BMW 2 SERIES GRAN COUPE 223 xDrive M Sport 4dr Step Auto [Tech+ Pack]

BMW's 2 Series Gran Coupe is a small four-door Coupe that gets a little more sophisticated in this second generation form. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Review

The 2 Series Gran Coupe is BMW's idea of what a small, stylised premium sports saloon should be. This second generation F74 version is a little sharper-looking, a little sharper to drive and quite a lot more sophisticated inside.

Background

Small saloons don't sell well here. In fact, they don't sell at all unless they come with a premium badge. But Audi made the concept work with its conventional A3 saloon of 2013, before Mercedes developed it further, shortly after pioneering the idea of a car of this kind as a 'four-door coupe' with their CLA. Both those models progressed into second generation form and, forced to respond by creating what would be in effect a saloon version of the 1 Series Hatch, BMW followed the CLA style-conscious route with their contender, the 2 Series Gran Coupe in 2021. That first F44 design proved to be somewhat divisive in its looks and some were disappointed that it adopted the front-driven platform of the 1 Series, rather than the rear-driven format of the 2 Series Coupe. With the second generation F74 2 Series Gran Coupe we look at here, BMW hasn't changed the engineering much, but most other areas of this design have received a thorough revamp, including the styling which the Munich maker hopes is now a lot easier on the eye. Let's take a closer look.

Engines and Tech Spec

The drive dynamics here are no different to those of the 1 Series, but as with that Hatch have been lately sharpened with revised suspension and extra bracing to increase rigidity. The engine choices are much the same as those of the 1 Series too, kicking off with two 48V mild hybrid 1.5-litre three cylinder models, the 216 (with 122hp) and the 220 (with 170hp). Even the 216 should feel willing, thanks to 230Nm of torque, while the 220 makes 62mph in 7.9s (2.0s quicker than the base version). If that's not fast enough, you'll be directed to the mid-range 223 xDrive, which uses a four cylinder unit (also with 48V mild hybrid tech) and puts out 218hp. This variant is considerably more rapid, dispatching 62mph in just 6.4s. As the model name suggests, it includes 4WD for extra traction too. As does the flagship model, the M235 xDrive, which uses a 2.0-litre four cylinder turbo petrol unit with 300hp. This makes 62mph in 4.9s. With all 2 Series Gran Coupe models, drive is via a 7-speed auto gearbox. Diesels and other petrol units are offered in other markets, but we're unlikely to see those here. Obviously, the M235 is the version for enthusiastic drivers. It gains an extra strut in the engine compartment (which is optional on the 220), plus larger tyres and an increase in the camber offset of the front wheels to improve handling. The shock absorbers have been re-tuned to reduce body roll and the wheel slip limiter and the braking system have also been revised. In addition, sharper Sport steering and Adaptive M suspension are available on this top model, the latter lowering the car by 8mm.

Design and Build

Not everyone liked the look of the original version of this car. Even BMW now calls the styling of that earlier F44 model 'polarising'. And has tried to make this F74 replacement more widely appealing and sportier. It's certainly bigger, length stretched by 20mm to 4,546mm and the car has also gained 15mm in both height (1,435mm) and width (1,800mm). In profile, there's a new variation of the brand's signature Hofmeister kink in the rear pillar, which now features a '2' emblem. Plus the side skirts have been reprofiled, the tail lights have been redesigned and there's less blank metal surfacing. The front end has a wider, flatter grille (which can now have an illuminated surround) and the nose features thinner LED headlights. Wheel sizes vary from 17 to 19 inches. So the 2 Series Gran Coupe is quite different to its 1 Series donor model outside. The two cars share mostly everything inside up-front though, which means this F74 model gets BMW's latest cockpit for compact cars. This sees a 10.7-inch central touchscreen running the company's latest OS9 software. And a 10.25-inch driver's display, viewed through a new steering wheel with embedded physical buttons. The centre console's had to be redesigned because sadly (for cost reasons) BMW's got rid of the original model's useful lower rotary iDrive controller. Detail differences over the hatch include bespoke air vents (like those of the X3) and different positioning of the door handles and window controls. Sports seats are standard and there's fancy ambient lighting in the doors. The exterior size changes improve rear seat space a little bit, though the differences aren't great. You're better off in the back than you would be in a 1 Series hatch though. The 430-litre boot is 130-litres larger than the first generation 2 Series Gran Coupe model too.

