First Drive: BMW’s 2 Series Gran Coupe brings extra style

Over the years, BMW has made some of the greatest executive saloons on the market with its 3, 5 and 7 Series.

However, with the rise in SUVs, compact saloons have become often overlooked. The 1 Series hatchback is one of the firm’s most popular models, so when BMW introduces a booted variant, it addresses a need for a compact saloon within the firm’s range – meet the latest addition to the BMW family with the new 2 Series Gran Coupe.

Lots of the exterior design is borrowed from the hatchback, but its side profile, sloping roofline and aggressive back end make it look even sleeker.

The interior is minimalist with lots of the controls now integrated into the touchscreen system, and the ‘M Sport’ trim level is standard across the range – giving the car a sportier appeal.

It’s offered in a choice of different drivetrains and more expensive models come equipped with adjustable dampers to its suspension for a more dynamic ride.

There are two engine options to choose from with the cars badged ‘220’ and ‘M235’.

For this test, we’ve driven the spicier M235 xDrive which comes fitted with a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine and four-wheel-drive. This has 304bhp and 400Nm of torque, allowing the car to hit 0-60mph in 4.7 seconds and reach a limited top speed of 155mph.

The lesser-powered ‘220’ model comes with a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with 48V mild-hybrid technology, producing 172bhp.

All versions of the 2 Series Gran Coupe come fitted with a seven-speed automatic gearbox as standard.

The car does an excellent job of being composed and controlled around the corners, with acres of grip there to access. It doesn’t get upset when you push further, either.

The steering is nicely weighted and has a good feel to it, plus, there are a variety of different drive modes, with ‘sport’ sharpening the throttle response and turning up the engine note.

However, the gearbox is a little hesitant and slow using the paddle shifts on the steering wheel.

Our car has adjustable damping – which automatically adjusts the suspension depending on which road surface you’re on. It provides a smooth and comfortable ride with only the very large road imperfections agitating the chassis.

From the side profile, the sloping roofline is the main differentiation between the Gran Coupe and the 1 Series.

The rear tail lights follow the same design as the front lights and our test car’s bright yellow paint job makes it stand out on the streets. Meanwhile, the front end features a redesigned kidney grille.

Our car’s two-tone diamond-cut alloy wheels and quad rear tailpipes give a much more aggressive look, while the subtle boot lid spoiler is finished off in gloss black.

Inside, it’s the same as the 1 Series, with its minimalist design. However, BMW still includes physical buttons on the steering wheel and the centre console – improving its usability overall.

There are lots of ‘M Sport’ references throughout the cabin with the red central mark on the steering wheel and hand stitching on the dashboard, which is finished off in the BMW Motorsport colours.

Build quality is superb with very high-quality materials used throughout, though there are a few harder plastics found lower down in the cabin. The sports seats look great and do a good job of supporting the driver and front passenger.

However, space in the back is compromised due to the sloping roof line, but legroom is more than adequate.

Boot space is an issue too, with it varying depending on which model you choose. The M235 xDrive comes with a larger 430 litres of space, but if you go for the 220, the batteries for its mild-hybrid system eat into space and only give you 360 litres.

Thankfully, all models come as standard with a 40:20:40 split rear seat configuration, making it more practical.

The UK gets two variants of 2 Series Gran Coupe with both versions receiving the ‘M Sport’ treatment.

Prices kick off at £34,915 for the entry-level 220 M Sport and it includes 18-inch alloy wheels, M Sport exterior styling and heated front seats.

Our M235 xDrive comes in at £44,435 and boasts equipment such as single zone air conditioning, two-tone diamond cut alloy wheels, sports seats and a gloss black boot spoiler.

In a world of SUVs, it’s nice that BMW is committed to offering saloon cars, and this 2 Series Gran Coupe is a very good and capable all-rounder.

It’s great to drive and comes with lots of sporting pedigree from its M Sport treatment. The cabin is stylish and feels high quality, while the impressive adjustable dampers on our test car made the overall ride smooth and comfortable.

The looks will be divisive for some, and the difference in boot space on the mild-hybrid 220 will weaken its appeal. But, if you want a fast, well-built and sporty coupe, the 2 Series Gran Coupe is one of the best compact executive saloons on the market.