BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe review: Little hatchback isn’t grand or a coupe

BMW has one of the most varied and diverse range of cars on the market. And cars like the new 2 Series shows just how different some of them are.

The new BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe isn’t particularly grand, nor is it a coupe. Understand that and you’re off to a good start in unpacking a confusing car.

This BMW is a compact front-wheel drive luxury sedan, designed to rival the Audi A3 and the Mercedes-Benz CLA and A-Class duo. That sounds sensible enough.

The 2 Series Gran Coupe is neither grand nor a coupe.

Unlike the other Gran Coupes in the BMW line-up, however, this new 2 Series has no structural links with its coupe cousin. It is not related to the rear-drive 2 Series Coupe or its acclaimed M2 performance spin-off and instead shares underpinnings with the latest
1 Series and Mini hatchbacks.

Bad news for enthusiasts — there are no creamy six-cylinder engines or driver-focused rear-drive dynamics, only a choice of three or four-cylinder motors and front or all-wheel drive. To further confuse, the M235i badge on the upper-spec version formerly rode on the rump of an engaging performance coupe that is now called the M240i.

The Gran Coupe shares its underpinning with the Mini Cooper and new 1 Series hatch.

Priced from $47,990 plus on-road costs, the BMW 218i Gran Coupe is powered by a 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine (103kW/220Nm) that turns a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.

Standard kit includes 18-inch wheels, sports seats with cloth trim, LED headlights and reversing camera with front and rear sensors. Infotainment and connectivity are much improved.

You also get a 10.25-inch digital dash and 10.25-inch central infotainment screen with satnav and Apple CarPlay, plus wireless charging and six-speaker audio.

Buyers who can budget for $69,990 plus on-roads can get the M235i, with 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo (225kW/450Nm).

The M235i version gets a performance focus.

It adds all-wheel drive, bigger brakes, 19-inch wheels, leather-trimmed M sport seats with electric adjustment and 16-speaker Harman-Kardon sound.

Each version is well equipped with driver aids including self-parking, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning and rear cross traffic alerts.

The interior represents a significant step up from previous BMW compact cars. There’s more space front and rear and better materials than the previous generation 1 Series.

It isn’t perfect — we had a couple of rattles in the steering column of our test car and couldn’t get Apple CarPlay to sync correctly. The driving experience is similarly mixed.

A spicy turbo four-cylinder that helps it reach 100km/h in under five seconds.

The M235i is punchy, getting its turbo power to the ground to clock 4.9 seconds for the 0-100km/h sprint. The brakes are strong and the all-wheel drive provides outstanding traction on slippery surfaces.

But it doesn’t feel like a BMW.

The steering lacks the precision and feedback of the brand’s best work, the four-cylinder lacks charm and the ride is overly stiff — it could benefit from the multi-mode suspension available in much cheaper performance cars from Hyundai and VW.

It may not be fair to compare a baby sedan with BMW’s back catalogue but for those buying a premium badge, the 2 Series doesn’t shine as brightly as its best efforts.

The interior is a big step up from previous small BMWs.

What’s in a name

BMW has tied itself in knots with naming strategies. In 2012, the brand introduced new nomenclature. Two-door vehicles were allocated even series numbers and the four-doors got the odd numbers.

The 3 Series sedan sat alongside the 4 Series coupe and convertible. Likewise the baby
1 Series, the executive 5 Series and limousine-like 7 Series. Easy, right?

BMW broke its own rules by building swoopy-roofed four-door “Gran Coupe” versions of the 4 Series, 6 Series and 8 Series.

Then it introduced the egg-shaped, front-drive 2 Series Active Tourer, which had little connection with existing models, corporate history or buyer interest.

BMW M235I Gran Coupe vitals

Price: From $69,990 plus on-roads

Warranty/servicing: 3 years/unlimited km, $1465 for 5 years

Safety: 5 stars, 8 airbags, AEB, blind spot and lane departure alert, rear cross-traffic alert

Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo, 225kW/450Nm

Thirst: 7.1L/100km

Boot: 430L

Spare: None; inflation kit