BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe at autoX Awards: Best Cars of 2025 Ranked

As the most affordable entry into the world of BMWs in India, the 2 Series Gran Coupe has a tough and crucial job – to hook young executives to the brand. With this new iteration, BMW has made a clear strategic move, prioritising head-turning styling, a tech-laden cabin, and everyday comfort over the pure driving pleasure that once defined even its entry-level cars. This shift is evident in the jury scores, where the 2 Series scored a modest 3/5 for its drivetrain and an even lower 2.5/5 for space and practicality.

The biggest talking point of the 2 Series Gran Coupe – and the reason behind that low drivetrain score – is the new 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine. As we noted in our first-drive review, this car writes cheques with its M Sport styling that the engine can’t always cash.

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For everyday use, it’s easy, smooth, and pleasantly linear through the rev range. But push it hard, and the compromise becomes clear – noticeable engine lag. Thankfully, unlike the previous version, it doesn’t suffer from torque steer.

That said, a BMW is more than just its engine. When it comes to dynamics, it handles well, feels agile, and offers good feedback. On the track, that strength became quite evident. It posted a respectable lap time of 1:10.9, proving that its chassis is still a gem. It’s light, has excellent steering, and stays composed through corners, somewhat redeeming itself for enthusiasts.

Also Read: 2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe 218i M Sport Review: All Style, No Substance? | autoX

Ultimately, the 2 Series Gran Coupe is a mixed bag. It’s no longer trying to please purists on a budget. The cabin, while modern, reveals some glaring cost cuts – a manually adjustable steering wheel, for instance – and the cramped rear seats do little for comfort, justifying its low practicality score. Yet, with its sharp shark-nose design, high-tech features, and a solid 11/20 X-Factor score, it does exactly what it’s built for. It’s a stylish, comfortable (for two), and genuinely enjoyable commuter that deserves to wear the BMW badge, even if it has lost some of the brand’s old magic in the process.