BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe. Sedan, not coupe
In 2019, the manufacturer expanded the BMW 2 Series range. A compact sedan Gran Coupe has joined the rear- and all-wheel drive coupes and convertibles, produced since 2014. The newcomer promises to become a global model and will be sold in Europe, the USA and China. The junior Gran Coupes are produced at the BMW plant in Leipzig. Israeli buyers can choose one of the following modifications of the sedan: the 218i Gran Coupe Sport at a cost of 257,366 shekels, the 218i M-sport Gran Coupe at a cost of 262,366 shekels and the M235i xDrive Gran Coupe M-Performance at a cost of 413,731 shekels (including registration fee). The BMW 218i Gran Coupe is currently one of the cheapest new BMWs.
The new BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe (model code F44) is not a liftback like the BMW 4 Series with a similar attachment, but a 4-door 5-seater sedan. The frameless doors and a lowered sloping roof are the only elements borrowed from a coupe. And technically, this sedan is unified with the BMW 1 Series Hatchback (F40): they have a common platform with a transverse engine and basic front-wheel drive. In fact, the 2019 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe is a direct competitor to the Mercedes CLA.
Exterior
The 2019/2020 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe is noticeably more compact than the Mercedes CLA. It is 4,526 mm long (versus 4,688 mm), 1,800 mm wide (versus 1,830 mm) and 1,420 mm high (versus 1,439 mm). The wheelbase is 2,670 mm, while the CLA offers 2,729 mm. The trunk is also smaller: 430 liters versus 460 provided by a Mercedes. But a BMW comes standard with a three-section back of the backseat, divided in a ratio of 40:20:40. Following the modern trends, the newcomer pretends to be sporty. The Gran Coupe has frameless doors, a more sloping roof and incredibly flared ‘nostrils’.
The sedan can have wheels with a diameter of 16 to 19 inches. Moreover, you can choose one of the four trim levels (Advantage, Luxury Line, Sport Line, M Sport), which differ in decor and design elements. The hood and trunk lid are made of aluminum, while LED headlights and taillights are standard equipment.
Interior and equipment
The interior is well-finished, featuring soft plastic covering at the top and flawless seams. In the dark, the interior is transformed by contour lighting, which appears right through the decorative strips on the panels and doors. Despite its small size, the trunk is suitable for two decent suitcases. But the rear passengers will lack space due to the insufficient knee room, even if the driver is of average height. The headroom is also pretty small.
Entry-level versions have analog devices with a 5.1-inch screen and a media system with an 8.8-inch touchscreen. The more expensive versions have two 10.25-inch displays in front of the driver and a heads-up display. The list of options includes adaptive cruise control, a gesture-controlled media system, a panoramic roof, parking assist, leather interior and much more.
The M Sport Pro version includes adaptive LED headlights, front and rear parking sensors with reversing camera, tire pressure monitoring, rain and light sensors with automatic long-range switch, cruise control, sports seats and heated steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, Hi-Fi sound system, fog lights, M-styling with black door trims, 18-inch wheels and M-steering wheel. The BMW M235i Gran Coupe has two equipment levels. The car will have sports suspension, brakes and steering, M Sport front seats with Alcantara, a spoiler on the trunk lid, as well as a Harman Kardon sound system and a virtual dashboard Live Cockpit Professional.
Engines and chassis
The new BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe comes in four versions. We will only tell you about those available on the Israeli market.
- The entry-level BMW 218i Gran Coupe is equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline 3-cylinder engine, which produces 136 hp and 224 Nm, and if you activate an Overboost mode it will add another 10 Nm, but only starting from the fourth gear. The engine is coupled with a 7-speed dual-clutch robotic gearbox. The version is front-wheel drive. Acceleration to 100 km/h occurs in 8.9 seconds. The maximum speed is 210 km/h.
- The top-end BMW M235i xDrive Gran Coupe comes with a 2-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder gasoline engine with 306 hp and 458 Nm of torque. The engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The version features a Torsen front self-locking differential, electronic launch control, and additional body amplifiers in the front and center tunnel. The standard version accelerates to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, while the M Performance package allows it to do it in 4.8 seconds. The maximum speed is 250 km/h. These sedans normally have the M Sport design package with different air intakes and grilles in the ‘nostrils’.
The chassis of the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe has McPherson struts at the front and a multi-link suspension at the rear. There are three spring suspension options to choose from: standard, low M Sport (minus 10 mm ground clearance) and adaptive. There is an optional all-wheel drive with rear axle clutch. The car has the new generation driving electronics. For example, the ARB system is physically integrated into the engine control unit, so it works three times faster than the classic DSC system. BMW Performance Control Assistant is designed to actively manage the distribution of torque to the wheels and to correct the vehicular spin.
The 7-speed 7DCT300 robotic gearbox has been manufactured by Getrag for several years, and so far there are no problems with it. By the way, it is installed not only on BMW and Mini cars. For example, a Mercedes A-class or a large Renault Grand Scenic also has it. When installed on the gasoline BMW 218i Gran Coupe, the unit will work with a margin. After all, the robotic gearbox is designed for 300 Nm of torque, and the 218th produces only 224 Nm.
Driving characteristics
Such flaws as torque-steer and insufficient maneuverability of front-wheel drive vehicles have been successfully eliminated: the sedan is almost neutral when cornering. It changes direction easily, is very responsive and stable on curvy roads. The model rolls a little, but noticeable. The car is stable when moving along a straight line. In fact, the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe has one of the best chassis among front-wheel drive vehicles.
