By Otsile Kadiege

BMW has lifted the veils off the new, second-generation 2 Series Gran Coupe range. The newcomer ushers in an opinion-splitting design and styling that’s similar to the new F70 1 Series, an entirely renewed drive portfolio, extensively enhanced suspension technology and innovative systems for automated driving and parking to name a few.

Exterior design and styling

Outside, the new 2 Series Gran Coupé is defined by an expressive front section, a dynamically elongated silhouette and a powerfully designed rear. Highlights up front include standard LED headlights or optional Adaptive LED headlights with glare-free matrix high beam, cornering light function and blue accentuations and a wide BMW radiator grille positioned below the headlights featuring an innovative structure of vertical and diagonal bars inside and the large lower air inlet.

In profile, the new 2 Series Gran Coupé is defined by a long bonnet, short overhangs and a gently flowing roofline. Its elongated side window graphic, a discreetly embossed number 2 highlights the characteristic Hofmeister kink. As standard, the 2 Series Gran Coupé is shod with 17-inch wheels The rear derives its powerful, modern appearance from an especially ample surface structure broken up by just a few lines, flat lights with a striking notch, and invisibly integrated exhaust tailpipes (exception: BMW M235 xDrive Gran Coupé). Further accentuations for refined dynamic performance are provided by the M Sport package and the M Sport package Pro.

The range of exterior finishes includes two solid and seven metallic finishes, along with four BMW Individual finishes and a choice of numerous BMW Individual special finishes. A contrasting high-gloss black finish is available for the roof.The new edition of the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé has been increased in length by 20 millimetres to 4 546 millimetres, while the wheelbase measures 2 670 millimetres. The width of the vehicle is 1 800 millimetres, and the height has been increased by 25 millimetres to 1 445 millimetres.

Interior design and tech

Inside, the newly designed interior of the new 2 Series Gran Coupé, which is completely leather-free as standard, offers a modern premium ambience with sporty accents. Highlights for the M Sport derivative include an X1/X2 sourced sporty multifunctional steering wheel, a BMW Curved Display which comprises an integrated 10.25-inch Information Display and a 10.7-inch Control Display running on BMW’s Operating System 9, and optional M Sport seats. Heated seats and a wide range of electric adjustments, including memory on the driver’s side, are available as options for all seat versions.

More highlights include reduced use of physical buttons, which means the climate control is operated on the Control Display, a new centre console design with shortcut buttons, a volume knob and a new gear selector, contrasting stitching throughout the cabin, an optional panoramic sunroof, an optional Harman Kardon sound system, and a luggage capacity of 430 litres (BMW 220 Gran Coupé, BMW 220d Gran Coupé: 360 litres).

Safety and driver assistance systems

The standard and optional driver assistance systems available for the new BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé include the Driving Assistant with front collision warning, Lane Departure Warning, exit warning and Speed Limit Info, as well as the Parking Assistant with Reversing Assistant. Optional highlights include the Steering and Lane Control Assistant, the automatic Speed Limit Assist and a route speed control when using Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function. 

Powertrains and performance

The drive portfolio for the market launch includes advanced 4-cylinder petrol and diesel engines with 125 kW in the new 220 Gran Coupé and 120 kW/ in the new BMW 220d Gran Coupé and 110 kW in the new 218d Gran Coupé. All engines transfer their power to the road as standard via a 7-speed Steptronic transmission with double clutch. The drives of the BMW 220 Gran Coupé and the BMW 220d Gran Coupé are electrified with 48-volt mild hybrid technology.

The BMW M235 xDrive Gran Coupé is at the top of the model range and features significantly enhanced performance characteristics. Powered by a 233 kW 4-cylinder engine, the BMW M performance automobile accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in a claimed 4.9 seconds. An M Technology package for racetrack-oriented performance, including additional lightweight construction measures, 19-inch forged M light-alloy wheels and an M compound brake system offering particularly high deceleration performance, is also offered exclusively for the BMW M235 xDrive Gran Coupé.

BMW increased the rigidity of the body structure and chassis connections in a bid to help the new BMW 2-Series Gran Coupé achieve improved agility, steering precision and cornering dynamics. The further refinement of the chassis includes optimised kinematics and new shock absorber technology. The increased caster offset of the front wheels is said to ensure stable straight-line driving and optimised steering feedback.

Standard features also include directly controlled wheel slip limitation, an integrated braking system and 17-inch light alloy wheels (BMW M235 xDrive Gran Coupé: 18-inch). The M Sport package includes Adaptive M suspension with a lowered suspension, sports steering and 18-inch light alloy wheels. Optional extras include light alloy wheels up to 19 inches in diameter and an M Sport brake system.

Availability

The new BMW 2 Series Coupé will be produced at the BMW Group’s plant in Leipzig, with the market launch starting in March 2025.