REVIEW | No longer your Gran’s Beemer? How BMW has transformed the 2 Series Gran Coupe

When it comes to exterior design, BMW has taken a bold approach on most of its models in the past five or so years, and this has resulted in some hits and misses.

The first-generation 2 Series Gran Coupe did not win many fans for its outward appearance, thanks to its slabby rear end and somewhat bland frontal appearance. But the 2025 model aims to rectify that.

Though sharing its predecessor’s platform, the new 2 Series GC has been given a comprehensive update, in line with its 1 Series hatch sibling, and the car is now 42mm longer. The redesigned front is heavily inspired by the Z4 roadster, while the rear end now appears more cohesive thanks to smaller taillight units that flank a repositioned number plate recess.

One strange thing about this vehicle is that even though it resembles a three-box hatchback, with its coupe-like sloping roofline and short boot protrusion, it is actually a sedan with a very small aperture that makes it impossible to load bulky items. Notwithstanding the additional rigidity afforded by a sedan structure, and that buyers seeking a five-door can already opt for a 1 Series, I still feel this vehicle would have worked better as a hatchback, like the 4 Series GC.

Albeit difficult to access, the 2 Series GC’s boot is relatively spacious, with an official load capacity of 430 litres.

The vehicle’s interior has been completely reimagined, with a new curved dual screen incorporating the latest BMW iDrive, powered by BMW’s Operating System 9, which enables over-the-air updates.

It features a redesigned screen interface, with shortcuts for regularly used functions such as climate. Although physical climate controls would have been first prize, the system is relatively easy to operate.

BMW has completely nailed the start-up ergonomics. I really appreciate that the start button, as well as the new electronic gear selector and the electronic parking brake selector, are all positioned in close proximity on the centre console - making it so easy to just get in and get going.

Standard features include BMW’s Live Cockpit Plus with cloud-based navigation, automatic climate control, Driving Assistant with front collision warning, Lane Departure Warning and Parking Assisting with Reversing Assistant.

Customers will have to pay extra for items such as Active Cruise Control, Head-Up Display and Parking Assistant Plus.

Three-cylinder engine punches above its weight

The 2 Series Gran Coupe continues the BMW South Africa tradition of only offering base and top-end models in many of its line-ups. That means you can either have a 218 or the six-cylinder M240i xDrive performance model.

We spent a week with the 218 model, which, as before, is powered by a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine that produces 115kW and 230Nm. Power goes to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automated gearbox.

Although this is not a performance model by any stretch of the imagination, acceleration is still somewhat effortless, bordering on brisk, and for the average person who’s not racing from robot to robot, it should do just fine. The off-beat hum of its three-cylinder engine configuration is also somewhat enticing.

As far as front-wheel drive cars go, BMW has nailed the chassis dynamics. The updated model has a more rigid structure, and there have been some suspension tweaks, particularly to the dampers, while the caster offset of the front wheels has also been increased.

As a result, the 2 GC feels nimble through the bends and the steering feels weighty and communicative at speed, something missing from most modern cars. The flipside is that the ride does feel a little firm over harsher surfaces, but not to the point of being uncomfortable.

The M Sport package, fitted to our test car, comes with Adaptive M Suspension as well as Sports Steering and unique 18-inch alloy wheels. It’s worth the extra R40,000 if an engaging driving experience is important to you. A unique exterior design package also sets the M Sport apart from its humbler ‘base’ model sibling.

VERDICT

At R733,559 for the base version and R773,559 for the M Sport, the 218 Gran Coupe is expensive, but the price premium over the 1 Series is only R20,000, and that’s a small price to pay for its more upmarket image. It also significantly undercuts the Mercedes A-Class sedan, which starts at R889,524, as well as the Audi A3 sedan, which kicks off at R823,200.

With its more cohesive styling, high-tech cabin and engaging driving dynamics, the new 2 GC seems to be the cream of its class right now. 

IOL Motoring