A coupe that isn't one. In addition, front-wheel drive and only three cylinders. Is the 2020 Series Gran Coupé introduced in 2 still a real BMW? Absolutely and somehow not.
With the name 2 Series Gran Coupé, one would actually expect expansive proportions and perfectly shaped elegance. But now the supposed BMW beau stands in front of us. And disappointed. With the beguiling lines of classic representatives of the genre, which BMW has been delivering for decades with the two-door 3-series derivatives, the 2-series Gran Coupé cannot even begin to compete. In view of the four doors between the A and C pillars, the requirements for wind slippage and crash safety, or a transversely built-in front-wheel drive, its design deviates quite significantly from the ideal line. And yet our test copy, refined with stylish aluminum and eye-catching paint, can always arouse benevolent interest.
Good for a coupe
One thing is form, another is function. Whether you want to describe the more than 4,50 meter long 2 Series as spacious depends on the viewing angle. For a coupé of its size, it doesn’t do badly, but given the compact drive platform with transversely installed front engine, one can also quarrel with the economy of space. Especially in the rear, because adults who want to open the frameless doors have to make themselves small first. Sitting on the back seat is fine, but with freedom of movement for the knees and the freedom of movement for legs and shoulders, there is still room for improvement. The middle seat on the back seat is only reasonable for children, given the massive cardan tunnel, only for short distances. The trunk can hold 430 liters of luggage, which is usually enough in everyday life.
In the first row, on the other hand, the 2 Series spoils with pomp, splendor and space. Even tall drivers can cope with the space. They also enjoy a sophisticated premium ambience. This is of course also due to the upscale features of our test copy, which costs around 47.000 euros and spoils you with stylish materials, top workmanship and a lot of technology. The driver looks at two large displays at the same time. Behind the steering wheel is the digital instrument cluster, to the right of which is a fine-resolution widescreen of the versatile, talented infotainment system, which is endowed with modern connectivity solutions. In the 2 Series, you are not only always connected to the world, but also your own smartphone with the on-board system, which sucks up wirelessly with electricity in the induction charging cradle.
Assistance systems respond in an exemplary manner
In the Gran Coupé, the driver can concentrate better on the traffic than in many other cars, because driving-related information is also projected into the windshield via a head-up display. There is no need to search for a volume control, because it is sufficient to let your right index finger rotate to the right or left in the air. In addition, the voice command lady listens to your word, while control systems warn and correct and thus defuse dangerous maneuvers by the driver due to carelessness as a precaution. Also noteworthy: Despite its coupé-like shape, the roof of the small Gran Coupé ends in filigree C-pillars, behind which cyclists or other road users can hardly avoid the driver's gaze over the shoulder.
In addition to safety, the driving dynamics of the 2 Series Gran Coupé are also at an impressive level. You really don't miss classic BMW ingredients such as rear-wheel drive or sovereign six-cylinder. You can experience the brand's concentrated driving fun even with halved number of pistons and front-wheel drive that also influences the steering. The flounce, which is very firm in the hand, conveys a very good feeling of control, which repeatedly encourages you to take curves with a little spice. These moments conjure up relaxed to joyful facial expressions for the driver.
Performance only "sufficient"
The 1,5-liter gasoline engine, which is primarily perceived as cultivated, is also a pleasure. In conjunction with the optional seven-speed Steptronic dual clutch transmission, the characteristic three-cylinder timbre rarely comes to the fore. With 100 kW / 136 PS and 220 Newton meters of torque, there is also sufficient power. Especially in the sport mode, which can be activated at the push of a button, the 2-series puts you in a longitudinally dynamic mood: the sprint to 100 km / h is done in 9,1 seconds, if desired, 215 km / h can be achieved, which can be easily reached with a little start-up. Even at a very high travel speed, the wind noise remains moderate, while the vehicle also gives a very reassuring feeling of control and commitment. Unpleasant athletic hardships are still avoided. The comfort is absolutely appropriate for a premium sedan. The consumption, however, remains modest: on longer motorway tours with cruise control 130, we got around six liters, if you are in a hurry you have to reckon with values of around seven liters.
Driving fun à la BMW has a proud price even in the lower classes of the brand. With the automatic transmission it is already 218 euros for the 35.800i Gran Coupé. A few extras are needed, however, which will almost certainly push the price above the 40.000 euro mark.
Technical data
Four-door, five-seater coupé sedan in the middle class, length: 4,53 meters, width: 1,80 meters (width with exterior mirrors: 2,08 meters), height: 1,42 meters, wheelbase: 2,67 meters, trunk volume: 430 liter
1,5-liter three-cylinder turbo gasoline engine: 100 kW / 136 PS, maximum torque: 220 Nm at 1.500 - 4.100 rpm, front-wheel drive, seven-speed dual clutch transmission, 0-100 km / h: 9,1 s, Vmax : 215 km / h, consumption: 4,9 l / 100 km, test consumption: 6,2 liters, CO2 emissions: 114 g / km, emissions standard: Euro 6d, efficiency class: A, price: from 35.800 euros
In brief
Why: because a sedan with a trapezoidal roof looks too boring
Why not: Inharmonious proportions, proud price
What else: Mercedes CLA, Audi A3 sedan