BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe review

Next up is the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe which, under the fancy name, is essentially a four-door saloon version of the BMW 1 Series hatchback. It’s up against the Mercedes CLA, Audi A3 Saloon and Mazda 3 Saloon, and promises the qualities of the 1 Series with a bigger boot and a sleeker shape.

Unlike the bigger 4 Series Gran Coupe, the 2 Series is a saloon rather than a sloping hatch. Partly to satisfy buyers in countries like China and the US, and partly because BMW thinks that the 2 Series isn’t likely to be bought by family buyers – so it deems a costlier hatchback boot unnecessary.

The 2 Series Gran Coupe balances driver appeal and ride comfort nicely, offering a better blend of driving attributes than its rivals from Mercedes and Audi. It’s set up to be a little softer than the 1 Series, so could be a great choice if you like that model but find it a touch too firm.

Inside, the 2 Series Gran Coupe shares its dashboard with the 1 Series, which is definitely not a bad thing. The majority of cars are sold in M Sport or M235i trims – the entry-level Sport trim has now been discontinued – so most cars get sports seats, M-specific interior detailing and a digital instrument cluster.

While the digital dials throw a lot of information at you at once, the interior looks much more modern for having them. Every car also gets a feature-packed widescreen infotainment system, which can be controlled by touch or by the handy iDrive controller next to the gearlever.

The Mercedes CLA definitely has a more exuberant, expensive-looking design inside, but can feel a little flimsy compared to the rock-solid BMW. Build quality is really impressive – there’s no hint that this is one of the cheaper BMW models. There’s also plenty of adjustment in the steering wheel and seat, allowing you to find the perfect driving position.

Just like the CLA and the Mercedes A-Class it’s based on, the 2 Series Gran Coupe’s sleek shape trades a little bit of the 1 Series’ practicality for a dash of extra style. But, when the 1 Series already isn’t the most practical hatchback around, the Gran Coupe’s practicality isn’t its best aspect. 

Rear visibility is hampered by the sloping rear window, while rear-seat passengers don’t enjoy as much headroom as in the 1 Series. You won’t get a six-foot adult in the back seat comfortably – and anyone getting in the back will have to mind their head on the door frame. Legroom is fine and there’s a couple of practical features back there, such as the fold-down central armrest and the map pockets on the seatbacks.

The 430-litre boot is noticeably bigger than the 1 Series’, but the saloon boot opening limits the size of items you can fit in. For bulkier items, you’ll be better off with the 1 Series or the X1 SUV. The rear seats fold in a 60:40 split when you need the extra luggage space, although individually folding seats are an option.

The Gran Coupe has a slim engine range but that means it’ll be easy to choose the one for you. Most buyers will be perfectly happy with the entry-level 218i petrol – a 1.5-litre, 136hp engine – as this is pretty nippy off the line and can officially manage 48mpg. We’d be happy with anything over 40mpg in real-world driving.

The only other petrol is the hot M235i, which gets much more potent acceleration thanks to 306hp and four-wheel drive. When you’re in the mood, it’ll scorch from 0-62mph in under five seconds – but, if you want to take it easy, the M235i can become smooth and placid. Running costs are best thought of as a secondary concern with this range-topping engine.

For a couple of years, BMW also offered the 2 Series Gran Coupe with a diesel engine. This is a rarer choice but, if you’re up and down the motorway a lot, you’ll appreciate that it can return the best part of 60mpg.

The Gran Coupe pulls off a neat trick – combining the quick reactions of the 1 Series with a softer ride. So it’s a bit more comfortable over bumps but is still good to drive. Given that the Gran Coupe is positioned as a mini 3 Series, its focus on comfort and refinement is sensible. The 2 Series is almost as excellent as the 3 Series on the motorway, and almost as great on twisty B-roads as well.

There’s no doubt that the M235i is absolutely rapid off the line, and quick in any weather, but it’s not the most exciting way to have 300hp at your disposal. It feels so capable, so ready to go fast, but you never feel like you’re stretching its abilities. Compared to the 2 Series Coupe, the M235i might leave you feeling a bit cold.