BMW Serie 2 Gran Coupé, the most dynamic version of the small BMW

After having looked in detail at the BMW Serie 2 M235i xDrive, now is the time to get to know the BMW Serie 2 Gran Coupé better, the base model of that car, which has just been unveiled so that we can enjoy how one of the most anticipated cars of this year looks. This model is a coupé variant of the BMW Serie 1, although it features a more sporty, attractive and dynamic look.

It shares the platform with this model, so it is completely renewed, as is its smaller sibling. This platform has front-wheel drive, something that may surprise the die-hard fans of the Bavarian brand, but to calm their spirits we must say that it will also have all-wheel drive in its most powerful variants.

Three variants of the new BMW Serie 2 Gran Coupé

BMW has wanted to bring to the market the four-door coupé concept for the premium compact range, an alternative to the saloon that offers a better driving experience for this type of car. When it is presented at the Los Angeles Motor Show it will have three versions, equipped with different petrol and diesel engines.

The first of them, which forms the entry level, is the BMW 218i, with a 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine that delivers a power of 140 CV. This engine offers a combined fuel consumption of 7.0 – 5.9 l/100 km and emissions of 150-134 g/km. The transmission has a six-speed manual gearbox, although a seven-speed Steptronic dual-clutch automatic transmission can be chosen as an option.

The middle level is represented by the BMW 220d, with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel engine that delivers 190 CV of power. In this case we are talking about fuel consumption of 5.6 – 4.9 l/100 km and combined CO2 emissions of 146-129 g/km. The eight-speed Steptronic transmission it is fitted with has been improved and offers a better response when driving.

Finally, the BMW M235i xDrive, which we discussed in a previous article, is equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with a considerable 301 CV of power. In this case it also has an eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic gearbox and all-wheel drive. With all this, this variant of the BMW Serie 2 Gran Coupé will reach 100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds. Fuel consumption is in this case 8.3 – 7.6 l/100 km and combined CO2 emissions of 188 – 172 g/km.

The connectivity of the model allows both automatic transmissions to adapt the shift strategy according to the programmed route and the driving characteristics, improving the driving mode during the journey.

Improved steering and suspension for the BMW Serie 2

The steering of the new BMW Serie 2 Gran Coupé features the BMW Performance Control assisted by the ARB. This combination improves the use of the brakes in corners, increasing stability at those moments when it is most needed. In the case of the BMW M235i xDrive, a Torsen-type mechanical limited-slip differential is also included, which increases the sporty feel by creating a locking effect on the front wheels.

This differential is included in the Steptronic Sport transmission. In addition, the Launch Control function allows the engine to reach a torque of 450 Nm in the lower gears. To round off this more dynamic driving, the M Sport brakes offer better performance and can be chosen as an option on the two entry-level variants.

The standard suspension on the BMW Serie 2 Gran Coupé is also new and adapts to the needs of each driver, but an M Sport version can be chosen as an option. With this suspension the body height is reduced by 10 mm, which gives it a more sporty behaviour.

The driving mode selector allows you to choose Comfort mode, which increases comfort on poor road surfaces, or Sport mode, giving the drive greater dynamism, with more poise and fun for the driver.

Technology from the top ranges

To offer a greater driving experience, the BMW Serie 2 Gran Coupé features technology inherited from the top ranges. The driver assistance systems include lane change alert, active cruise control with Stop & Go and various sensors that warn of the possibility of a rear collision and cross traffic. The Parking Assistant helps the driver with the parking manoeuvre.

Opening via mobile phone thanks to the BMW Digital Key, which also allows the engine to be started and can be shared with up to five people. Interaction with the car is achieved with the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, which is activated with the words “Hello, BMW“, allowing you to adjust various features of the car, even if colloquial language is used.

Prices and sales of the BMW Serie 2 Gran Coupé

Although other variants will arrive in a relatively short time, for now it will only be sold in these three versions. Orders will begin to be taken in January 2020 and deliveries will take place a couple of months later.

As for prices, we know what they will be in Germany. The BMW 218i starts at 31,950 euros, while the BMW 220d costs 39,900 euros at launch and the top-of-the-range BMW M235i rises to 51,900 euros. Buyers will be able to choose from several BMW M Performance options to make even the lower versions of the model come with interesting additions.

Technical specifications of this car

SedanBMW Serie 218 versions · from 38,650 €