parked in desert
via CNET

The physical size of the newest model may have shrunk, but that makes it no less of a force to be reckoned with. With only height reduced, the width has been widened, thanks to a stretched length and wheelbase, as well as a wider track and body. Further, the engine has been noted to be just as powerful despite being no larger in terms of displacement, and the automatic transmission is no slouch, either.

Sources: cnet.com, jdpower.com, bmwblog.com, forbes.com, motortrend.com,