Review: BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe

This luxury car is coming to Australia and like vehicles of the past it isn’t about touchscreens or gimmicks. This car is about the drive.

BMW’s latest model isn’t about the latest touchscreen, gimmicks or advanced safety features.

This car is about the drive.

In a market where SUVs are taking over the roads, BMW has managed to keep its 2 Series Gran Coupe compact luxury sedan alive.

After spending time behind the wheel, weaving through the streets of Barcelona, it’s obvious why this car has strong appeal.

Set to arrive in Australia within the first quarter of 2025, the 2 Series offers sharper styling, improved technology and enhanced driving.

If you thought the small luxury sedan segment was dead, think again.

The second generation 2 Series is set to arrive in Australia within the first quarter of 2025, bringing with it a new look, improved technology, and driving dynamics.

At first glance, one of the biggest changes to the updated model is that it looks more aggressive. It has grown by 20mm in length and 25mm in height, giving the car a more dominant stance.

This wasn’t just a styling decision.

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Second generation BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé announced for local introduction. Two variants in launch line-up: 218 and M235 xDrive. Picture: Supplied

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Pedestrian safety regulation meant BMW had to redesign the front-end, including the brand’s iconic “shark nose” grille.

The results? A new look gives the car a more planted stance, while the signature BMW kidney grille now has “Iconic Glow” illumination to help it stand out.

There are plenty of customisation options including eye-catching “frozen” matt blue paint, and red highlights for the brakes and seat belts. Other updates include a revised chassis for better handling and comfort.

Interior changes include a curved digital display which combines a 10.25-inch instrument display and 10.7 infotainment display with fresh software – and there are fewer physical buttons than before.

The new steering wheel and redesigned gear selector make the space feel clean and modern.

On the road, entry-level 218i and range-topping M235x Drive feature adaptive M suspension as standard, automatically adjusting damping for better agility and comfort.

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M235 xDrive features a 2.0L M TwinPower Turbo engine that produces 233kW, an increase of 8kW, and 400Nm, with the 0-100km/h time achieved in just 4.9-seconds. Picture: Supplied

The fresh tech helps justify an asking price that starts from $59,900 plus options and on-road costs for the standard car (call it $70,000 drive-away) and runs to $86,600 plus options and on-roads for the sporty M235 (about $95,000 drive-away).

The entry model has a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo engine that produces 115kW and 230Nm, driving the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

A new mid-tier 220 model with 150kW and 300Nm will be offered by the middle of 2025. Sporty M235 versions have a 2.0-litre four-cylinger turbo engine that makes 233kW and 400Nm, enough to hit 100km/h in just 4.9-seconds.

Pedestrian safety regulation meant BMW had to redesign the iconic “shark nose" grille. Picture: Supplied

Power is delivered to all four-wheels via BMW’s xDrive system, now paired with seven-speed dual-clutch transmissions instead of the previous eight-speed auto.

After driving the M235 xDrive through the streets of Barcelona, I can understand why Aussies love sporty BMWs.

This car is an absolute dream to drive.

Smooth, comfortable and responsive, it feels well-balanced through corners, with a planted feeling that inspires confidence.

The steering is precise and, with plenty of feedback.

The seats have been redesigned with improved side bolstering and better leg support, they’re on the firmer side but are comfortable and secure, especially when driving a little more energetically.

One of the highlights is the sounds of the engine, which has a throaty growl that anyone who loves driving will admire.

The heads-up display with integrated navigation is great, though shorter drivers may struggle to see it properly.

The redesigned front-end makes the car feel more aggressive. Picture: Supplied

VERDICT

The 2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe takes what was already popular and makes it even better. For those chasing a stylish, compact, luxury sedan with modern technology, the 218i is an excellent choice, but if you’re looking for serious performance I’d opt for the M235 xDrive. Either way, BMW’s 2 Series Gran Coupe proves sedans still have a place on Aussie roads.

4 stars