The 2021 BMW 2 Series Fails to Get an Important Consumer Reports Designation
The BMW 2 Series ranks first on Consumer Reports’ list of 25 sports/sporty cars over $40,000. Sure, that sounds impressive, but this compact luxury car is still pricey. However, with its long list of standard features, your money will go further with this model. In fact, Consumer Reports gave the 2021 BMW 2 Series high marks in most categories. But despite the praise, this luxury car falls short in one important area.
What makes the 2021 BMW 2 Series so great?
Earning an overall score of 88 out of 100 from Consumer Reports, the BMW 2 Series is an excellent car. As for performance goes, the sedan received perfect scores in all categories. They include transmission, braking, and emergency handling. It also excelled in acceleration, with a 0-to-60 time of 5.2 seconds. Its 335 hp turbo-six had a lot to do with that.
Comfort levels weren’t too bad either. The 2 Series got a perfect score for its front seats, and the noise level and fit-and-finish were above average. It didn’t perform as well in ride quality, earning an average rating.
The 2021 BMW 2 Series’ fuel economy is among the top in its class. It gets about 19 mpg in the city and a notable 31 mpg on the highway for a combined 25 mpg. Its reliability ratings aren’t bad, but it impresses its owners with its thrilling driving experience.
Where the BMW 2 Series fails
With so much to love about the 2021 BMW 2 Series, where could it possibly fail? Though Consumer Reports doesn’t have much negative to say about it, a few things displeased CR’s testers. The first area is the rear seating. Only two adults can fit back there, albeit semi-comfortably. Long trips might cause a small strain on them, but it could be done if necessary.
Cargo space is also minimal in the 2 Series, offering enough space for only two large suitcases. However, folding down the rear seats adds more room to haul more belongings. You’ll find the trunk opening on the small side, but the lid opens all the way up, aiding trunk access.
The last area of concern is the car’s low rating for tailpipe emissions. Consumer Reports gave it a below-average 4 out of 10 points. The smog emissions score is also low, coming in with a 3 rating. The lower the score, the more the vehicle emits carbon dioxide and other potentially hazardous pollutants. With scores like these, the BMW 2 Series failed to earn CR’s new Green Choice designation.
What is Consumer Reports’ Green Choice, and why does it matter?
Green Choice is a new program Consumer Reports uses to label vehicles with low or zero emissions. The designation allows consumers to see how much carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and PM2.5 a car, truck, or SUV emits. These pollutants can harm a person’s respiratory system.
Though the automotive industry is trending toward an all-electric future, Consumer Reports recognizes that gas-powered vehicles are still an option. To help eco-conscious buyers find models less likely to harm the environment, CR places a green leaf icon next to the ones with the best ratings.
At this point, only about 25 percent of vehicles meet CR’s standards. As more brands offer hybrids and other technologies come out, the number will rise. So consumers can have confidence that what they’re buying won’t harm the atmosphere as much as some other gas-powered vehicles do.
The BMW 2 Series seems to be close to perfect in every way, except for one — its ability to keep the climate clear of greenhouse gases. Its low scores in this area prevented it from winning CR’s Green Choice label.
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