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AUTO REVIEW

2018 BMW 230i coupe

By Stephen Schutz, MD

In its ongoing effort to span the entire automotive spectrum, the base 2.0L four-cylinder motor with 248HP or 3.0L in-line six
BMW sells the modestly priced 230i coupe in this country. Good with 335HP. As is the case with every engine in non-electrified
for them. With their 7-series sedan, upcoming X7 luxury SUV, and 2018 BMWs, both 2-series powerplants are turbocharged. In case
— can you believe they’ve owned this company since 1998? — Rolls you care in these days of cheap gas, fuel economy figures are 24
Royce, they have the high end covered. MPG city/35 highway for the 230i coupe and 21 city/32 highway
It’s worth a moment to consider how far BMW has come in 40 for the M240i coupe.
years. In 1978 BMW sold just three models in this country: the 320i
and 633i coupes and 533i sedan. This year they offer, deep In keeping with their athletic natures, both the 230i and
breath...the 7-series sedan, X1, X3 and X5 crossovers, X2, X4 and M240i are available with either an 8-speed automatic
X6 crossover coupes, i3 electric coupe, i8 and Z4 sports cars, 2- and or—thank you BMW!!—six-speed manual transmission.
4-series coupes, and 4- and 6-series Gran Coupes. In addition, there (If you choose AWD, the manual is no longer available.)
are convertible versions of the (non-Gran) coupes as well as M ver-
sions of seven of their offerings. The exterior design of the 230i is best described as conservative.
Based on the not-sold-here 1-series hatchback, the entry level 230i Most modern BMWs have understated styling, but the 2-series’ is
is intended to entice young professionals and others with some but probably the most low-key. I drove it all over my area during my
not lots of disposable income to the brand (and, of course, intro- week with it and not a single person gave it a glance. Still, its relatively
duce them to BMW’s pricier offerings as their incomes rise). long hood, stubby rear end, and wedgy stance give the 230i a nicely
In this country, the 2-series can be had in either coupe or con- sporty look. And the many character lines along the sides and hood
vertible forms, rear- or all-wheel drive, and either of two engines, add personality. Nevertheless, my usual critique of contemporary

44 San Antonio Medicine • May 2018