In this case, 2 coupes really are better than one
Is BMW trying to confuse us? Probably not intentionally, but the introduction of the 2 Series Gran Coupe for 2020 as a companion to the 2 Series Coupe and convertible must have seemed somewhat redundant to anyone unfamiliar with the broader use of the term “Coupe.”
This misappropriation that began with the 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS now refers to similar low-slung four-door models from other automakers that emphasize style over roominess.
The Gran Coupe, which slots in one size below the 3-Series sedan in BMW’s hierarchy, is about 7.5-inches shorter and an inch narrower. There’s also seven less inches between the front and rear wheels and roughly 10 percent less trunk volume.
The 2-Series Gran Coupe is built off the platform originally designed for the BMW X1 and BMW’s Mini Clubman. The larger air intakes — where fog lights also reside — give the rakish nose an aggressive look. However the rest of the body is more conservatively sculpted and, with fewer creases and curves, is lesspremium in appearance.
Things are more dramatic inside, where luxury and sportiness are evident. The standard power front seats with added side bolstering are designed to hold their occupants in place and the leather-covered steering wheel is sufficiently meaty.
The standard 10.3-inch touch-screen (new for 2021) sits above the dashboard’s air vents and is slightly angled toward the driver. Available is a 9.2-inch head-up display that projects current speed, highway maximum speeds and other key data onto the windshield.
The split-folding 40/20/40 rear seat offers a variety of configurations, although with a shorter wheelbase and a lower roof (compared with the 3-Series sedan) legroom and headroom is at a premium.
The base front-wheel-drive 228i Gran Coupe is equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder that puts out 228 horsepower and 258 poundfeet of torque. All-wheel-drive is optional (called the 228i xDrive).
The up-level M235i xDrive’s version of the turbo 2.0 increases output to 301 horsepower and 332 poundfeet. Credit for extra spunk goes to a larger turbocharger and modified fuel injectors, and there’s a beefier crankshaft and upgraded internals to handle the added internal stress.
The M235i xDrive’s exhaust system announces its presence with a throatier exhaust with higher flow than what’s installed in the 228i xDrive.
Each powerplant is linked to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Fuel economy for the 228i is rated at 24 mpg in the city, 33 on the highway and 28 combined.
BMW’s stopwatch shows the 228i can accelerate to 60 mph from rest in 6.3 seconds (6.0 seconds for the AWD model), while the M235i xDrive can do it in a scant 4.7.
The 228i’s optional AWD includes torque vectoring that applies light braking to the inside wheels when turning, which adds cornering precision. For the M235i, the Torsen-brand limitedslip differential locks up 50 percent of engine torque to the front wheels when needed. It also includes a launch-control program to get the car off the line as quick as possible.
Both AWD systems come with Comfort and Sport modes, while the M235i’s sport suspension lowers the
ride height by close to half an inch.
Gran Coupe 228i pricing starts at $36,700 including destination fees. It comes with a navigation system, 17inch wheels with run-flat tires, 10-speaker sound system plus numerous active-safety systems such as emergency braking, lane-departure warning and pedestrian detection.
The more powerful M235i xDrive costs $46,500 and includes a body kit, leather seat coverings, ambient interior lighting and 18-inch wheels.
Options include a panoramic moonroof, automatic parking and a Harmon Kardon-brand surround-sound package.
Restraining yourself on the extras makes the 2-Series Gran Coupe (and the “real” 2 Series coupe) a relatively affordable driving machine with quick reflexes and a penchant for performance that fits with BMW’s racinginspired philosophy.