Last Week I had to go down to Portland, Oregon for some client meetings. It was a 3 day trip and I decided to rent a nice luxury sedan to enjoy the approximate 600 miles drive back and forth.
When I landed at Hertz to pick up the car, I was pleasantly surprised to note it was a BMW. And, options given to me were a BMW X1 and BMW 230i. While I was pleased it was a BMW, I wasn’t too happy with options. I had a bit of a tiff with person behind the counter and argued neither was a “Luxury Vehicle”
He mentioned
“Sir, it’s a BMW and it’s a luxury vehicle” and I told him for price that I was paying, I was expecting a minimum of a 5-Series BMW and not the options given to me. His point was models don’t matter as long as it’s a BMW. Well, I was getting late and I didn’t have either the patience or inclination to debate with a misinformed person.
Both BMW’s were 2020 and coincidentally black in color. I chose the 230i only because it was 25 horses more than the X1 ( 250hp vs. 225 hp) and of course, due to the coupe body style.
BMW 230i comes with same B48 engine as 330i and as this was a small 2-door coupe style car, I was hoping its going to be a more fun to drive than an X1.
Here are some observations from spending 3-days with this car and driving nearly 600 miles. Being a X3 M40i owner, there would be obviously some comparisons to it even if it’s not an Apples to Apples comparison.
Engine, Performance, Gearbox
- Engine felt average from a performance and exhaust sound point of view and like any other good 4-cylinder and 200hp+ engine block
- Coming from an X3 M40i, this engine did not feel powerful. It does not have a “Wow” factor that I get every time I get behind wheel of my car.
- This one felt good only in Sports and Sports + which was the only modes that I was using throughout my drive
- There is literally no sound from engine which was a bit disappointing. When you step on gas, there is a small grumble which gets drowned in NVH (more on it ahead)
- ZF transmission can never be faulted as its smooth and provides seamless transition.
NVH
— First time I drove this body style and it was shockingly loud inside. Plenty of road and tyre noise.
— My thumb rule is how easily I can hear people when I am speaking to them through the car speakers and I had a tough time even in eco pro
mode.
—While in my car, the engine note is so loud in Sports and Sports + ( And, I am not complaining..LOL) that its challenge to be heard on a call but,
moment you go into Eco Pro the cabin becomes dead silent which is what I like when I take calls in a moving car.
Gas Mileage
— I was clipping it most of the drive as it was through I-5 North and South corridor and this gives an opportunity to really open up the car.
—Gas mileage despite being in Sports mode 100% of drive was excellent. I think I got 26-27 mpg which is great for a 250HP engine.
—In my X3 M40i, if I spend so much time in Sports and Sports + on a highway. I can barely cross the 20mpg mark.
Handling
— Being a small, cute and sleek coupe, I was expecting a razor sharp handling but, unfortunately I didn’t get that feeling. X3 M40i is in a different league with respect to steering feel and handling. It feels lot more “tight” and confident on corners.
— Steering was light, and position was not in a great place especially for someone like me (6.1 tall)
—I adjusted steering a few times. In one position, I can’t see top of screen and when I pull up the steering, information at bottom of screen is
invisible.
— Braking was not as expected and lot of pressure had to be applied for a quick stop. X3 M40i on other hand, brakes are so powerful that a gentle and feather touch to brake is enough to bring it to a halt as they come with additional discs.
Space & Interiors
— Finally, space in car was barely enough for a big guy like me. Little said about
the rear space, better it is. I doubt if even children can sit in the back.
-- Basic interiors and since it was 2020 model, it had ID6 which looked old-
school compared to ID7.
—I had a colleague (Slightly built) ride with me for 2 days and even let him drive when I was dropping him to the airport (He flew in from Canada) and happens to be a car guy too (Owns a Subaru WRX) and had more or less similar feedback.
Final notes : I personally enjoyed driving this car for 3-days it was with me. BMW 230i is or folks who are in their late 20’s or early 30’s and who ride mostly alone with minimal or no luggage and want to get into their 1st BMW branded car here in US. But, is definitely not a practical car to own.
A few pics in no particular order.