BMW has launched the newest-generation 2 Series family, which shares much with the latest front-wheel-drive 1 Series, as a Gran Coupe first and foremost. The new 2 Gran Coupe follows on from other even-numbered BMW four-door coupes, such as the 4 Series Gran Coupe, the 6 Series Gran Coupe and its replacement, the 8 Series Gran Coupe.
Frameless doors
Measuring 4,526mm long (with 2,670mm of that taken up by the wheelbase), 1,800mm wide and 1,420mm tall, the 2 Series Gran Coupe aims to give the impression of a sporty car, only with four doors. Each of those, by the way, is frameless, to try and heighten the sensation of the Gran Coupe being a 'true' coupe, but the practicality is preserved by a 430-litre boot. Styling-wise, it's certainly distinctive, as the rear lights merge into a single band across the boot lid, while up front are full-LED (as standard) angled headlights with a large, single-element kidney grille.
Inside, the 2 Series Gran Coupe employs BMW's Operating System 7.0, so that means a crisp and clear central display (and various control methods, like touch, the iDrive controller - it lives on! - or even gesture control), as well as the possibility of having the Live Cockpit Professional digital instrument cluster and a head-up display. Backlit ambient lighting and an optional panoramic sunroof aim to give the Two's cabin a classy ambience, while software options will include BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, Digital Key, Apple CarPlay and Remote Software Upgrade.
M235i xDrive confirmed
The 2 Series Gran Coupe will be front-wheel drive, in models where xDrive isn't fitted, and just three models have been announced so far. There's the 1.5-litre, three-cylinder, 140hp 218i turbocharged petrol, the 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, 190hp 220d turbodiesel and then the range-topping M235i xDrive performance variant. This uses the engine and running gear from the likes of the M135i and X2 M35i, delivering 306hp and 450Nm. No performance stats are as yet forthcoming from Munich, but fuel consumption will range from between 4.2 litres/100km (67.3mpg) on the 220d and 7.1 litres/100km (39.8mpg) on the M235i, with CO2 emissions set at 110- to 162g/km.
All models of 2 Series Gran Coupe will gain the near-actuator wheel-slip limitation (ARB) tech from the BMW i3s, to aid traction, and they'll also benefit from the yaw-moment distribution system of BMW Performance Control, which applies the brakes on the inner wheels to help with cornering. The M235i gets extra toys, such as the aforementioned xDrive all-wheel drive, as well as a mechanical Torsen limited-slip differential, M Sport steering, M Sport brakes and an eight-speed Steptronic Sport gearbox with a launch control mode.
Irish pricing
BMW Ireland has confirmed initial pricing for the new 2 Series Gran Coupe. The range kicks off with the 218i Sport at €34,010, while the M Sport version of the same car will be €37,440. The BMW 220d Sport Gran Coupe is €41,180 and the M Sport model is €44,580. Topping the line-up will be the M235i xDrive Gran Coupe, at €52,030.