BMW continues to try to plug every possible gap in the market. A little over a year and a half ago, it launched the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, which is neither more nor less than a C-segment sedan with three volumes. Thus, this product is positioned between Series 1 -from which it takes the platform- and Series 3.
In this way, we get behind the wheel of a BMW 2 Series GC with a highly recommended mechanic if we are going to travel many kilometers annually. It is called 218d, and use the engine 2.0 liter diesel with 150 hp, associated with an automatic change. Our unit also equips the always striking M Sport trim, which adds that sporty touch to the whole. Shall we start? Of course!
In the variety is the spice
As we said, this Series 2 GC inherits the chassis, mechanics and much of the technique of the BMW Serie 1. However, it is not simply a stretched body. Although similar, the front has its own personality, looking like a mix of the aforementioned compact and the luxurious BMW Serie 8.
Probably the most striking part of the front area is its huge active grill, which, as we have been noticing for a long time, is not liked by everyone due to its large size. On the sides of these two kidneys appear led headlights of generous dimensions and with its own light signature. The bumper shows character and sportiness with the specific M Sport details, with ribs that continue on the bonnet being born from it.
Meanwhile, the side view is elegant by the line of its silhouette and by the little free height to the ground. Yes, you have to be careful with the curbs when parking on the battery if you don't want to leave half a bumper in the attempt. In addition, the doors do not have an upper frame, honoring that name of Gran Coupé. Personally, I really like these two-tone five-twin-spoke wheels.
And although there is nothing written about tastes, the rear area It is the one that least convinces me. She looks too big and tall by the shape of the trunk lid and the slight spoiler added on it. The design of the LED pilots is elongated and has a style that doesn't quite fit me. But as I say, a matter of taste. Surely the two circular exhaust outlets, well marked on the diffuser, fit better with the majority of the public.
High quality and good logic in the interior of the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe
The cabin convinces me more. Years ago BMW sinned to make some sober interiors and materials that are quite improvable. It is not that they have now integrated a revolution in design, but perceived quality is very high; so much so that in my opinion it is above Mercedes and Audi.
And it is that the touch of the steering wheel, of the main controls, of the touch screen and of the dashboard itself is really good. Very well for the Bavarian brand in that sense, they have managed to position themselves as the reference among premium brands.
Visually it may not be overly attractive, but its touch screen horizontal complies more than satisfactorily in every way, being able to operate easily with the roulette wheel and the buttons on the center console without distractions. In addition, it now allows us to connect our smartphone without cables, while we leave it on the wireless charging surface. Another great success.
Perhaps the instrument panel is one point below of the possibilities offered by the aforementioned competition models, such as the A3 y Class A. It does not have as much customization and the browser that is seen in between is not quite successful.
And to end this section, we have a single automatic dual zone climate control to handle through its physical keys (although it would be better to have roulettes for temperature adjustment), a steering wheel with intuitive controls and a good feeling in every way. By the way, these sport seats with electric they are a success both for design and for comfort and adjustments.
Not the best option for traveling four adults
In the section habitability keep in mind that it is a four-door, but with a certain coupé style. This means that we are low to the ground, so older people or people with little agility will have to work to get in and out of the front seats.
Once inside, we sit short, with a somewhat sporty position, because the legs are quite stretched out. I like that, but I understand that it will not be comfortable for everyone.
More complications are in rear seatsBecause access is not easy since we have a very low roof and the rear wheel arch is annoying. You have to bend your trunk more and be careful not to hit with your hip and head.
When we're already inside, there is not much space either for the head, that is, if we exceed 1,80 in height we will be somewhat boxed in. For the legs there is a little more clearance, but the sensation is of little amplitude, and this is also due to the shape of the roof and the little glass surface. Of course, the central square is not exactly practical.
Trunk: midway
Meanwhile, the trunk of the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé has electrical opening and, as in all four doors, the loading mouth is not as generous as in the five doors. This will limit us when loading large objects.
Regarding the volume itself, we are talking about 430 liters, which are just in between the 380 liters that the Series 1 covers and the 480 of the Series 3 saloon. We have a double height folding floor to discover a second bottom, as well as folding rear seats from the trunk itself.
What seems to me to be an error in a car in this category is that there are visible plates and screws on the upper part of the hood.
What range of engines does the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe have?
Moving on to the mechanics section, this model has five options on its list. In gasoline appear the 218i and M235i, with 140 and 306 CV respectively. We have a little more variety in diesel, with the denominations 216d, 218d and 220d, yielding 116, 150 and 190 CV respectively.
At present, and according to the configurator, only the least powerful of the gasoline can have a manual gearbox, the rest being "two pedals" with dual-clutch transmission or automatic. Of course, it seems a bit "cheap" to me that BMW asks us almost 200 euros more at this point for the cams...
Data and performance of the BMW 218d Gran Coupé
As we said at the beginning, for this test we have opted for the mechanical version 2.0 diesel 150 hp, which is commercially known as 218d. It is a four-cylinder turbodiesel that gives its maximum power at 4.000 rpm, while its maximum torque 350 Nm it is offered between 1.750 and 2.500 turns. What if, all this energy passes to the front train...
