BMW adds to its line up of Gran Coupè models with the new 2 series car becoming the fourth for the German Brand.

I attended the UK launch in the Cotswolds for Intelligent Magazine, where the full review will appear later this month. On arrival at The Lakes a parade of 2 series cars were there to greet guests. Consisting of 218 i M and the top of the range M235i models in several colour options.

BMW like so many other brands have responded to the current trend in downsizing cars designing the 2 series Gran Coupè with the hope of attracting new buyers to the company, also younger age group. The car is based on the 1 series platform, featuring a transverse engine allowing more interior space.

After driving both models over varied routes, road surfaces I was very impressed with both. At their heart they are both driver orientated which I love. This is in the handling and performance as well as the digital cock pit with all controls ergonomically centred around the driver.

Great attention to detail has been put into the design of the interior which feels, looks luxurious. New to BMw are the illuminated control buttons within the door trim.The car has optional Heads UP Display which I would choose all the time. It is so useful aiding driving with navigation, speed limits and mph displayed.

• An elegant silhouette complemented design features such as the Icon design LED headlights and frameless doors • Two petrol versions, including range-topping M235i, plus 2.0-litre diesel in engine line-up • Cutting-edge chassis technology optimises handling and driving enjoyment • First customer deliveries from 14 March 2020, priced from £25,815.

The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé features the latest front-wheel-drive and AWD architecture also seen in the BMW 1 Series, along with an array of other technological developments. Equipped with cutting-edge chassis technology and innovative systems, the four-door model sets the benchmark in terms of driving dynamics and agility within the segment.

Engines 
The new BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé will be available from launch with a choice of three engines – one diesel and two petrol. 

A revised 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine will power the entry level BMW 218i, where technological advances have reduced CO2 emissions by 29g/km over the previous engine, while boosting maximum power output by 4hp to 140hp. Now 5kg lighter, it generates peak torque of 220Nm, with an over-boost function which briefly generates an extra 10Nm in fourth gear or higher. The BMW 218i accelerates from zero to 62mph in 8.7 seconds and can reach a top speed of 134mph. It will return 42.2-47.1 mpg (WLTP) with CO2 emissions of 123-114g/km* (NEDC).

The 2.0-litre unit under the bonnet of the M235i xDrive is the BMW Group’s most powerful four-cylinder engine, delivering a maximum output of 306hp with the help of BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. Peak torque is 450Nm, which helps it to achieve the benchmark zero to 62mph sprint in 4.9 seconds, while top speed is limited to 155mph. The M235i returns 36.2-37.2 mpg (WLTP) with CO2 emissions of 153g/km* (NEDC).

The diesel offering comes in the form of the 2.0-litre four-cylinder BMW 220d, which generates a maximum power output of 190hp with a peak torque of 400Nm. The sprint from zero to 62mph takes just 7.5 seconds on the way to a top speed of 146mph. The BMW 220d returns 53.3-57.6 mpg (WLTP) and emits 110g/km* of CO2 (NEDC).

I had a really enjoyable day of driving, loved the growl of the M 235 i on start up and then when you put your foot down and the engine roars pushing the car along rapidly. Be sure to read the full review at https://i-m-magazine.com/ cheers Jeremy