The 2025 BMW 2 Series continues to uphold BMW’s tradition of delivering sporty driving dynamics in a compact and stylish package. As the brand’s entry-level coupe, it balances performance, luxury, and technology, making it an attractive choice for enthusiasts seeking an engaging driving experience.
With multiple trim levels and both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive options, the 2 Series offers versatility while staying true to its driver-focused nature. Despite a firm ride and a small rear seat, it remains a standout in its segment, competing with models like the Audi A3 and Mercedes-Benz CLA
1. 2025 BMW 2 Series
The 2025 BMW 2 Series remains a quintessential Bimmer, offering impressive performance, a well-crafted interior, and solid build quality despite being the brand’s entry-level model.
Available in four trim levels, the 2 Series is a five-seater, though its small rear seats are a drawback. The M240i Coupe xDrive is a standout choice, featuring a potent 3.0L I6 turbo engine, all-wheel drive, and a starting price of $53,775.
Fuel efficiency is respectable, with an estimated 23 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway. While the ride is firmer than some rivals, the 2 Series delivers sharp handling that sports car enthusiasts will appreciate.
BMW’s legacy of sporty luxury coupes is alive in the 2 Series, despite the market’s shift toward SUVs. Though the company has introduced four-door Gran Coupe versions, the traditional two-door coupe remains a purist’s choice.
The 2 Series Gran Coupe may be redesigned or discontinued in the U.S., but its front-wheel-drive platform, shared with Mini models, makes it less appealing to BMW enthusiasts.
Meanwhile, the standard coupe continues to cater to those seeking performance at a reasonable price, offering both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive options. For those craving even greater power and handling, the high-performance BMW M2 is available separately.
With two-door coupes becoming rarer, the BMW 2 Series faces limited competition. Its closest challengers are the Audi A3 and Mercedes-Benz CLA, both of which have higher-performance variants—the Audi S3 and Mercedes CLA AMG models—to rival the six-cylinder BMW M240i.
However, the 2 Series, particularly the M240i and M230i, provides a more performance-oriented driving experience than its competitors. Starting at $40,775, with an average market price of $39,329, the 2 Series remains an attractive choice for driving enthusiasts looking for an engaging and stylish coupe.
2. 2025 Audi S e‑tron GT
The 2025 Audi S e-tron GT expands Audi’s electric vehicle lineup, offering a balance of performance and luxury. Positioned between the base e-tron GT and the high-performance RS model, the S e-tron GT delivers rapid acceleration, a refined ride, and a high-tech, pampering cabin.
This five-seater comes in two trim levels, with the most popular Premium Plus model starting at $126,795. It features an electric powertrain with all-wheel drive, offering an estimated range of 300 miles and efficiency ratings of 91 MPGe in the city and 88 MPGe on the highway.
While the S e-tron GT delivers a thrilling electric driving experience, it is not quite as sporty as its Porsche Taycan counterpart. Additionally, its sleek roofline design slightly limits rearward visibility.
However, its smooth ride quality, advanced technology, and luxurious interior make it a compelling choice for those seeking a high-end electric grand tourer. With a starting market average of $127,386, the 2025 Audi S e-tron GT remains an attractive option for drivers looking for an electrified mix of performance and comfort.
3. 2026 BMW M5
The 2026 BMW M5 continues the legacy of high-performance luxury sedans, now incorporating a plug-in hybrid powertrain for enhanced efficiency. This five-seater comes in a single trim, featuring a 4.4L V8 turbo engine paired with an electric motor, delivering both power and an estimated 25 miles of electric-only range.
With all-wheel drive as standard, the M5 maintains its reputation for thrilling acceleration and precise handling, making it a compelling choice for driving enthusiasts who also value modern hybrid technology.
Starting at $120,675, with an average market price of $118,860, the 2026 M5 offers a mix of performance, comfort, and innovation. Its hybrid setup enhances fuel efficiency without compromising the M5’s signature driving dynamics.
As a top-tier luxury sports sedan, it competes with rivals like the Mercedes-AMG E63 and Audi RS7, offering an electrified twist on BMW’s high-performance heritage.
4. 2025 Aston Martin Vantage
The 2025 Aston Martin Vantage blends striking design, luxurious craftsmanship, and exhilarating performance, making it a standout in the high-performance sports car segment. This two-seater coupe, available in a single trim, starts at $194,086 and is powered by a 4.0L twin-turbo V8 engine with rear-wheel drive.
It offers a balance of power and agility, delivering an estimated 15 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway. While it lacks a manual gearbox and Android Auto, its breathtaking styling and outstanding handling make it one of the most desirable sports cars available.
Aston Martin has a long history with the Vantage name, dating back to 1950. Over the years, the Vantage has evolved from a high-performance DB2 variant into its own model line, with the latest version being the fastest street-legal Vantage ever.
