The BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe Is A FWD Niche-Filler

BMW has revealed a new 'Gran Coupe' version of the 2-series, based on the same front-wheel drive architecture of the new 1-series
The BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe Is A FWD Niche-Filler

A more practical, four-door version of the 2-series sounds quite appealing, doesn’t it? A compact, rear-wheel drive car to fill the gap left by the bigger-than-ever-3-series could be a breath of fresh air in what’s becoming an SUV-dominated line-up.

But before you get excited, although BMW has made something similar to this, the 2-series Gran Coupe is - under the skin - a closer relative of the 1-series hatchback rather than the 2er coupe.

The BMW 2-series Gran Coupe is predominantly front-wheel drive, although the next regular 2-series will be rear-driven
The BMW 2-series Gran Coupe is predominantly front-wheel drive, although…

As anticipated, the 2-series Gran Coupe - first teased earlier this year - sits on the same ‘UKL’ platform as the 1-series. That means it’s predominantly front-wheel drive.

But as with the 1er, that means more space inside for people and people accessories. And should the thought of a front-wheel drive BMW make you shudder, it’s worth pointing out some GCs will have the rear wheels powered as well as the fronts.

Does the 1-series work aesthetically when stretched into the saloon form of the 2-series Gran Coupe? We'll let you thrash that out in the comments...
Does the 1-series work aesthetically when stretched into the saloon form…

The GC is about the same width as the current 1-series and the wheelbase is identical, but it’s around 200mm longer and a smidge lower. At the back, the saloon-style boot opening reveals 430 litres of space - plenty for whatever the average Gran Coupe owner wants to carry. Probably something golf-related.

From launch, the car will be available with three engines. The two petrols - the 218i and M235i - are shared with the 1-series. The base 218i uses a 1.5-litre inline-three turbo producing 138bhp, making the 0-62mph sprint possible in a respectable 8.7 seconds. Then there’s a huge performance gap to the all-wheel drive M235i, which kicks out 306bhp from a turbocharged inline-four and hits 62mph in 4.9 seconds, a tenth slower than the M135i.

The BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe Is A FWD Niche-Filler

The halfway house is the 220d, which uses a diesel engine pinched from the existing 2-series range. Go for the oil-burner, and you’ll have 187bhp and 295lb ft of torque available, making for a 0-62mph time of 7.5 seconds.

The cabin gives off a sense of deja vu strong enough to give Morpheus a nose bleed, as it’s lifted straight from the 1-series. Should you go for either the M235i or an M Sport trimmed version of one of the other two, you’ll get BMW’s Live Cockpit Professional 10.25-inch digital instrument binnacle, paired with an infotainment screen of the same size.

The BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe Is A FWD Niche-Filler

The 2-series Gran Coupe available now, with prices in the UK starting at £25,815, rising to £37,255 for the M235i. This, or a Mercedes CLA?

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Comments

michal9495

The Mercedes-Benz CLA is better in my opinion

10/15/2019 - 22:28 |
52 | 2

They’re both small as shit, my M550i is good for me.

10/15/2019 - 22:43 |
2 | 30

Yeah actually a very good looking car, especially the estate version or “Shooting Brake” as Mercedes calls it.

10/16/2019 - 09:36 |
4 | 0
Anonymous
10/15/2019 - 23:04 |
92 | 0
AlecHuntsman

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

i daresay the Forte actually looks better

10/16/2019 - 04:09 |
40 | 0
Destroya

I don’t like it. Looks a bit too bloated.

10/15/2019 - 23:27 |
2 | 0
White Comet

Fraud Wheel Drive and fake coupe.
It’s like that ugly chick after all the plastic surgery just to become worst.

10/16/2019 - 00:37 |
30 | 2
Martin Burns

*FauxCoupe

10/16/2019 - 04:30 |
4 | 0
German Car fanboy

Front looks like an 8-series

10/16/2019 - 07:09 |
0 | 0
Matt W

It’s just a retarded 8 series

10/16/2019 - 07:54 |
4 | 0
Anonymous

Ugly, ill-proportioned piece of modern German automotive design school, reeking falsehood.

10/16/2019 - 08:17 |
4 | 0
Anonymous

Why can’t they just design a good looking car? How hard can it be

10/16/2019 - 09:37 |
8 | 0
Miatarri

Best looking Hyundai ever?

10/16/2019 - 10:53 |
2 | 0

Nah, i30n fastback looks better

10/16/2019 - 10:54 |
16 | 0