BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe First Drive Review: Gran(d) Comeback?

Introduced back in 2020, the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé was meant to be an answer to the Mercedes-Benz CLA, but it never quite made enough noise. It arrived just as the world went quiet due to the pandemic, and to be frank, it simply wasn’t compelling enough to generate much chatter on its own. It existed, but it wasn’t exciting. Now, BMW aims to change all that with the 2025 version, armed with sharper styling, a tech-infused cabin, and a new approach to performance. But the question remains: does it finally deliver?

A Sharper Suit

When it comes to exterior styling, the new 2 Series Gran Coupé absolutely delivers. It’s longer, wider, sharper, and better proportioned. The awkward stance of the old model is gone, replaced by a hunkered-down look that genuinely turns heads. It has grown by 20mm in length (to 4,546mm) and 25mm in height (to 1,445mm), and these changes translate quite well inside the cabin.

The biggest transformation is at the front. The new ‘shark nose’ design tapers aggressively, giving the car a distinctly predatory appearance. It’s dominated by a wider kidney grille, now sporting BMW’s Iconic Glow kidney illumination. I must say that this is one modern BMW feature I really like – it looks properly menacing in a rearview mirror.

The sportiness continues along the sides. The shoulder line is more pronounced, flowing elegantly toward the rear, while the signature Hofmeister kink on the C-pillar now features a subtly embossed ‘2.’ Our test car, the 218i M Sport Pro, rides on handsome 18-inch M light-alloy wheels, which look just a touch undersized, given the larger dimensions of the new model.

At the back, the shoulder lines converge into an integrated ducktail-style spoiler that looks fantastic and amps up the overall sporty character of the car. The tail lamps are now sleeker, and the redesigned rear bumper, with its blacked-out diffuser and vertical elements, ties the whole athletic look together.

While the previous 2 Series often seemed to be chasing the ever-evolving CLA, this new design finally puts it out in front, at least in my book. That said, not everyone at autoX shares these sentiments, of course.

Familiarity Breeds Content?

Step inside – through those lovely frameless doors that continue to be a standout feature – and you’re immediately greeted by a cabin that feels both modern and reassuringly familiar. The layout is dominated by BMW’s Curved Display – a familiar sight for anyone who has experienced the latest X1 or 3 Series. It features a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.7-inch infotainment screen. While the screens are large, they somehow feel a touch smaller in this cockpit than in other models.

The system runs on BMW’s latest Operating System 9, which impresses with its intuitive interface, clean graphics, and snappy touch response. Thanks to the M Sport package, there are plenty of sporty touches – an M leather steering wheel, supportive sport seats, and signature M tri-colour stitching. A particularly clever detail is the dynamically backlit aluminium trim, which glows red or blue when you adjust the temperature and also signals incoming calls –a neat blend of style and function.

The new car comes generously equipped with features. You get a punchy 12-speaker 205-watt Harman Kardon sound system, a large panoramic sunroof, and Parking Assistant Plus with a 360-degree camera system. However, for a car in this segment, a few features are conspicuously absent; for instance, the steering wheel still adjusts manually for reach and rake, and even the under-thigh support extension is manual. It feels like a bit of cost-cutting in an otherwise premium cabin.

As for the rear seats, it’s clear this isn’t a family car. This is a sporty coupé aimed at someone in their late 30s or 40s, with rear space best suited for occasional use by friends or kids. I’m 5’6” and fit reasonably well, but anyone over six feet will find both headroom and legroom tight. You do get the essentials, like AC vents, two Type-C ports, and a centre armrest, but it’s really a space to be used sparingly.

The Three-Cylinder Question

While most of the changes to the new 2 Series Gran Coupé are about getting bigger and better, under the hood it’s actually a case of downsizing. The 218i now uses a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, replacing the outgoing model’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder. The numbers tell the story – the power and torque outputs have dropped to 156hp and 230Nm, respectively. The engine is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, allowing it to have a claimed 0 – 100 km/h time of 8.6 seconds, which is noticeably slower than before. BMW’s reasoning is that this downsizing helps them pack in more styling and tech while keeping the entry price competitive.

So, how does it all feel on the road? The 218i turns out to be a bit of a mixed bag. On one hand, despite being down on power and torque, it immediately feels light, easy, and effortless to drive. Press the accelerator, and you get a beautifully linear climb through the rev range. The transmission is slick and quick, always keeping you in the sweet spot of the powerband. The steering, too, is wonderfully light and communicative – one of the nicest setups you’ll find in this class. Meanwhile, the suspension strikes a fine balance, offering enough comfort for daily driving yet staying taut and composed through tight, fast corners. Overall, it’s a well-rounded package that nails the basics.

However, try to treat this refined Gran Coupé like a proper M car, and its limitations become clear. Push hard and the small three-pot shows its flaws – there’s noticeable lag, followed by pronounced torque steer. Switching drive modes doesn’t quite fix it either – it just changes the flavour of compromise, often dulling the experience rather than sharpening it.

The Final Tally

The new 2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé is, without a doubt, a big step forward. It looks sensational, boasts a luxurious, tech-rich cabin, and feels comfortable and refined in everyday driving. However, the decision to downsize the engine in the 218i is a notable compromise. While it makes for a pleasant, efficient city commuter, it falls short for enthusiasts seeking that classic BMW driving thrill. In the end, the car writes cheques with its M Sport styling that the three-cylinder engine can’t always cash.