In this way, the BMW 2 Series GC 218d approves an acceleration from 0 to 100 in 8,5 seconds, a top speed of 222 km/h and its approved mixed consumption is 5 liters at 100, although, as always, it will vary a few tenths depending on the selected equipment. And with all of the above said, let's get behind the wheel.
At the wheel of the BMW 2 Series GC
BMW has historically been characterized by offering a very sporty behavior in all its models. In recent years that dynamic character has softened, even more so in these compact front-wheel drive cars. But, luckily for the German firm, they are still the ones that offer a more emotional touch when driving, only followed in my view by Mazda.
We are facing a four-door compact, with a diesel engine, front-wheel drive and automatic transmission. Is sportsmanship perceived? Well yes and no. I explain. This BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe can't match the feel of the 2 Series Coupe (two-door, rear-wheel drive). It feels more filtered and also bets a little more on comfort.
Poised and firm, as well as well balanced
In any case, it still has that suspension firmness without being dry, a good steering feel and very precise in curve. But of course, we can not expect a front-wheel drive to have that unique spice of propulsion cars, and less with the sound of diesel when we take it beyond 2.500 laps.
Meanwhile, it's otherwise an easy car to drive in all respects. The automatic gearbox and the diesel engine get along very well, always seeking efficiency but with good torque from below to recover with great solvency. It will practically never be necessary to see the digital needle above 2.500 rpm, since between that speed and 2.000 there is enough thrust for most situations.
When traveling it is a delight because it has a good poise and comfort, being also well insulated acoustically, although the windows without top frame leave some noise at high speed. Sure, there we can not compare it with its older brother, the Series 3, which is on another level. In any case, you can carry happy rhythms on the motorway and the car is always at ease and confident.
Logically this sports suspension from the M Sport package It is not the most suitable for strolling through cobbled towns or with many bumps, nor is it the most suitable if we regularly drive along roads that are too rough. I mentioned before that it is not dry or uncomfortable, and it is so, but with this type of floor, the firm setting of the cushioning is not ideal.
And with enviable consumption
The best of all is that with this engine we have great solvency and very low consumption. On the highway at a legal pace, this BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe 218d is satisfied with about 4,5 l/100 km, which is a really good figure. In the city it does go up, around 6 or 6,5 depending on driving and the type of city, as well as on twisty roads if we go at a happy pace.
In fact, throughout our test, with almost 600 kilometers traveled, the total average consumption has been located in only 5,2 l/100 km. It is a really low figure and therefore this motorization will be more than recommended if we travel many kilometers throughout the year, especially outside the city. And now, I leave you with the standard equipment and prices.
Equipment BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe
base finish
- 16-inch wheels
- Fabric upholstery
- Grainy matte interior details
- Climate
- BMW Live Cockpit Professional
- Multifunction sports leather steering wheel
- Cruise control
- Parking sensors
- Connected Drive Services
- Connected Package Professional
- puncture repair kit
- Anti-theft wheel bolts
- DAB radio
- Alarm
Sport
- 17-inch wheels
- Fabric upholstery / Sensatec
- ambient lighting package
- LED fog lights
- Gloss black exterior trim
- Sports front seats
- Specific bumpers and exterior details
Executive
- Specific 17-inch wheels
- Dakota Leather with Perforation in Black
- Exterior trim in satin aluminum
- Exterior-specific finish with more luxurious touches
- More elegant details and inserts in the cabin
M sport
- Sports wheels in 18 inches
- Specific bumpers
- M Sport leather steering wheel
- Sports seats for driver and passenger
- Black upholstered roof
- Gloss black exterior trim
- Sports Direction M
- M Sport suspension
- M aerodynamic package
Prices BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe
| Version | Motor | Change | Traction | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Version | Motor | Change | Traction | Price |
| 218 | 1.5 petrol three-cylinder 136 hp | manual 6v | Front | 37.449 € |
| 218 | 1.5 petrol three-cylinder 136 hp | Steptronic double clutch | Front | 39.439 € |
| M235i | 2.0 petrol four-cylinder 306 hp | Automatic | xDrive | 62.450 € |
| 216d | 1.5 three-cylinder diesel 116 hp | Steptronic double clutch | Front | 39.234 € |
| 218d | 2.0 four-cylinder diesel 150 hp | Automatic | Front | 43.950 € |
| 220d | 2.0 four-cylinder diesel 190 hp | Automatic | Front | 49.350 € |
Editor's opinion
- Editor's rating
- 4 star rating
- Excellent
- BMW 2 Series GC 218d
- Review of: Diego Avila
- Posted on:
- Last modification:
- Exterior design
- interior design
- front seats
- rear seats
- Trunk
- Spring Suspension
- Consumption
- Comfort
- Price
Pros
- General balance of the car
- Very good interior quality and technology
- Consumption in this diesel version
Cons
- Rear body design
- Access and space in the rear seats
- Final price and many options
Gallery BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe
More information about this model
- Plazas 5
- Power 116 - 306 hp
- Consumption 4,6 - 7,1l/100km
- Assessment 4,8