BMW

BMW 2 SERIES GRAN COUPE 218i [136] M Sport 4dr [Pro Pack]

Fuel

FuelPetrol

Transmission

TransmissionManual

Acceleration

0 - 62 mph9.2s

WLTP - CO2 (g/km)

WLTP - CO2133 g/km

With this 2 Series Gran Coupe model, BMW belatedly joins the market for compact four-door coupes that previously Mercedes had almost to itself with their CLA. It shares nearly all its engineering with the 1 Series hatch, which means it's front-driven. But it's very much more aspirational.

GRAN DESIGN

The 2 Series Gran Coupe is a small four-door Coupe with one key rival very clearly in its sights. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Review

With this 2 Series Gran Coupe model, BMW belatedly joins the market for compact four-door coupes that previously Mercedes had almost to itself with their CLA. It shares nearly all its engineering with the 1 Series hatch, which means it's front-driven. But it's very much more aspirational.

Background

You might well be a little unfamiliar with BMW's 'Gran Coupe' formula, even though it's been around since 2012. That was when the Munich maker launched its 6 Series Gran Coupe, basically a four-door coupe based on a 3-box saloon shape for executives wanting something a little more fashionable. Since then, we've also had 4 Series and 8 Series Gran Coupe models. But strangely, never a smaller take on the four-door coupe concept that would take on the car that most tend to think of when it comes to a more compact interpretation of this kind of design, the very profitable Mercedes CLA. This 2 Series Gran Coupe model though, is that car.

Driving Experience

2 Series in BMW-speak can mean two very different things. Either something practical and resolutely unsporting in the form of the front-driven 2 Series Active Tourer compact MPV. Or rewarding and quite dynamic in the form of the rear wheel drive 2 Series Coupe or, to a lesser extent, the 2 Series Convertible. This 2 Series Gran Coupe is front-driven like the Active Tourer but uses the more advanced FAAR platform we've recently seen introduced with the third generation 1 Series hatch for at least some of the BMW 'Ultimate Driving Machine' vibe that you'd ideally want this car to be able to deliver. For our market, the entry-level version in the range is the 218i petrol variant, which uses a 1.5-litre three cylinder 140hp unit and can be had with the option of dual-clutch automatic transmission. There's also a 150hp 218d diesel model. The other two derivatives can be had only with the brand's 8-speed Sport auto transmission. If you've your sensible shoes on, you'll want the 220d, which is offered in front driven or xDrive forms and has a 2.0-litre 190hp four cylinder diesel. If you haven't, you'll be more drawn to the current range flagship, the M235i xDrive, which has a 2.0-litre four cylinder petrol turbo developing 306hp and AWD to better transmit torque to the tarmac. It makes 62mph from rest in just 4.9s and has to be artificially restrained at 155mph.

Design and Build

You'll buy this car because of the way it looks - no question. Like most four-door coupes, this one is distinguished by frameless side windows and a swept-back silhouette which makes the car look a fraction more compact than it actually is. This 2 Series Gran Coupe is 4,526mm long and 1,800mm wide, but stands just 1,420mm tall. And it offers plenty of overtaking presence. The slightly angled full-LED headlights draw attention to the familiar BMW kidney grille, which features bars contoured with an eyecatching vertical indentation. Take a seat up-front and the dash layout is pretty much lifted straight from the 1 Series hatch, which means you get an 8.8-inch 'Live Cockpit Plus' infotainment screen with base 'Sport' trim or a larger 10.25-inch monitor with the 'Digital Cockpit Professional' package that comes with the 'M Sport' or 'M235i models. Where this car aims to steal a bit of ground over its Mercedes CLA rival is when it comes to back seat space. A 2,670mm wheelbase means that there's reasonable space of knees and legs in the rear. Passengers in this part of the car get 33mm more knee room than they would in a two-door 2 Series Coupe, while the seating position is 12mm higher with 14mm more headroom when the optional panoramic roof is specified. Out back, there's a decently sized 430-litre boot, which can be extended by folding down the 40:20:40-split backrest.

Market and Model

Prices start at around £26,000 for the base 218i petrol 'Sport' variant; you'll need £1,350 more to add dual-clutch automatic transmission to it. The 220d diesel costs from around £31,500 in 'Sport' form. In either case, you'll need £2,500 more to add ritzier 'M Sport' trim. You'll need a budget of well over £37,000 for the M235i xDrive variant. As you'd expect for that kind of cash, all variants get an extremely high standard of spec, including full-LED headlights, sports seats and BMW's 'Live Cockpit Plus' package, which gives you an 8-8-inch control display with touch function. 'Sport'-spec models get 17-inch wheels, LED front foglights, front and rear parking sensors, and auto-dipping rear view mirror and two-zone climate control, plus BMW's 'Drive Performance Control' driving modes system. 'M Sport' variants meanwhile, are upgraded to 18-inch M light alloy Double-spoke rims. 'M Sport' and M235i variants also get the upgraded 'Live Cockpit Professional' infotainment package with its larger centre-dash 10.25-inch touchscreen and its "Hey BMW' 'Intelligent Personal Assistant' which will allow you to operate many of the car's major functions by merely speaking a command. Plus with this top trim level there's M Sport-tuned steering and suspension. And an aerodynamic body styling kit that re-styles both the front and rear bumpers.