With a top speed exceeding 200 mph, precise 50:50 weight distribution, and an advanced suspension system, the 2025 Vantage is designed to rival elite sports cars such as the Porsche 911, McLaren 750S, Chevrolet Corvette, Lamborghini Huracán, and Mercedes-AMG GT. Its impressive handling and acceleration reinforce its status as a true driver’s car.
Beyond its performance, the new Vantage boasts a head-turning design with a long hood, wide stance, and aggressive proportions. Inside, high-end materials and sport seats create an opulent yet driver-focused cabin, featuring an updated infotainment system and an optional premium Bowers & Wilkins audio system.
As part of Aston Martin’s broader lineup refresh, the Vantage joins the DB12 and DBX, with a V12-powered Vanquish set to debut later in the year. With its blend of speed, style, and exclusivity, the 2025 Vantage continues Aston Martin’s legacy of producing world-class sports cars.
5. 2024 Maserati GranCabrio
The 2024 Maserati GranCabrio is a stunning open-top sports car that combines Italian elegance with high-performance engineering. With its sleek design, luxurious leather-trimmed interior, and powerful Trofeo model, it stands out among high-end convertibles.
This four-seater, available only in the Trofeo trim, starts at $204,995 and features a 3.0L turbocharged V6 engine with all-wheel drive. It offers an estimated 17 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway.
While its styling and driving experience are exceptional, advanced safety features are not standard, and some enthusiasts may miss the option for rear-wheel drive.
Maserati has a long history of producing convertible sports cars, with its first open-top model debuting in 1932. The modern GranCabrio joined the lineup in 2010 but took a four-year hiatus before returning for 2024.
Sharing its platform with the hard-top GranTurismo, it provides a thrilling ride with the added joy of open-air driving. The soft-top roof retracts in just 14 seconds and can be operated at speeds up to 31 mph.
Though it offers seating for four, the rear seats are tight, making it best suited for shorter trips with passengers. Its design takes inspiration from Maserati’s MC20 supercar, featuring vertical LED headlights and an aggressive front grille showcasing the iconic trident emblem.
Competing in the ultra-luxury convertible segment, the GranCabrio rivals models like the Aston Martin DB12 Volante, BMW M8 Competition Convertible, Porsche 911 GTS Cabriolet, and Bentley Continental GTC.
Currently, it is only available in the high-performance Trofeo trim, boasting 542 horsepower and all-wheel drive for enhanced grip and handling. While the absence of a rear-wheel drive variant may disappoint purists, the GranCabrio remains a compelling choice for those seeking style, exclusivity, and thrilling performance.
Maserati plans to expand the lineup in 2025 with the introduction of the all-electric, 761-horsepower GranCabrio Folgore, further cementing its place in the evolving luxury performance market.
Also Read: 10 Best Supercars for the Ultimate Driving Experience
6. 2024 Lotus Emira
The 2024 Lotus Emira marks the end of Lotus’ internal combustion era with a lightweight, driver-focused sports car that embodies the brand’s heritage.
This two-seater coupe is available in two trim levels, with the most popular V6 First Edition Manual starting at $107,750. Powered by a 3.5L supercharged V6 engine and rear-wheel drive, the Emira prioritizes pure driving engagement over excessive power.
It offers an estimated fuel efficiency of 16 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. While its trustworthy engine sources and exceptional handling make it a thrilling choice, it lacks advanced tech and safety features, making it feel sparse compared to some competitors.
Replacing the outgoing Evora GT, the Emira refines the formula with a sleeker, more modern interior. Unlike its predecessor, which had rear seats, the Emira is strictly a two-seater, with a more practical cargo shelf in the back.
The cabin has been upgraded with a sculpted dashboard, additional leather, and improved storage, addressing past criticisms of Lotus interiors. Despite these refinements, the Emira remains true to its roots, emphasizing lightweight agility over unnecessary luxury.
It is also one of the few modern sports cars to retain a hydraulic power steering system, ensuring superior road feedback, and it offers the option of a manual transmission for purists who value an immersive driving experience.
The Emira’s competition includes the Chevrolet Corvette, Porsche 718 Cayman, BMW M2, and Toyota GR Supra—most of which offer greater comfort and everyday usability.
However, none match the Emira’s level of driver engagement, making it a standout choice for enthusiasts seeking a pure, analog driving experience. The downside is its relatively high price, which, combined with limited tech and safety features, may make it less appealing to buyers looking for value beyond performance.
Nevertheless, for those who prioritize the thrill of driving above all else, the 2024 Lotus Emira is a fitting farewell to Lotus’ gasoline-powered lineage.
7. 2024 Aston Martin DB12
The 2024 Aston Martin DB12 is the most powerful grand touring car the brand has ever produced, boasting nearly 700 horsepower from its twin-turbo V8 engine. Combining extreme performance with breathtaking design and a luxurious interior, the DB12 stands out as one of the most desirable GT cars on the market.
Available in two trim levels, the most popular Coupe model starts at $248,086 and features rear-wheel drive with an estimated fuel efficiency of 15 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway.
