Which BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe is better: Diesel or petrol?
The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe represents a foray into an all-new segment for BMW, namely, the premium compact sedan class, which is undoubtedly a response to the Mercedes-Benz CLA range. Being based upon the same front-wheel drive architecture as the new 1 Series, the 2 Series Gran Coupe is therefore confined to three and four-cylinder engines, with the option of xDrive all-wheel drive as seen in the M235i.
In this installment of petrol versus diesel we are going to compare the diesel-powered 220d Gran Coupe with the 218i Gran Coupe and M235i xDrive Gran Coupe, which are both powered by petrol engines. After making the comparison we can determine which powertrain works best in this compact sedan, which just so happens to have a mildly sloping roofline.
The Gran Coupe
Before we compare the petrol and diesel variants of the 2 Series Gran Coupe, let’s have a look at some of the facts and figures surrounding the 2 Series Gran Coupe range. This four-door sedan provides seating for five, measures 4.52-metres long, is 2.08-metres wide and features a 2.67-metre-long wheel base. All models feature 430-litres of boot space and weigh between 1 500 and 1 570kg while providing a 50-litre fuel tank.
Pricing(including CO2 tax)
All BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe models benefit from a five-year/100 000km maintenance plan as standard.
| BMW 218i Gran Coupe | R562 320 |
| BMW 218i Gran Coupe Sport Line | R583 020 |
| BMW 218i Gran Coupe M Sport | R595 020 |
| BMW 220d Gran Coupe | R649 016 |
| BMW 220d Gran Coupe Sport Line | R669 716 |
| BMW 220d Gran Coupe M Sport | R681 716 |
| BMW M235i xDrive Gran Coupe | R795 864 |
Performance
The 218i is the entry point into the range, featuring the same turbocharged three-cylinder engine seen in the 1 Series, various Mini models as well as the now discontinued i8 sportscar. In this guise the motor produces 103 kW and 220 N.m of torque. This allows for a 0-100km/h sprint time of 8.7 seconds and for a top speed of 213 km/h.
The 220d is powered by a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine which produces 140 kW and 400 N.m of torque. This allows it to sprint from 0-100km/h in 7.5 seconds and to go on to a top speed of 233 km/h.
The M235i features a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine which produces 225 kW and 450 N.m, which when combined with xDrive, allows it to sprint from 0-100km/h in just 4.7 seconds and go on to a top speed of 250 km/h.
Fuel economy
The base model petrol powertrain runs the diesel close in term so of efficiency with a figure of 5.9 L/100km, allowing for over 840km or range on a single tank. The little three-cylinder is also impressive when it comes to CO2 emissions with a figure of 135 g/km, meaning an R5 520 bill in emissions taxes which was included in the price list above.
The diesel claws back its advantage when we look at fuel consumption with the 220d consuming just 4.8 L/100km, providing more than 1 000 of range on a single tank of diesel. The CO2 figure for this model is rated at 127 g/km, equating to an additional cost of R4 416 which was factored into the aforementioned price.
The M235i pays for its added performance at the pumps though, with a combined consumption figure of 7.6 L/100km, providing just over 650km of range on a single tank. The CO2 emissions rating for this model is 173 g/km, meaning an additional cost of R10 764 which was factored into the price quoted earlier.
Verdict
The figures make for an interesting read when approaching this premium sedan. The best performer, the M235i, has the highest fuel; consumption and CO2 emissions, which is to be expected. The 218i makes a case for itself with its lower price tag and respectable fuel consumption, however, its performance may leave something to be desired for customers in the premium market. It is the 220d though that appears to strike the ideal balance between strong performance, fuel consumption and pricing, leading to it winning this comparison.
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