Cost of Ownership

As you'd expect, the engineering here is prioritised towards improving efficiency. As a result, the base three cylinder 218i manages up to 47.1mpg (WLTP) and up to 114g/km (NEDC) in manual form. And the 220d delivers up to 57.6mpg (WLTP) and 110g/km (NEDC). The top M235i xDrive variant returns up to 37.2mpg (WLTP) and up to 153g/km (NEDC). On models with auto transmission, this car can be particularly efficient thanks to intelligent connectivity that enables the two auto gearboxes to adapt their shift strategy according to the planned route and driving situation. If this model is equipped with Active Cruise Control, both transmissions will factor in the data from this system and the standard Navigation, to avoid unnecessary gear changes in a quick succession of bends. Across the range, efficiency is also aided by coasting and Auto Start Stop functions that take their cue from the data supplied by the navigation system, the front-mounted camera and the sensors for the optional driving assistance systems. The coasting function de-couples the powertrain from the transmission at cruising speeds when the car is running in either its 'Comfort' or 'ECO PRO' driving modes.

Summary

It's surprising that it took BMW so long to bring us this car. It's arch-rival, the Mercedes CLA, has after all been around since 2013 demonstrating the very real global demand for a compact saloon with a trendy coupe-like vibe. Whether you prefer BMW's take on this concept will be purely down to personal preference. It doesn't bring anything particularly new to this profitable sub-segment, but it has the required technology, style and sheer swagger to make the necessary impact. If you were already thinking of buying the 1 Series hatch, we'd encourage you to also consider this Gran Coupe because it's essentially the same car without much of a practicality downside and a considerably more stylish feel. That in a nutshell sums up what this kind of car is all about. Late to this party BMW may be, but the brand has come ready to make an impact.

  • Sun protection glass
  • Rain sensor with automatic headlight activation
  • Electric windows - front and rear, with open/close fingertip control and trap release

  • Anti lock braking system (ABS) with cornering brake control
  • Electrically operated hand brake
  • Dynamic stability control + (DSC+)
  • City braking function
  • Braking readiness
  • Rear brake discs
  • M Sport braking system in blue high gloss + blue painted brake calipers with M designation
  • Brake drying
  • Dynamic Traction Control - DTC
  • Ventilated front disc brakes

  • Anthracite finished floor mats with contrasting surround

  • M Sport suspension with stiffer spring/damper set-up and vehicle lowered by 10mm + twin tube gasfilled shock absorbers and Anti roll bars
  • Drive performance control with ECO PRO comfort + sport mode

  • 2x USB Type C ports (for charging and data transfer)

  • Cruise control with braking function
  • Speed limiting function
  • Attentiveness assist
  • M Sports steering
  • Active guard plus
  • Lane departure warning system

  • Pull away assistant
  • Auto start-stop

  • Integrated owners handbook
  • BMW Live Cockpit Professional with 10.25" high resolution instrument and control display
  • Intelligent voice assistant
  • BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant
  • BMW operating system with 7.0 mid interface
  • iDrive controller with touch function and 7 short cut favourite buttons on centre console
  • Personal Profile
  • BMW emergency call
  • BMW Teleservices
  • BMW Online services
  • Optimum shift indicator
  • Check Control warning system for monitoring of lights and door/luggage compartment open warning
  • On board computer - average speed+fuel consumption,service interval, clock date,odometer,trip meter,outside temperature display with acoustic ice warn
  • Integrated navigation data with map data via USB + features such as 3D landmarks and micro city models

  • Automatically dimming rear view mirror
  • Exterior mirrors - electrically folding with anti-dazzle
  • Body colour mirror caps
  • Heated, electrically adjustable exterior mirror aspheric on driver side, convex on passenger side

  • Contrast stitching on instrument panel

  • VALVETRONIC engine management
  • Double VANOS
  • Aluminium lightweight construction
  • Petrol Particulate Filter
  • High precision injection
  • Balancer shaft

  • Harman/Kardon loudspeaker system
  • DAB digital radio, MP3 players and RDS double tuner
  • 4G LTE Connectivity with hard wied 4G network sim card

