The new BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé is possibly the most stunning small sedan on Indian roads. It’s got a shark-like face, frameless doors, coupe-like design, and pronounced wheel arches.
I spent a couple of days with this entry-level BMW, and found that there isn’t much entry-level about it – in terms of luxury, gadgetry, power, or even price. Or is there?
What’s a Gran Coupé?
A coupé is a car with a sloping rear roofline and two doors; BMW’s Gran Coupés are four-door versions of a coupé. The 2 Series Gran Coupé was first launched in India in 2020, and the car in these photos is the second-generation model.
How’s the cabin?
It has increased in length by 20 mm (to 4,546 mm), and in height by 25 mm (to 1,445 mm). Its width is 1,800 mm, and wheelbase is 2,670 mm. But despite these fairly large measurements, the cabin is cramped (especially the rear seat), and the central tunnel on the floor compromises rear-seat comfort.
But the cabin is full of luxury and gadgetry – the widescreen curved display, the look & feel of plastics, fabric and metal, backlit interior for welcome and goodbye animation, sport seats with adjustable under-thigh support … everything is cool.
How does it drive?
The 2.0-litre diesel engine of the previous model has been replaced with a 1.5-litre petrol engine (three cylinders), and it’s a pocket Hercules. There is negligible turbo lag, and from any speed to any speed, the acceleration is linear. Handling is stupendous – be it entering or exiting corners, overtaking long vehicles, sharp braking, sudden turns … it just doesn’t lose it line, and handles almost like a sports car. All this while, the cabin remains fairly silent, and most of the time vibration-free. But on rough or broken roads, the ride turns harsh and noisy, possibly because the suspension is a bit stiff, made for smooth highways and quick cornering.
What about pricing?
When it was launched in 2020, the 2 Series was priced Rs 39.3 lakh (220d Sport Line), and Rs 41.4 lakh (220d M Sport). The new model costs a hefty Rs 46.9 lakh (218 M Sport), and Rs 48.9 lakh (218 M Sport Pro). Yes, it’s M Sport trim, it’s high on tech, and it handles well, but the 0-100 km/h acceleration has dropped from 7.5 seconds (in the previous diesel model) to 8.6 seconds, the low-slung design means it’s difficult to enter and exit, and at this price there are more practical SUV options.
But if you love driving, no SUV comes close, and barely any sedan will, and maybe that love for driving can be priceless.
Specifications
Engine: 1.5-litre petrol
Power: 115 kW (156 bhp)
Torque: 230 Nm
0-100 km/h: 8.6 seconds
Top speed: 230 km/h
Fuel efficiency: 16.35 km/litre
Price: Rs 46.9 lakh (218 M Sport), and Rs 48.9 lakh (218 M Sport Pro)
