When it’s time to take on the urban jungle, though, it’s best in Eco Pro. I kid you not. It’s a fine balance of relaxed refinement and realizable potential. Besides, though soaring fuel prices may not exactly affect buyers into this segment, seeing double-digit figures is a pleasant sensation. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: BMW have mastered drive modes. They completely change the car’s character and very evidently too. The 220i Gran Coupe works well in the city and just as well on the highway. Its compact 4.5-metre length and tight turning circle make it easy to use even on narrow streets. It may look low but it can deal with obstacles and speed humps easily. It shares its 2,670-mm wheelbase with the X1 but sits 29 millimetres lower; although that’s no cause for concern.
What would be, however, if the need to fit five above-average-sized adults in the rear should arise, is the rear occupant room. It will fit four in relative comfort but, with the provision for xDrive, the platform has necessitated a prop-shaft tunnel and that eats up foot-space in the middle. Nevertheless, it’s okay to go with four and that should be more than fair, considering it will be the first premium car for many buyers or a compact second “everyday” one for some others. It blends badge value, driving pleasure, sharp dynamics, and robust build quality together and feels like a sure-footed package overall. Not much going against it in terms of its segment, but, if anything, it’s the Rs 41-lakh (ex-showroom) price tag that may be the only deterrent.
And, since that came up, if 192 hp is still not enough, petrolheads, us included, hope to see the more powerful 306-hp/450-Nm M235i Gran Coupe xDrive — which should go toe-to-toe with some competition that’s recently surfaced, and with identical numbers — introduced soon.
Need to Know – BMW 220i Gran Coupe M Sport
Price: Rs 40.90 lakh (ex-showroom)
Engine: 1,998 cc, in-line four, turbo-petrol
Max Power: 192 hp @ 5,000-6,000 rpm
Max Torque: 280 Nm @ 1,350-4,600 rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic, front-wheel drive
Suspension: Strut front, multi-link rear
Weight: 1,430 kg
Also read: BMW M2 Competition Road Test Review |
BMW 220d Gran Coupe Road Test Review
