Test BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé 220d 190 CV Steptronic 8v M Sport

It seems that premium brands never get tired of launching new models, seeking to cover even the smallest gap in the market. And they do it in all categories, from compact to SUV, through large saloons. BMW It has a wide portfolio of products. In this case we are facing the new BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, a car that takes its base from the BMW Serie 1 and that has just started its marketing in Spain.

The BMW Adler Motor dealer, from the province of Toledo, has offered us this spectacular BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe in its 220d mechanical version. Logically, we have not resisted trying it. This trade name 220d corresponds to the engine 2.0-litre diesel with 190 hp, which is linked to the Steptronic automatic transmission. In case you're wondering, yes, like the new 1 Series, it's a front-wheel drive car.

Its exterior aesthetic is controversial

The BMW 2 Series GC takes some features from the 1 Series, but also from the 8 Series. In this case, the unit we tested comes with the always interesting, eye-catching and attractive M Sport package. You already know that this finish adds specific bumpers with larger air intakes and more aggressive shapes, larger wheels, side skirts and some other spicy details.

In the front The enormous double kidney grille remains particular, which is already much wider than it is tall. Said grille is active, that is, it closes or opens an interior “shutter” depending on cooling needs, which improves aerodynamics and helps the engine reach its optimum temperature sooner. There is no lack of elongated full LED headlights and some details in gloss black on the lower areas of the bumper.

Although the side view usually goes unnoticed in most cars, I recognize that in this BMW Gran Coupé It has caught my attention. Beyond the aerodynamic silhouette or its great length (no less than 4,53 meters long), I want you to pay attention to the clearly ascending lines. For example, in the lower part of the windows, in the tension line that starts at the front wings or in the volumes created in the lower part.

These lines always go from bottom to top. Thanks to this design they have achieved better integrate the trunk, which is quite high and with a small spoiler looking for the similarity with a "duck tail" style. The wheels, by the way, are 18 inches.

La rear is the one that has given the most talk since it was presented back in October. If you see this car right from behind, the visual impression is more akin to an SUV than what it claims to be a coupe saloon. At least it reminds me of an X4. The trunk has a lot of prominence, perhaps too much, being somewhat abrupt.

Then there is the theme of the design of the pilots, which I suppose will be a matter of getting used to, but personally they do not fit me. Finally, as we are with the M Sport package, there is no lack of a marked gloss black "diffuser" (which will be almost impossible to keep clean) with an exhaust outlet on each side.

Despite its exterior dimensions, it is not a spacious car

This unit has a bit of a weird setup. It has the M Sport exterior package, large wheels and a powerful engine. However, the car tested has neither the fully digital instrument cluster nor the taller central display, thus reducing the technological feel in the cabin.

For the rest, as in the latest BMW launches, the quality printing is very high. The upholstery is pleasing to the eye and to the touch, while the general finishes are very good. back to basic instrument cluster, the functions are somewhat basic for what is expected of a car like this, therefore, perhaps it is a better option to acquire the extra of the upper frame.

Regarding the seating, despite their sporty aesthetics, they are very comfortable. They hold up well in the corners when we're doing fast driving but they're not harsh, as you might expect. They really are comfortable and they have surprised me a lot in that sense.

However, if we talk about habitability, it is not exactly the strong point of this model, and that measures 4,53 meters long. The front seats are not narrow, but it is true that you have to bend your torso more than normal because we are closer to the ground than, for example, in a Series 1. The roof of the body is also lower. That is why it is not a comfortable operation, especially for older people.

Access to the rear seats is also not comfortable. because the seats are lower than normal, just like with the roof. In addition, the wheel arch is bulky and hinders exit and access. Once inside, the space for the knees is correct, being a little more just for the head. Tall people will rub their heads against the ceiling and will feel somewhat overwhelmed, also because the side glass area is not particularly large. Obviously, the central square is not very usable.