  • Chrome exhaust single tailpipe, round
  • Front door sill finishers in black plastic with M designation in metallic look
  • High gloss black B pillar finish
  • Fading support
  • Extended high gloss shadow line exterior trim
  • Body colour door handles
  • M rear spoiler
  • Model designation on right side of tailgate
  • Lightweight engineering
  • Chrome 'M' logo side designation
  • Front and rear bumper system with replaceable deformation elements

  • Rear fog lights
  • Reversing light in rear light cluster
  • High level third brake light
  • Follow me home headlights
  • LED daytime running lights
  • LED front fog lights
  • Direction indicator side lights integrated exterior mirrors
  • Preparation for high beam assistant

  • Automatic two zone climate control air conditioning

  • Gearshift lever with M designation
  • Conditioned based service
  • Two lashing eyes
  • Through loading system with 40/20/40 split folding rear seat
  • 12V power socket in centre console
  • Multi-function controls for steering wheel
  • 2 cupholders in front centre console
  • Glove compartment
  • Anthracite headlining
  • Front and rear door pockets including bottle trays
  • Dakota leather upholstery with perforation and contrast stitching
  • Front and rear side armrests integrated into door trim
  • Manually adjustment steering wheel column
  • 3 spoke M sports design leather steering wheel finished in nappa leather with specific M badge
  • Front Armrest foldable with integrated storage compartment

  • Front centre interior light over interior mirror and rear centre automatic interior light when door is opened/ignition switched off or via remote key
  • Luggage compartment lighting
  • Glovebox with light
  • Welcome lighting

  • Extended storage pack - 2 Series Gran Coupe
  • Extended lighting pack - 2 Series Gran Coupe
  • Connected pack professional - 2 Series Gran Coupe
  • M Sport aerodynamics pack - 2 Series Gran Coupe

  • Crash sensor activating of airbags,Unlocking doors,hazard warning lights,fuel cut off,interior lighting+activation of safety battery terminal clamp
  • Airbag - Front driver and passenger, front and rear head, front side, curtain head protection, manual deactivation of front passenger airbag possible
  • Three point seat belts on all seats including front belt stopper, pyrotechnic belt tensioners and belt force limiters
  • Tyre pressure monitoring system
  • Warning triangle and first aid kit
  • Rear child proof door locks
  • Seatbelt warning
  • Side impact protection
  • M Seatbelts
  • 2 tone horn
  • Seat belt security check for driver and front passenger

  • Child seat ISOFIX attachment for two outer rear seats and front passenger seat with anchorage points
  • Driver and front passenger seat heating
  • 3 rear seat head restraints
  • Front head restraints
  • Front sports seats with electric side bolster adjustment

  • Locking wheel bolts
  • Central locking switch for all doors, fuel filler cap and luggage compartment
  • Thatcham Cat.1 alarm with remote control and immobiliser
  • Deadlocking function system to all doors
  • Two remote control key with integrated key - open/close doors/fuel flap/tailgate +1 button for unlock compartment with M design high gloss black inlay
  • Start/Stop button (illuminated) in centre console with keyless engine start and Auto Start-Stop deactivation button
  • Drive away locking system on all doors and luggage compartment

  • Trailer stability control

  • 6 speed manual transmission
  • Electronic differential lock

  • Sun visors with vanity mirrors and insert tab

  • Reduced rolling resistance tyres

  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low: 189
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium: 132
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High: 114
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High: 134
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 135
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low - Min: N
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low - Max: N
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium - Min: N
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium - Max: N
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High - Min: N
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High - Max: N
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High - Min: 133
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High - Max: 144
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - Max: 143
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - Min: 133
  • CO2 (g/km): 123
  • Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6
  • HC+NOx: N
  • Particles: N

  • Cylinders: 3
  • Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE
  • Number of Valves: 12
  • Camshaft: DOHC
  • Fuel Delivery: TWIN TURBO
  • Catalytic Convertor: True
  • Engine Layout: NORTH SOUTH
  • Compression Ratio: 11.0:1
  • Transmission: MANUAL
  • Gears: 6 SPEED
  • Engine Code: B38A15M1
  • Cylinders - Bore (mm): 82
  • Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 94.6
  • CC: 1499

  • EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: False
  • WLTP - MPG - Low: 34
  • WLTP - MPG - Medium: 48.7
  • WLTP - MPG - High: 56.5
  • WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 47.9
  • WLTP - MPG - Comb: 47.9
  • WLTP - MPG - Low - Min: N
  • WLTP - MPG - Low - Max: N
  • WLTP - MPG - Medium - Min: 48.7
  • WLTP - MPG - Medium - Max: 45.6
  • WLTP - MPG - High - Min: 56.5
  • WLTP - MPG - High - Max: 52.3
  • WLTP - MPG - Extra High - Min: 48.7
  • WLTP - MPG - Extra High - Max: 44.8
  • WLTP - MPG - Comb - Min: 47.9
  • WLTP - MPG - Comb - Max: 44.8
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 8.3
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 5.8
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 5
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 5.9
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 5.9
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - Min: N
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - Max: N
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - Min: 5.8
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - Max: 6.2
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - Min: 5
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - Max: 5.4
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - Min: 5.8
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - Max: 6.3
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - Min: 5.9
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - Max: 6.3

  • Generation Mark: 1
  • Alternative Fuel Qualifying: False
  • NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: N
  • NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: N
  • NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: N
  • NCAP Safety Assist %: N
  • NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: N
  • Badge Power: 136
  • Badge Engine CC: 1.5
  • Vehicle Homologation Class: M1
  • Special Edition: False
  • Special Order: False
  • Based On ID: N
  • Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 22E
  • Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: False
  • Coin Series: M Sport [Pro Pack]
  • Coin Description: i

  • Engine Power - BHP: 136
  • Engine Power - PS: True
  • 0 to 60 mph (secs): False
  • 0 to 62 mph (secs): 9.2
  • Top Speed: 134
  • Engine Power - KW: 100
  • Engine Power - RPM: 4500
  • Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 162
  • Engine Torque - NM: 220
  • Engine Torque - RPM: 1500
  • Engine Torque - MKG: 22.4

  • Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP
  • RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

  • Tyre Size Rear: 225/40 R18
  • Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT
  • Wheel Type: 18" ALLOY
  • Tyre Size Front: 225/40 R18
  • Alloys?: True
  • Space Saver?: False
  • Wheel Style: M V SPOKE STYLE 554M

  • Width (including mirrors): 2081
  • Height: 1420
  • Height (including roof rails): N
  • Length: 4526
  • Width: 1800
  • Wheelbase: 2670

  • Minimum Kerbweight: 1350
  • Gross Vehicle Weight: 1885
  • Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 42
  • Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 430
  • No. of Seats: 5
  • Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1300
  • Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 710
  • Max. Loading Weight: 535
  • Max. Roof Load: 75
  • Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): N
  • Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.4

  • Enhanced bluetooth with wireless charging: £350
  • Bluetooth hands free facility with USB audio interface (Type A) + WiFi interface for wireless connection of mobile terminal devices + audio streaming: Included

  • Park assist including reversing assistant, lateral parking aid and reversing assist camera: £350
  • Front/rear Parking distance control: Included

  • Head up Display: £750
  • Wifi hotspot preparation: £0

  • Illuminated Berlin interior trim: £0
  • Illuminated Boston interior trim: Included

  • Larger fuel tank capacity (50 litres): £50
  • 42 Litre fuel tank: Included

  • BMW gesture control: £300

  • Electric panoramic glass sunroof: £1,000
  • Solid paint: Included
  • Metallic paint: £560
  • Individual metallic paint: £560

  • Automatic headlight beam throw control: Included
  • High beam assistant: £0
  • LED Headlights: Included
  • BMW icon adaptive LED headlights with automatic headlight beam throw control: £500

  • Additional under floor storage in luggage compartment: Included
  • Heated steering wheel: £150

  • Comfort pack II - 2 Series Gran Coupe: £1,100

  • Metallic - Snapper rocks blue: £560
  • Metallic - Mineral grey: £560
  • Metallic - Misano blue: £560
  • Metallic - Melbourne red: £560
  • Metallic - Black sapphire: £560

  • Solid - Alpine white: £0

  • Individual metallic paint - Storm Bay: £560

  • Driver and front passenger lumbar support: £150
  • Electric front seat adjustment with driver memory: £750

  • Comfort access system: £500

  • Detachable towbar: £750

  • Dakota leather - Mocha: £0
  • Dakota leather - Oyster with grey highlight: £0
  • Dakota leather - Black with blue highlight: £0
  • Dakota leather - Black with grey highlight: £0
  • Dakota leather - Magma red with grey highlight: £0

  • 18" M V spoke alloy wheels finished in orbit grey - style 554M: Included
  • 19" Burnished M double spoke Bi-colour alloy wheels finished in Jet black - style 552M: £595

  • BMW Mobility tyre sealing system with electrically powered 12V compressor: Included
  • Space saver spare wheel: £150

Whilst every effort is made to verify and ensure the accuracy of the data, the information should only be used as a guide and no purchasing decision should be made without verification of the data from either the manufacturer or franchised dealer. Our offers may be on a different model year to that represented by this data and so specification may differ accordingly.

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