BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé (2020) review: A niche too far?
Can the front-wheel drive, diesel-powered BMW 2 Series GranCoupé provide the goods? We had an opportunity to sample what is BMW’s first foray into the small-sedan-with-a-sloping-roofline niche first made popular by the Mercedes-Benz CLA.
BMW are masters at creating fun-to-drive compact vehicles, take the iconic E30 3 Series and, more recently, the M2 Competition as just two examples of the sort of exciting products that the Bavarian marque has produced.
Recently, the new 2 Series Gran Coupe, in 220d M Sport guise arrived for a five-day stint. I remember driving the BMW 2 Series 220d Coupe and thinking at the time that the product managed to strike a great balance between dynamic prowess and daily usability. Approaching the 220d Gran Coupe though I knew that its new platform and controversial styling would make for an interesting road test.
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The announcement and subsequent release of a front-wheel drive 1 Series that is based on the same UKL2 platform as the Mini Clubman, the BMW X2, BMW X1 and the car in question, the 2 Series Gran Coupe, has shown BMW’s shift towards more cost-effective modular platforms with an emphasis on practical packaging. This is marketing speak for the fact that rear-wheel drive takes up space, and many of BMW’s customers don’t care about where the power is sent, so front-wheel drive platforms with optional xDrive allow for more occupant space and the use of transversely mounted four-cylinder engines.
Styling
There are many talking points surrounding the 2 Series Gran Coupe. It is the first 2 Series to feature four-doors and to make use of the aforementioned platform, making it the first of its kind. BMW claims that the next 2 Series Coupe will have power sent to its rear wheels, making the Gran Coupe something of a niche-filler, a response to the Mercedes-Benz CLA. Locally Mercedes-Benz customers can choose between the CLA and the A-Class Sedan which BMW has also responded to by releasing a 2 Series Sedan, in the Chinese market.
With the ever-increasing homogeny amongst products within the automotive realm, we're approaching a point where one may purchase a car simply because of the way it looks, or how a particular brand appeal to us. Many manufacturers have found success with this brand-centric approach, and in South Africa, we most certainly buy according to the badge.
For a company such as BMW, which has built its foundation on being "The Ultimate Driving Machine", this could prove problematic. The evidence of BMW's increasing conformity is quite prominent in the new Gran Coupe; however, it is never good to see an internet that is so divided on the looks of a vehicle. The general sentiment surrounding the 2 Series Gran Coupe has been that its looks are polarising. I am not one to comment on something as subjective as exterior styling, but in my opinion, BMW has missed the mark with the styling of the Gran Coupe.
Comfort & Convenience
Stepping inside is different though. The new generation of BMW interiors are far superior to those that preceded them. The new iDrive infotainment system is incredible; however, I did miss Android Auto functionality, which BMW says will be available soon. I had a chance to see wireless Apple CarPlay in action though, which works well. The general fit and finish is exemplary, as a former owner of a BMW 1 Series circa 2008, the improvement in build quality and materials has been exponential. It feels like a premium product from behind the wheel, which counts in its favour.
As one might expect in a premium product, there were a host of interior niceties specified, such as the Harmon Karon sound system, adaptive cruise control, BMW’s digitised instrument cluster and dual-zone climate control
From a practicality perspective, this is the best 2 Series, having the benefit of four doors and the ability to seat four occupants in comfort, although rear headroom may be an issue for taller folk. The boot offers an impressive 430-litres of space, easily accommodating two sets of golf clubs.
Performance
The 220d test car has a phenomenal powertrain; its diesel motor is frugal and punchy while the eight-speed Aisin automatic gearbox does a fantastic job of shifting the car along. The problem comes from the fact this car is front-wheel drive, meaning that when you are accelerating, 140 kW and 400 Nm of torque overwhelms the front wheels, causing the electronic systems to intervene. This creates a muted driving sensation that nobody has come to expect from a BMW, which is disappointing.
As you might expect, being an M Sport model the ride is firm, but it doesn't balance its stiff character with supple handling, instead, you're greeted with admittedly safe, but boring understeer. This is only really a problem when pushing on a bit, and nobody drives to work trying to set lap records, so for most situations, the Gran Coupe will feel great, just ditch the M Sport package and you’ll have a car that rides respectably.
My biggest concern though is the suspicion that a simple test, whereby you blindfold a passenger in the Gran Coupe, may expose a truth about this product. I fear that this willing participant will struggle to discern which brand the vehicle they are travelling in is from, which harks back to my homogeny comment. What makes this distinctively a BMW? From a driving perspective, I struggled to find anything noteworthy.
Fuel Economy
Being a small turbodiesel, the 220d sips fuel, and despite my predominantly urban driving cycle, I managed a tidy fuel consumption figure of 7.1 L/100km, a long way off of the 4.8 L/100km claim, however, I am, certain that with more open road driving my figure would have decreased dramatically.
Safety
The 2 Series Gran Coupe is yet to be officially crash-tested, however, the 1 Series with which it shares so many of its components and safety systems scored the maximum five stars in the Euro NCAP assessment programme.
The 220d features six airbags as standard and outer rear ISOFIX child seat mounting points while options such as a head-up display, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitor, adaptive cruise control all combine to produce what is an incredibly safe small sedan.
Pricing (excl options)
At R 681 716 for the BMW 220d Gran Coupe M Sport, the 2 Series Gran Coupe competes well within its respective segment. Included in the list price as a five-year/100 000 maintenance plan and a two-year unlimited distance warranty.
Competitors
Since this is a relatively new and small niche within the market, the Gran Coupe only has three natural rivals, the upcoming Audi A3 Sedan and the Mercedes-Benz CLA and A-Class sedan pairing. From a diesel engine option perspective, the Gran Coupe’s most fierce rival is certainly the equally impressive and similarly priced Mercedes-Benz A200d sedan AMG Line.
Verdict
A quick drive in a new 3 Series will highlight the drawbacks of the Gran Coupe's driving experience, making the arrival of a new 2 Series Coupe vital, for enthusiasts. An important consideration for the 2 Series Gran Coupe and the new 1 Series is the fact that those who purchase this sort of car are not likely to care about its driving dynamics as much as they may find the beautiful build quality, relative practicality and the badge its wears as key draw cards. As for this writer, I still like my small BMWs with rear-wheel drive and a big six-cylinder engine up front.