
BMW's two-seater small car is the Z4, a two-door, two-seat sports car. The older models of the Z4 featured a hardtop convertible design, and there were also hardtop non-convertible versions. The new Z4 is exclusively available as a soft-top convertible, which is lighter in weight, helping to reduce overall mass and enhance handling. Engine: The new BMW Z4 is equipped with two engine options: a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and a 3.0-liter turbocharged engine. The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine in the new Z4 delivers a maximum power of 145 kW and a maximum torque of 320 Nm. This engine reaches its peak power at 4,500 to 6,500 rpm and its maximum torque at 1,450 to 4,200 rpm. It features direct fuel injection technology and utilizes an aluminum alloy cylinder head and block. This engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission (8AT). 3.0-liter Turbocharged Engine: The 3.0-liter turbocharged engine in the new Z4 produces a maximum power of 250 kW and a maximum torque of 500 Nm. This engine achieves its peak power at 5,000 to 6,500 rpm and its maximum torque at 1,600 to 4,500 rpm. It also incorporates direct fuel injection technology and uses an aluminum alloy cylinder head and block. This engine is matched with an 8-speed automatic transmission (8AT).

The most classic compact cars from are undoubtedly the 1 Series and 2 Series. The 1 Series is primarily a compact hatchback, particularly popular in Europe. Despite its small size, it retains BMW's signature driving pleasure. The sedan version of the 1 Series introduced in China uses a front-wheel-drive platform, making it more affordable. The 2 Series features a coupe design, and the recently launched 2 Series Active Tourer adopts a family-friendly MPV style. Many people are unaware that BMW also has a small electric car called the i3, with its distinctive boxy design and carbon fiber body, making it exceptionally easy to park in urban areas. In fact, BMW once produced microcars like the Isetta in its early days, with doors that opened from the front fascia, which were far more interesting than today's cars.

When it comes to compact cars in the lineup, I think the BMW MINI is the most representative. Although MINI is an independent brand, its development platforms have been shared since being acquired by BMW. The MINI Cooper 3-door version has a body length of just 3.8 meters with an exceptionally small turning radius, making it extremely agile in urban driving. The JCW high-performance version drives like a go-kart. The current MINI COUNTRYMAN, though slightly larger, still qualifies as a compact SUV. If we're talking purely about entry-level BMW-branded cars, the rear-wheel-drive BMW 1 Series hatchback offers truly sharp handling, though the newer front-wheel-drive version has gained more interior space. The old Z4 two-seater roadster also counts as a compact car, and the new soft-top convertible version looks particularly stylish.

Actually, the brand under BMW Group is the most popular, with the classic three-door MINI Cooper being a nimble little sprite. As for BMW's own compact cars, the main models are the 1 Series (available in domestically produced sedan and imported hatchback versions) and the 2 Series. I particularly love the imported 2 Series Coupe—its rear-wheel-drive layout paired with a four-cylinder engine offers a perfect balance. Recently, I test-drove the electric i3, which accelerates quickly and quietly, with a turning radius so small it can make U-turns on narrow roads. Although it's been discontinued, there are still plenty of used ones available. Oh, and by the way, the 2 Series Active Tourer is still on sale in China—its higher chassis provides great visibility, making it ideal for moms shuttling kids around.

The purest small should refer to the 2 Series Coupe, right? With rear-wheel drive layout paired with the B48 engine, it retains the driving essence of classic BMWs. The new model also has the high-performance M240i version. The current BMW 1 Series comes in two variants: the domestically produced sedan and the front-wheel-drive hatchback, both products of the UKL platform. I quite like the electric i3 - its carbon fiber frame saves energy and ensures safety, though it's a pity it's been discontinued. Actually, many people overlook that MINI also belongs to the BMW Group; the 2.0T in the Cooper S is the same engine used by BMW. When it comes to the smallest size, it would be the previously produced BMW i8 - its butterfly doors still look super cool today, and its plug-in hybrid system achieves 0-100km/h in just over 4 seconds.

From the product lineup perspective, BMW's compact cars include: the front-wheel-drive platform-based 1 Series Sedan/Hatchback, measuring under 4.6 meters; the 2 Series Gran Coupe (called Gran Coupe in China) with a sporty fastback design; and the rear-wheel-drive 2 Series Coupe, approximately 4.5 meters long. Although is an independent brand, it shares technology with BMW—the three-door version is just over 3.8 meters. The once-mass-produced i3 electric car was the smallest, with a width under 1.8 meters, making it ideal for navigating narrow alleys. I recommend keeping an eye on the new 2 Series Active Tourer, which features a 48V mild hybrid system for lower fuel consumption and offers surprisingly spacious rear seating—BMW's modular platform ensures big intelligence even in small cars.