Trunk: Right between Series 1 and Series 3

One of the benefits of having such a long body and such a robust rear end is cargo space. The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé has a 430 liter trunk, which is 50 liters more than the Series 1 and only 50 less than a BMW Serie 3. Do you remember what I told you at the beginning of this article about covering all the gaps in the market? Notice how they have nailed it with the volume of the trunk.

Of course, it must be borne in mind that it's trunk lid (four doors) instead of gate. Therefore, it is more inconvenient to load and unload. The loading mouth, by design, is not entirely practical either. To this we must add that the upper interior part of the chest is not upholstered, leaving "veneer" in sight.

mechanical offer

As I'm sure almost all of you know, this new BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé does not take the platform of the BMW 2 Series Coupé, but uses that of the 1 Series, also seen in the X1, X2 and MINI. This means that under its hood not longitudinal engines are used, but transverse. Also that the energy produced by its propellers goes to the front wheels, instead of the rear. In the case of the xDrive versions, it obviously goes to all four wheels.

This model we tested is a version 220d. Currently marketed, in addition to this diesel variant, the 218i and M235i xDrive, which are gasoline. The first is a 140 hp three-cylinder, a version that we already tested in the 1 Series a few months ago. For its part, the M235i xDrive is the top of the range, brimming with sportiness. It has the most powerful four-cylinder gasoline engine of the brand, yielding 306 CV that is distributed through all four wheels.

At the wheel: Good dynamics with sporty touch and without losing comfort

At least for us, the part that we like the most when it comes to doing an in-depth review of a car is driving it. Even more so when it comes to a BMW, they always have a good dynamic character.

Focusing on this proven version, under the hood we have a 2 liter diesel four-cylinder, 16 valves and variable geometry turbo. According to its technical file, it develops 190 CV at 4.000 laps and no less than 400 Nm between 1.750 and 2.500 rpm. This allows it to go from 0 to 100 km/h in 7,5 seconds and reach a top speed of 235 km/h. Its combined approved consumption is between 4,5 and 4,2 l/100 km, depending on the equipment.

Starting with the engine, this 2-litre diesel moves with great ease to the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé. More than the 190 hp, it is the 400 Nm torque that allows it to accelerate and recover with so many guarantees. The 8-speed Steptronic gearbox, in normal driving, upshifts at low revs, and acceleration is still good.

The only downside of the engine is that, although it hardly transmits vibrations to the passenger compartment, it does its sound is perceived inside. This happens especially in relatively strong accelerations and in the cold. For the rest, there is very little to blame this diesel engine.

As to undercarriage, the suspensions have a relatively hard setting, but in no case have they seemed dry or uncomfortable. They have a very good set-up, because in addition to responding well to potholes, they hold the inertia of the bodywork very well when we want to give ourselves some joy in the curves. Support changes are made very quickly and gives a lot of confidence.

This confidence is also helped by the steer axle truck. Not that it is very informative, but it is very fast and precise, obeying instantly when we send an order from the wheel. The thickness and feel of the steering wheel is ideal, at least for me. It's a shame that the tested unit doesn't have cams, to be honest, something I don't understand either... In short, at a dynamic level it goes really well.

What is not so good is the visibility, especially the rear. Due to its coupé design, the glass surface is rather contained, which prevents us from having a great view of the rear and side. In this car it is highly recommended to purchase the reversing camera extra. The forward visibility on the road is correct, but since we are driving in a low position, it is not the best when it comes to wandering or maneuvering.

Equipment BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe

• LED headlights
• 16-inch wheels
• Multifunction sports leather steering wheel
• 40:20:40 split rear seats
• front armrest
• Compartment package
• Interior trim finishers Quarzsilber matt
• Rain Sensor
• Front and rear PDC parking sensors
• Dual zone air conditioning
• Cruise control
• Active Guard Plus
• Smart emergency call
• Connected Drive Services
• BMW Live Cockpit
• Repair warranty extended to three years or 200.000 kilometers

Prices BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe

Gallery BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe