2022 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe

The 2022 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe is an everyman's Bimmer, which is to say, it probably won't appeal to the true fans of the brand. Such enthusiasts would never settle for a mere turbo-four engine and a front-wheel-drive-based platform, even if does develop up to 301 horsepower in the case of the M235i. If the standard front-wheel drivetrain isn't enough of a red flag the bulbous styling is another area of contention. It all combines in an uninspiring driving experience, even if you opt for the available all-wheel drivetrain. In a segment where four cylinders and FWD are the default from competition like the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and Audi A3, who would've thought that the BMW is the weakest driver's car of the three? Whereas the BMW lacks the undeniable performance characteristics we expect from the brand, its competitors continue to shine in their respective areas of specialization. So the question becomes, is the 2022 2 Series Gran Coupe a worthy vehicle in its own right, or is it just there to be an alternative to the Merc and Audi for all the BMW fanboys?

While the 2 Series hasn't been subjected to some of the polarizing aesthetic changes that the larger Bimmers have, there are a few issues to be found. Many feel that the small BMW lacks the presence or definitive styling of its larger siblings, meaning that it could blend into a crowd all too easily if it weren't for its badging and distinctive kidney grille. It gets LED headlights with "halo" daytime running lights and LED taillights. We wouldn't say it's an ugly car, but it just doesn't seem like BMW cared all that much to make it attractive. The M Sport package that comes standard on the M235i helps to give the upper-tier model a more athletic appearance, including a subtle rear spoiler and Shadowline . It also gets larger 18-inch wheels over the standard 17s. Both models get a pair of vents on the rear, while the M sports rectangular dual exhausts instead of the standard round ones.

Since it is the smallest sedan BMW offers, the 2 Series Gran Coupe's dimensions can be a little difficult to come to grips with. It's only 178.5 inches from tip to tail, and the 105.1-inch wheelbase doesn't create a very spacious cabin. Excluding the mirrors, width is 70.9 inches and the sedan stands just 55.9 inches tall. The base-model 228i has a curb weight of 3,393 pounds, while the M235i tips the scales at 3,605 lbs.

The BMW 2 Series is presented in a choice of ten exterior colors, but only Alpine White and Jet Black come free of charge. The rest are metallic hues, with the Black Sapphire, Melbourne Red, Mineral White, Misano Blue, Snapper Rocks Blue, Phytonic Blue, and Skyscraper Grey adding $550 to the bill. The most expensive option is Storm Bay Metallic at $1,200. Both Misano Blue and Snapper Rocks Blue can only be specified in conjunction with the M Sport package, raising the price by $4,500 in total. The M235i doesn't get access to any additional paints but actually loses a few choices because of the standard inclusion of the M Sport package. These include Jet Black, Phytonic Blue, and Mineral White.

Unlike the 2 Series Coupe, the Gran Coupe doesn't get to show off with a throaty six-cylinder. Instead, it makes do with its smaller-displacement turbocharged four-cylinder that develops 228 hp and 258 lb-ft. This is enough to propel the compact vehicle from 0 to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds with FWD or six seconds flat with AWD. Luckily, there is the option to upgrade to the M235i, which takes the same displacement and format and dials up the wick to produce a more exciting 301 hp and 331 lb-ft. This helps cut the sprint time down to 4.7 seconds. Even with the available all-wheel drivetrain, the Gran Coupe is still essentially a front-wheel-drive car, which means that no more than 50% of the power is ever sent to the rear wheels. This has a noticeable impact on how the car feels and handles. Top speed with the more powerful engine and summer tires maxes out at 155 mph.

The 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine under the hood of the 228i and 228i xDrive is adequate but far from impressive. It develops 228 hp and 258 lb-ft, which can be sent to either a front- or all-wheel drivetrain via the eight-speed automatic transmission. While we can't say that this setup is underpowered, it does feel lacking. The gear shifts are not as sharp as they could be, and overtaking on the highway isn't entirely effortless.

Luckily, you can opt for more power under the hood of the M235i from the same configuration, albeit with standard AWD. With total outputs of 301 hp and 331 lb-ft, it delivers genuine performance. While it also comes paired with an eight-speed 'box, it uses a Sport variant that also includes paddle shifters for those that want a little more engagement with their driving experience. Once it gets moving, acceleration is brisk and almost too smooth. It's not aurally pleasing, either, and feels like it does the job well enough to get by, but without the knockout punch we wish it would deliver.

Well, we know that the M235i has all the power it needs, but does the 2 Series have the handling dynamics to take advantage of it? Sadly, the answer is no. It simply lacks the feel that we expect from a Bimmer. It goes fast, sure, but if all you want is a go-fast sedan there are plenty of options out there that do it better. What it really needs is a driving experience that pulls you in and keeps you captivated. But, with its overly light steering and no feedback from the front end, there just isn't a sense of what the wheels are doing. This means that, no matter how sharp and accurate it is, it doesn't give you the confidence to push its limits or enjoy the experience.

Since it is, by design, a front-wheel-drive car, the back end plays no real part when driving. The AWD system is rudimentary compared to the Golf R's twin-clutch differential, and even when trail-braking into a corner, it's more likely to wash out the front end than get the tail involved in any antics. The suspension also limits how much angle you can get from the steering before it locks up on you. As rare as it is to say, Mercedes' entrant into this segment is the more exciting driver, and it supplies a cushier ride, too.

Premium vehicles running on premium gasoline are seldom very fuel-efficient, but BMW is a master at blending performance and decent gas mileag. The FWD model returns a modest 24/34/28 mpg across the city/highway/combined cycles, while the AWD variant loses one mpg across the board to finish on 27 mpg combined. The M235i is only slightly less frugal at 23/32/26 mpg, which is a small price to pay for all that extra power. Each model comes outfitted with a 13.2-gallon tank, enabling a maximum range of 370 miles for the most frugal derivative.

While it may not impress all that much from the outside, the 2 Series Gran Coupe has a modern and stylish interior. That much is evident from the first few minutes of any test drive. A bright 10.25-inch touchscreen and a 10.25-inch instrument cluster give the interior a high-tech feel, while the plush upholstery and long list of standard comforts ensure all occupants are happily cosseted inside. The overall layout of the controls is a bit questionable, and the fact that you have to pay so much extra to unlock the full potential is annoying. The M235i replaces the standard seats with sporty buckets for better bolstering and support. Despite our few gripes, the cabin looks and feels nice, and the build quality is excellent. There is almost no hard plastic anyway in sight, either.

While the cabin isn't cavernous, you could conceivably fit five adults inside over short trips. Headroom is pretty reasonable at 39.8 inches up front, but the rear accommodation is a little lacking with 35.7 inches headroom and 34.4 inches legroom. On the plus side, comfort is guaranteed no matter where you are situated, as the seats are plush and luxuriously appointed. Front seats are power-adjustable as standard, but only the driver gets a memory function. The M variant replaces the standard front seats with sport buckets for additional support during spirited driving. Visibility is good all-around, but the rear wind is narrow, which may make determining where the rear bumper ends difficult. Nevertheless, there are ample driver assists to help overcome any difficulties.

As with most of its competitors, the base-level 2 Series is dressed in synthetic leather as standard, dubbed SensaTec by BMW. Color choices include Black or a combination of Oyster and Black. Naturally, you are given the option to upgrade to genuine Dakota Leather for an additional $1,450, with color options here comprising Magma Red, Mocha, Black, and Oyster. It is worth noting that the Convenience Package ($1,650) must be optioned on before you can select the upgrade to leather upholstery. The M235i comes standard with leather-trimmed seats, and the seatbelts receive tricolor pinstripes, too. For the interior accents, the Gran Coupe sports illuminated trim panels in a variety of hues, including Brooklyn, Boston, Berlin, and Nizza.

The BMW 2 Series is a small sedan but it isn't shy on cargo capacity. The trunk aperture is low and wide and there is a total of 15.1 cubic feet of space inside. This is more than you will find in a Mercedes-Benz or Audi in the same classification. While this can't compete with the ever-popular crossovers flooding the streets, it is enough for most daily errands, and you can fit two large suitcases inside for those occasional business trips or getaways. The rear seats can also be manually folded down in a 40/20/40 split to free up space for larger items.

Small-item storage around the cabin is quite impressive, too. There are two cupholders in the front console, and the center armrest cubby is quite deep. However, the door pockets are only average in size. There is a standard glovebox and a few little recesses in the console around for keys or phones. The center rear seat can be folded down to expose an extra pair of cupholders.

While you may have to pay extra to unlock any of the desirable features in the 2 Series Gran Coupe, it is well-outfitted from the get-go. Standard comforts and conveniences include multi-zone automatic climate control, ten-way power front seats, a hands-free trunk lid, a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster, cruise control, remote keyless entry, and push-button start. Both front seats are power-adjustable and the driver benefits from a memory system.

The safety suite is comprehensive, too, comprising a rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, forward collision warning, blind-spot detection, and lane departure warning. Through the available packages, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a head-up display, a panoramic moonroof, remote engine start, and adaptive cruise control can all be unlocked. The M235i differs only slightly in standard specs, in that it gets Comfort Access keyless entry and multicolor configurable ambient lighting.

BMW's infotainment systems have been among our favorites, and the iDrive 7.0 suite found in the 2 Series is no exception. The 10.25-inch touchscreen is crisp and smooth, and we are big fans of the old-school rotary controller, though voice commands are recognized, too. Standard functions include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, SiriusXM, and Bluetooth, all channeled through a ten-speaker sound system.There are two USB ports but you can also option a wireless charging pad for your smartphone. Notably, due to the chip shortage that has plagued the industry for some time, certain models built later in 2021 may not be equipped with a touchscreen.

While J.D. Power awards the 2 Series Gran Coupe a rating of 81 out of 100, BMW does have some reliability issues in general, and the sedan was recalled three times in 2021. Reasons included a passenger seatbelt malfunction, insecurely attached supports in the roof liner, and a moonroof malfunction. However, the 2022 model has no recalls issued at the time of writing. The basic and powertrain warranties are both valid for four years/50,000 miles, and roadside assistance is offered for the same duration. Three years/36,000 miles of scheduled maintenance is included, too.

A BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe safety review has not yet been conducted by the NHTSA. The IIHS, however, gave the 2022 model an excellent score of Good in all six crash tests it performed during its review of the 2 Series Gran Coupe. In turn, it walked away with a 2021 Top Safety Pick award. This is unsurprising, given the mastery of German engineering and the long list of standard safety tech included.

There are plenty of inclusive safety features on the 2 Series Gran Coupe, both passive and active. There are a total of eight airbags: dual front, front knee, front side, and side curtain. Also included are ABS brakes, EBD, and traction and stability control. Driver assists comprise a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, forward collision alert with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, speed limit information, automatic high beams, and rain-sensing wipers. The standard headlights can be upgraded to adaptive LED lamps.

The answer to this question will depend entirely on how familiar you are with other BMW products. Looking at the 2 Series Gran Coupe in isolation, it's a decent, but not exceptional, car. But once you start comparing it to the rest of the BMW lineup, and the 2 Series GC's natural rivals, it quickly becomes apparent how lacking it is.

It's a perfectly pleasant sedan, with a fair amount of passenger space and ample room in the trunk. It also has an adequate powertrain and a well-appointed cabin that work together to deliver a composed and comfortable riding experience. The standard tech offering is comprehensive, with the ability to upgrade and add a few outstanding bits and bobs.

However, the powertrain lacks any real spirit, and the front-wheel drive-based platform lacks dynamic ability, even in M235i form. The automatic transmission is good but not exceptional, and there is no manual option. Furthermore, the steering supplies no meaningful feedback, and handling is adequate at best.

BMW is renowned for creating some of the most enjoyable cars to drive, so the 2 Series Gran Coupe feels like the black sheep of the family. It still carries the status of a BMW, with all the right badges, but enthusiasts would be better off heading to the nearest Mercedes or Audi dealership.

Given its small size and lack of six-cylinder power, the price of the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe is relatively affordable for a luxury sedan in the USA. The 228i starts things off at a base price of $35,700, while adding all all-wheel drive for $2,000 turns it into the 228i xDrive. The M235i xDrive already includes this upgrade and it further adds a few features and a more potent engine, increasing the price to $45,500. No other configurations of the M235i are available. These prices for the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe are MSRP and do not include the $995 destination charge or other administrative fees.

While there are three trims in the 2 Series Gran Coupe lineup, there are only really two core models. The 228i and 228i xDrive are separated only by their drivetrains, with both using the same turbocharged four-cylinder and eight-speed automatic transmission, while the latter uses AWD instead of FWD. The M235i xDrive uses an upgraded eight-speed transmission but also gets a more potent four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive as standard.

The 228i twins get 17-inch alloy wheels and full-LED exterior lighting elements with automatic high beams. Power-folding and heated side mirrors, keyless entry, push-button start, and dynamic cruise control are all inclusive. The seats are trimmed in SensaTec faux leather as standard and the front seats are power-adjustable, while the driver's seat gets memory functions. There is a 10.25-inch driver-info display and another screen the same size for the infotainment. This grants access to Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and HD Radio. All of this comes paired with a ten-speaker sound system. The standard safety suite includes forward collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, and a rearview camera.

The semi-M variant is the M235i, which rides on larger 18-inch wheels and receives a Torsen mechanical limited-slip differential, upgraded brakes, and a re-tuned steering system. It also gets launch control to help you harness the additional power from the twin-turbo engine to full effect. Inside, Dakota leather-trimmed seats are standard, and the front seats are replaced with bucket seats. Comfort Access keyless entry is standard, along with configurable ambient lighting. Both the exterior and interior receive a number of unique styling changes to denote the difference from the base model.

There are only a few ways to customize the 2 Series Gran Coupe in the US, and some of the available packages have been dropped for the new year. The Convenience Package ($1,650) for the base models installs a panoramic moonroof, which is also a $1,350 standalone option, along with Comfort Access keyless entry, and lumbar support. The Premium 2 Package at $3,800 (but later $3,200 since Live Cockpit Pro is included by default) has these features as well as adaptive full LED lights, a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, and a universal garage-door opener. The M235i only gets a single package. If you spec the $2,750 Premium Package, it adds almost everything the model is missing, including heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a head-up display, and adaptive LEDs. If looks are important to you, the 228i trims can equip the M Sport appearance package that comes standard on the M235i. This will cost $3,950, or $4,950 with the Dynamic Handling additions.

No matter how you build it, the 2 Series Gran Coupe will never be the sports car you may want it to be. The base-level 228i has the badge and the premium interior that lets the world know you own a BMW. It also gets all the same safety features and the majority of the comforts you'd find on the top-tier M235i. However, the starter four-pot feels a tad underwhelming so we would still sprint for its better performance. This is a big step up in price, though, so we'd suggest keeping the optional extras to a minimum if you want to get your money's worth. The head-up display is tempting, but since it's part of a nearly $3k package, we'd be willing to go without it.

Comparing what is arguably the best, most-balanced BMW sedan with the similarly agreed-upon worst seems like a rather redundant exercise. The starter engine on the 3 Series is already more powerful, developing 255 hp and 295 lb-ft, and it can be paired with an electric motor in the hybrid models to up outputs to 288 hp and 310 lb-ft. However, it's the meaty six-cylinder with 382 hp and 368 lb-ft that makes the 3 Series the brand's champion. It punches above its weight but maintains its fairly compact dimensions for optimal handling. It's also a naturally rear-wheel-driven vehicle, although AWD is available. It has a fair-sized trunk, too, and there is a little more legroom to go around in the front and rear. Overall, the 3 Series is the better of the two sedans, and it's miles ahead in terms of power and fun factor.

The CLA-Class uses a similar setup to the 2 Series Gran Coupe in that it is a FWD with optional AWD. However, its base powertrain is less impressive at 221 hp, and there is no alternative unless you are willing to upgrade all the way to an AMG. That said, there isn't a true M model for the small BMW, with the M235i being the closest comparison. Still, the Mercedes-Benz is more expensive even with the lower performance figures, and it supplies a lot less room in the trunk at just 11.6 cubic feet. The cabin is immaculate, though, with the traditional opulent style we expect from Mercedes. However, the standard displays are smaller - just seven inches - and the eight-speaker sound system is less impressive than the 2 Series' ten speakers. The CLA is still the more comfortable driver, and it manages to keep up quite well when things get spirited. The CLA is the better driver's machine, while the BMW is more practical.