Overview

The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe is a fastback saloon version of the 1 Series hatchback. BMW calls it a four-door coupe but, despite its fresh styling and new name, the saloon and the hatch are pretty much identical under the skin.

BMW has been making Gran Coupe versions of its cars since it introduced the 6 Series Gran Coupe in 2012. It’s an interesting formula as it combines the slinky styling of a two-door coupe with the added practicality of four doors. Since then, we’ve also seen Gran Coupe variants of the 4 and 8 Series.

The 2 Series is the smallest Gran Coupe model in BMW’s line-up – and the aim of the car is to attract younger buyers to the brand. Its key selling points are its sleek roofline and jazzed-up cabin, which features illuminated trim pieces in place of the 1 Series’s plain wood and aluminium panels.

You’d think, being such a niche offering, that the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe would have the market to itself. But you’d be wrong. Natural rivals include the Audi A3 Saloon, as well as the Mercedes-Benz CLA and A-Class Saloon. The Peugeot 508 Fastback is also vying for your attention if you’re prepared to step away from the premium brands and shop on the mainstream market.

There are plenty of engines available, most of which are shared with the 1 Series hatchback. The cheapest option is the 218i, which is powered by a 136hp 1.5-litre petrol engine. Above that, there’s the 220i. It features a 2.0-litre petrol engine with 178hp.

You can also choose from a pair of diesel engines, badged 218d and 220d. Both are based on the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit, with the former producing 150hp and the latter 190hp. They’re considerably more expensive than their petrol equivalents, but they promise some impressive fuel savings. BMW claims the 218d can return up to 62.8mpg.

The 218i and 218d are both fitted as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox, while the 220i and 220d both leave the factory with an automatic. Crucially, all these engines send drive to the front wheels, which could rub die-hard rear-wheel drive BMW enthusiasts up the wrong way.

BMW has an answer for the naysayers, though – the M235i xDrive. It’s powered by a 306hp 2.0-litre petrol engine which sends drive to all four wheels. It’s an incredibly quick car, but has the shift away from rear-wheel drive tarnished BMW’s ‘ultimate driving machine’ ethos? We’ll see.

Over the next few pages, we’ll asses each aspect of the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, considering its practicality, interior, technology, reliability and driving experience before offering our final verdict on the car. Click through to the next page to learn more.