2019 BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe 218d 8AT (150 HP)

Vehicle Overview

BMW introduced a four-door version of the 2 Series in 2019 based on the same platform as the Mini, trying to offer a luxurious vehicle in a compact format.

The German automaker introduced the four-door coupe on the market at the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show and shared its UKL2 with its taller sibling BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, the Mini Hatch, and the Mini Hatch 5-door. Unlike the regular 2 Series, which was a rear-wheel-driven vehicle, it was a youth-oriented, sporty-looking car made for those attracted by premium products. In addition, it offered powerful enough engines to make it capable of wearing the white-and-blue badge on the hood.

From the outside, the 2 Series Gran Coupe looked like a mix between the luxurious 8 Series Gran Coupe and the 2 Series Active Tourer. Its front fascia featured the automaker’s redesigned kidney grille with angular shapes and chromed vertical slats. Its LED headlights were standard, and BMW offered customers the option for Adaptive LEDs. Depending on the trim level and options, the lower bumper sported a wide air intake in the middle flanked by a pair of side scoops, which were mostly used for decoration or to house the fog lamps. From its profile, the ascending waistline of the four-door 2 Series created a dynamic image for the car, while the sloped-down roof line emphasized the coupe styling.

Inside, the car featured the new BMW Live Cockpit instrument cluster filled with a fully digital display. In addition, atop the center stack, the automaker placed a 10.25” screen for the BMW Operating System 7.0 infotainment unit, with gesture control. At the front, customers could choose between a set of regular seats or high-bolstered sports seats, depending on the engines and options. At the same time, in the back, passengers sat on a split-folding (40/20/40) bench seat that could expand the 430-liter (15.2 cu-ft) trunk. Thanks to the new platform, the cabin offered almost the same space as the car’s bigger sibling, the 3-Series. Surprisingly, the 2 Series Gran Coupe was available with a panoramic glass roof, an option unavailable for the 3- or the 5-Series sedan. Customers could order the car with either fabric or leather upholstery.

Under the hood, BMW installed a choice of transversely mounted diesel and gasoline engines with three or four cylinders. The automaker paired them with either six-speed manuals or eight-speed automatics provided by Aisin. Depending on the engine version, the 2 Series Gran Coupe was available with either front- or all-wheel-drive systems. Furthermore, the sportiest version, the M235i xDrive, featured a torque-sensing differential on the front axle. Thanks to the independent suspension in all corners, the 2 Series Gran Coupe provided an excellent ride for its class.