BMW has expanded its sedan line-up with the new 2 Series Gran Coupé – its first-ever small four-door coupé. The carmaker promises that the machine has been developed with a focus on driving dynamics. As we previously reported, the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé will make its way to the Indian market in 2020-21.
The new Mercedes-Benz CLA rival expands the 2 Series international line-up alongside the existing coupé, convertible and active tourer – although it is built on a different platform from these models. While the coupé will continue as rear-wheel drive, the new Gran Coupé is front-wheel drive and uses the same FAAR architecture as the recently launched (and closely related) 1 Series.
There will initially be three variants of the 2 Series Gran Coupé on offer in the European markets. The 218i features a 140hp/220Nm, 1.5-litre petrol unit; and the 220d is powered by a 190hp/400Nm, 2.0-litre diesel engine. The range-topping M235i xDrive gains all-wheel drive along with a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, twin-turbocharged petrol engine which produces 306hp and 450Nm of torque. BMW claims a 0-100kph time of 4.9sec with a limited top speed of 250kph. The 218i gets a 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic gearbox while other models have an 8-speed automatic 'box as standard.
The 2 Series Gran Coupé has the same mechanical underpinnings as the 1 Series, with the M235i featuring a Torsen limited-slip differential as well as BMW’s ARB traction control system, M Sport brakes and extra bracing for stiffness. The new four-door coupé is 4,526mm long and 1,800mm wide – 94mm longer and 26mm wider than the 2 Series Coupé; though the 2,670mm wheelbase is 20mm shorter. It is 183mm shorter and 27mm narrower than the current 3 Series.
The 2 Series Gran Coupé gets its own version of BMW’s signature kidney grille, which is wider than the one on the 1 Series and designed to reflect those used on other Gran Coupé models. It features horizontal slats on lower-end models and a mesh grille on the M235i. The range-topping model also has enlarged air inlet surrounds, along with bespoke rectangular exhausts at the back.
LED lights are standard front and rear and are designed to slightly wrap around the corner edges of the car. The side of the bodywork features two ‘character lines’ to add a sculpting effect. Wheel sizes range between 16-19 inches.
At the rear, BMW’s designers have used horizontal lines and positioned the number plate low down to make the vehicle appear wider and lower. The wide tailgate opening is both to add character and to increase access to the 430-litre boot, which features a two-step design with a lower storage section to boost practicality, along with a 40/20/40-folding rear bench.
Inside, BMW claims the 2 Series Gran Coupé offers an extra 33mm of knee room compared with the 2 Series Coupé, along with increased headroom. Up front, the cabin is similar to that of the latest 1 Series, with a digital instrument display and the option of a 10.25-inch touchscreen, and a 9.2-inch head-up display. The touchscreen is tilted slightly towards the driver and differing materials are used on the dashboard to ‘split’ the screen between the driver and passenger areas.
The India-spec 2 Series Gran Coupé is expected to sport a 2.0-litre diesel engine, in either the 218d or 220d form – which produce 140hp and 190 hp respectively. In terms of petrol options, BMW could offer the 2.0-litre petrol motor that is currently seen on the X1, or the new three-cylinder 1.5-litre turbo-petrol mill from the 218i. The latter is even being considered for local assembly as it could be used in various models in BMW’s range.
The 2 Series Gran Coupé will rival the likes of the Mercedes-Benz A-class, CLA and the Audi A3 sedans in the Indian market. Prices are expected to range between Rs 37-47 lakh, depending on the variant in question.
Would you prefer to buy the new BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe when it arrives or the upcoming Mercedes A-class? Let us know in the comments below.
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