For those fans of the Bavarian automotive brand who desire a sloping roofline coupe silhouette, but have a requirement for four doors, the 2 Series Gran Coupe is most appropriate.
Its product specification is part of BMW’s new compact vehicle strategy, which prioritises the brand’s once proud rear-wheel drive legacy for front-wheel drive economics.
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The new 2 Series Gran Coupe, much like its 1 Series range sibling, are part of a new generation of front-wheel drive BMWs. Although the configuration change from rear- to front-wheel drive has irked BMW traditionalists, the company’s engineers poured substantial resources into the 2 Series Gran Coupe design, to ensure that it delivers the expected grade of BMW driver engagement.
Powered by an interesting blend of four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, the new 2 Series Grand Coupe range starts at R515 00. This buys you the 218i, powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, good for 103kW and 220Nm, driving via BMW’s seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
If you prefer the combination of abundant engine torque and long-distance driving fuel economy possible with a modern turbodiesel, there’s the 220d Gran Coupe, positioned at R595 00. With 140kW and 400Nm, it should provide dramatically swifter than BMW’s 218i and lighter on fuel too, thanks to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The new 2 Series Gran Coupe range peaks at R725 000, with the M235i variant. Featuring all-wheel drive, its 2-litre turbopetrol engine boosts a potent 225kW and 450Nm.
Aimed at BMW’s driving enthusiasts, the M235i Gran Coupe claims some very convincing performance figures, such as 0-100kph in only 4.9 seconds. It is also the only 2 Series Gan Coupe which isn’t front-wheel drive.
With a capacious 430-litre boot and stylish frameless doors, the 2 Series Grand Coupe is a compelling interpretation of the German junior executive car formula.
Feature image: BMW
