The new-generation BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe offers a bit more space and receives more powerful engines. Here’s your first look.
Following on from the new-generation 1 Series hatchback comes the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe and while we’re yet to receive confirmation from BMW SA, it would be a surprise if this model wasn’t earmarked for our market.
It may be tagged as a new-generation model, but in reality, the previous-gen platform has been retained, albeit with some enhancements. BMW’s design team has created something interesting, and these pictures show a sportily-styled sedan, and we’ll pass a verdict when we see the vehicle in the metal. For what it’s worth, we think its a mature design, but you can add trinkets like vibrant paint and an illuminated grille if you’d like to stand out a bit more.
The vehicle has grown in size, with a 20 mm increase in overall length, taking it up to 4 546 mm. Height has increased by 25 mm, which means a bit more headroom, although wheelbase and width remain the same as the outgoing model. It’s interesting to note the badging has changed, with ‘i’ falling away. So you’ll get 218 and M235 as the official names.
There’s more power on offer and the 8-speed automatic gearbox has been replaced by a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The SA lineup is yet to be confirmed, but for now, the international powertrain lineup is as follows; 218 with 115 kW/230 Nm from a 1.5-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder (up from 103 kW and 220 Nm) and M235 with 233 kW/400 Nm (225 kW/450 Nm previously). The 218 is front-wheel driven, while the baby M model used xDrive all-wheel drive and will be the quicker of the two, with a 4.9 second sprint to 100 kph. It appears the adaptive M suspension is standard across the range.
The cabin has been enhanced and BMW says the new Gran Coupe will come highly specced. That means 12-speaker Harmon Kardon audio, cloud-based navigation, keyless entry, wireless charging pad and so on will not be optional. Inside, the car gets a 10.25-inch screen that serves as the instrument cluster and a 10.7-inch infotainment screen, neatly packaged as the Curve Display. It runs iDrive 9 software and features over-the-air update capability.
Will the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe come to South Africa?
Right now, we’re awaiting comment from BMW SA and like we said earlier, we’d be surprised if this model is not available in our market. We expect the lineup to stay much the same, with 218 and M235.
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