While it offers a thrilling driving experience, it does come with some drawbacks, including a large turning radius, a small rear seat, and a muted exhaust note that seeps into the cabin.
Built on Aston Martin’s long-standing GT heritage, the DB12 blends classic styling with modern refinements. A wider track, aggressive front grille, and sleek LED headlights give it a more commanding presence, while the latest Aston Martin badge adds a touch of prestige.
With sharper handling and increased power, the DB12 competes with the Porsche 911 Turbo S, Bentley Continental GT, and McLaren GT, balancing performance and comfort. The ride is exceptionally smooth, and improvements to the infotainment system bring it up to modern standards.
Though it lacks spacious rear seating and cargo capacity, the DB12 delivers an outstanding mix of luxury and high-performance driving, making it a top choice for GT enthusiasts.
8. 2025 Ford Mustang
The 2025 Ford Mustang continues its legacy as an affordable and thrilling muscle car, offering exciting power and modern technology. Available in five trim levels, it provides options ranging from a turbocharged four-cylinder engine to a powerful 5.0L V8.
The most popular GT Premium Fastback model, starting at $52,675, delivers an estimated 15 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. While its tiny rear seat and fuel-hungry V8 may be drawbacks, the Mustang remains a compelling choice for those seeking a high-performance, rear-wheel-drive coupe or convertible.
Maintaining its classic formula, the Mustang retains its status as the last true American pony car after the discontinuation of the Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger. Ford introduced a new generation in 2024, dubbed the S650, and it carries over into 2025 with minimal changes.
Buyers can choose between the standard models and the high-performance Dark Horse trim, which offers track-ready capabilities.
Additionally, 2025 brings a special 60th 60th-anniversary edition featuring exclusive blue paint and body graphics, adding a nostalgic touch to the lineup. The Mustang GTD, an 800-horsepower supercar variant, pushes performance boundaries but is not included in this review due to its extreme nature.
Beyond its impressive power, the Mustang offers a well-appointed interior with modern tech features, including crisp digital displays and user-friendly controls. While the back seat remains small, front passengers will enjoy comfortable seating and a smooth ride, making the Mustang a capable grand tourer.
By blending retro styling with cutting-edge technology, the Mustang continues to attract both longtime enthusiasts and new buyers, solidifying its place as an enduring icon in American automotive history.
9. 2025 Mercedes‑Benz CLE
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE blends luxury, performance, and modern technology in a stylish coupe or convertible design. Replacing the two-door versions of the C-Class and E-Class, the CLE offers a high-tech interior with premium materials and cutting-edge features.
Available in three trim levels, the CLE 300 starts with a 255-hp turbocharged four-cylinder, while the CLE 450 upgrades to a 375-hp six-cylinder.
The top-tier AMG CLE 53 delivers 443 hp, putting it in competition with performance models like the BMW M4 and Audi S5. All variants come with a mild-hybrid system and Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel drive for a balanced and engaging driving experience.
Despite being a two-door vehicle, the CLE provides a comfortable and well-appointed interior, with available sport seats offering heating, cooling, and massage functions.
A premium audio system with integrated seat speakers and an 11.9-inch touchscreen running the latest MBUX infotainment system add to the high-tech ambiance. While accessing the rear seats may be a challenge, the CLE offers a more practical coupe experience than many of its competitors.
Its combination of luxury, performance, and advanced features makes it a compelling alternative to rivals like the BMW 4 Series and Audi A5, ensuring that Mercedes-Benz remains a strong contender in the shrinking two-door segment.
10. 2025 McLaren 750S
The 2025 McLaren 750S is an evolution of the already impressive 720S, offering more power, reduced weight, and even sharper handling. This high-performance supercar continues McLaren’s legacy of precision engineering, delivering an exhilarating driving experience with its 4.0L twin-turbo V8 engine and rear-wheel drive.
Available as a coupe or a Spider, the 750S provides an open-air thrill for those who opt for the convertible variant. While its starting price of over $300,000 puts it in an exclusive category, the 750S is designed for enthusiasts who demand the very best in speed and agility.
With a lightweight carbon-fiber structure and aerodynamically optimized design, the 750S offers blistering acceleration and razor-sharp cornering. The car’s advanced suspension system ensures excellent ride quality while maintaining McLaren’s signature handling precision.
Inside, the cockpit is driver-focused, featuring a minimalistic yet high-tech design with premium materials. Competing with top-tier supercars like the Ferrari F8 Tributo and Lamborghini Huracán STO, the 750S is a thrilling yet refined option for those seeking unparalleled performance in a road-legal package.
As two-door coupes become increasingly rare, the 2025 BMW 2 Series stands as a testament to BMW’s commitment to performance and driving pleasure. Offering a blend of power, agility, and refinement, it caters to enthusiasts who prioritize handling and engagement over practicality.
While the competition offers alternatives with more interior space and comfort, the 2 Series remains one of the best options for those seeking an authentic BMW driving experience at a relatively accessible price point.
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