Inside the new BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé is a leather-free interior with a classy and premium ambience. The Veganza and Alcantara trim is combined with hand-sewn contrasting seams for the instrument panel. There are even three distinct lines sewn in the BMW M colours as part of this sole M Sport trim. The dynamically backlit interior trim accents are made of milled aluminium, giving the new 2 a refined and modern ambience. The 10.7-inch BMW Curved Display is joined by a 10.25-inch digital driver cluster. The shift-by-wire drive selector adds to the progressive character of the interior. Other features include a digital key with NFC mobile key compatibility, a chunky steering wheel with paddle shifters—clearly identifying its M Sport genes—along with a dual-zone climate control system, wireless charging, and a dual-pane electric panoramic sunroof. Other noteworthy goodies are the 360° surround-view with parking assistant plus and a reversing assist for up to 50 metres. There is a Harman/Kardon premium audio system, too. Oh, and the advanced driver assistance system packs everything from adaptive cruise control, active lane-keep assist, collision warning and mitigation, and even rear cross-traffic alert and brake—all useful features, especially in India.
The sports seats are a talking point as they provide superb support. The side bolsters hold one in place snugly yet provide a high level of comfort on longer journeys. The rear seat offers limited occupant room for six-footers, even with the headliner and rear of the front seat-backs scooped out. The boot volume, however, is a plentiful 430 litres with the rear back-rest also getting a 40:20:40 split to enhance versatility.
BMW say that the new 218 Gran Coupé is an urban car for those who want to step up to the prestigious brand. Their target buyers are youngsters and budding entrepreneurs who want to be seen driving a BMW. Never mind that the “18” points to a 1.5-litre, three-cylinder, turbo-petrol engine producing 156 hp and 230 Nm. The engine is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and drives the front wheels. While that may seem mediocre at best today, it is enough for a sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in a claimed 8.6 seconds and a claimed top speed of 230 km/h. This is thanks to the “Boost” mode which enables 10 seconds of full power. Since this isn’t electric or hybrid, I’m not sure how it is different from simply stamping on the throttle pedal—must be an extra-special set of maps. On paper, the 82-mm bore and 94.6-mm stroke for a 1,499-cc displacement are identical to the motor in the i8 hybrid sports coupé from a decade ago; although that was tuned much higher. This is 2025, however, and this modular engine is effectively half a B58 (2,998-cc) straight-six. The same powertrain is also in the entry Mini Cooper C, a variant not sold here in India.
The new BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé picks up pace quite well with the torque peaking from as low as 1,500 rpm. The transmission works well with the drive modes on offer (Eco, Personal, and Sport) altering how long the ratio is held and how much engine speed is utilised. The pay-to-use Digital Premium service offers more drive modes (Expressive, Relax, and Digital Art).
We were on the famed East Coast Road which connects Chennai with Mammalapuram and Puducherry (formerly Pondicherry). The road surface was quite exquisite for some part and the evidently stiff ride didn’t bother me or my camera-packing colleague. What matters is that on the go, it feels like a BMW. The quality of material and fit-and-finish are excellent. The car feels planted and sure-footed, with sharp and responsive handling, and brisk and unperturbed changes of direction. The three-pot may not be the most powerful but it sounds nice higher up the rev-range and, when not pushed, is very efficient, even without a mild-hybrid system. BMW say the rated figure is 16.35 km/l. I saw around 12 in traffic and a much higher indicated 25+ km/l cruising at a steady 80 km/h. There are merits to having this motor that may not be apparent when one takes a look at the spec sheet.
All said and done, the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé is the new entry point for seekers of sedans from the Bavarian luxury brand. Honestly, today things have got to a point where outward appearance is everything and a car’s badge-value carries a far greater amount of prestige than what the package actually offers. And the BMW 218 Gran Coupé seems to tick all those boxes.
We expect a price of around Rs 40 lakh (ex-showroom), which means it is positioned well below the 3 Series and even the entry compact SUV, the X1 16i. Europe gets a 220 Gran Coupé and even a 300-hp M235 xDrive Gran Coupé, but they aren’t going to be offered here. For now.
Story: Jim Gorde
Photography: Sanjay Raikar
Need to Know – BMW 218 Gran Coupé M Sport
Price: Rs 40-45 lakh (estimated)
Engine: 1,499-cc, in-line three, turbo-petrol
Max Power: 156 hp @ 4900-6000 rpm
Max Torque: 230 Nm @ 1500-4600 rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic, front-wheel drive
Suspension: MacPherson strut, three-link rear
Weight: 1350 kg (estimated)
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