Market and Model

You'll need around £35,000 for the 220 version, which comes only with 'M Sport' trim. The 223 xDrive costs around £38,500. The top M235 xDrive costs around £44,500. Either way, you get a high level of standard equipment, including the BMW Live Cockpit Plus package, which includes the cloud-based BMW Maps navigation system. Ambient lighting for the centre console and door trim panels is standard, as is a 6-speaker audio system that includes a 100W amplifier. The optional Technology pack adds wireless charging, Comfort Access, logo projection from the exterior mirrors, a frameless automatically dimming interior mirror and adaptive LED headlights. The Technology Plus Pack includes all this, plus upgrades the cabin to the BMW Live Cockpit Professional package, which gives you a HeadUp Display and BMW's Parking Assistant Plus system. Luxury options includes a panoramic glass roof and an uprated Harman Kardon hifi system which features an output of 205 watts and comprises 12 speakers, featuring illuminated logos and integrated behind stainless steel panels. A contrasting finish for the roof in high gloss black is available as an additional option. The optional M Sport Pro pack also adds extended M High gloss Shadow Line elements to the BMW Kidney Grille, plus with this pack you get an M rear spoiler and M Sport brakes with a red high gloss finish, plus (on the M235 xDrive) M Sport front seats.

Cost of Ownership

BMW isn't developing any more combustion engines but it's doing its best to improve efficiency on the fossil-fuelled units it already has. The three cylinder 48V mild hybrid 1.5-litre three cylinder petrol engine used by the 220 model is from the latest generation of BMW Group modular engines and delivers up to 53.5mpg on the combined cycle and up to 120g/km of CO2 emissions. As usual with mild hybrid tech, there's a tiny battery that stores energy from regenerative braking, which is then used to aid acceleration and run the engine stop start system. The M235 xDrive records up to 37.7mpg on the combined cycle and up to 170g/km of CO2. Across the range, efficiency is also aided by coasting and Auto Start Stop functions that take their cue from the data supplied by the navigation system, the front-mounted camera and the sensors for the optional driving assistance systems. The coasting function de-couples the powertrain from the transmission at cruising speeds. On to the warranty package. BMW's warranty only lasts for three years but it includes an Emergency breakdown service and at least it isn't mileage limited - unlike the comparable package you'd get as standard with a rival Audi. You can of course extent the warranty with either monthly or annual payments. There's a three year paintwork warranty and the usual 12 year anti-corrosion warranty.

Summary

Small saloons used to sell to quite elderly clientele, so what BMW has achieved with this 2 Series Gran Coupe model line is impressive. This car has the lowest customer age of any BMW model, a trend this sharper-looking F74 generation design should further encourage. Far-reaching as the changes are, we still can't imagine that they'd make you want a 2 Series Gran Coupe if you didn't want one already. But if Munich's idea of what a small four-door coupe should be appeals, then this car will please you even more than its slightly controversial predecessor. The styling changes are subjective, but you can't argue the merits of the much improved cabin and the extra rear seat space makes this car now easier to live with. Some will still think that the 1 Series hatch this car is based on makes more sense. But this saloon has much more pavement presence, which for the kind of person who wants a Gran Coupe will make all the difference in the world.

Body Glass

Auto wipers

Rain sensor with automatic headlight activation

Rear window heating

Brakes

Anti lock braking system (ABS) with cornering brake control

Brake drying

Braking readiness

City braking function

Dynamic stability control + (DSC+)

Dynamic Traction Control - DTC

Electrically operated hand brake

Front and rear disc brakes

PC iBrake (Post crash approach control warning with light braking function)

Rear brake discs

Trailer stability control

Ventilated front disc brakes

Chassis/Suspension

Drive Performance Control

M Adaptive suspension

Communication

Personal e-SIM

Driver Aids

Auto start-stop

Pull away assistant

Driver Convenience

3 driving modes Normal, Eco, Sport

Active guard plus

Attentiveness assist

Electric power steering

Lane departure warning system

Speed limit Info including no-overtaking indicator

Speed limiting function

Driver Information

BMW ConnectedDrive online services

BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant

BMW Live cockpit pro with navigation augmented view widescreen 10.25" instrument cluster + 10.7" control display + turn instruction + lane suggestions

BMW Online services

BMW operating system with 7.0 mid interface

BMW Teleservices

Check Control warning system for monitoring of lights and door/luggage compartment open warning

Gearshift time display in manual mode

Head up Display

Integrated owners handbook

Intelligent voice assistant

Oil sensor for level and grade

On board computer - average speed+fuel consumption,service interval, clock date,odometer,trip meter,outside temperature display with acoustic ice warn

Optimum shift indicator

Personal Profile

Driving Mirrors

Automatically dimming rear view mirror

Electrically adjustable, folding and heated door mirrors

Folding side mirrors with auto dimming/folding wing mirrors with auto dimming

Interior rear-view mirror with automatic anti-dazzle function

Engine

49 litre fuel tank

Performance Control

Petrol Particulate Filter

VALVETRONIC engine management

Entertainment

2x USB Type C ports (for charging and data transfer)

4G LTE Connectivity with hard wied 4G network sim card

DAB Digital radio

Exterior Body Features

BMW Iconic glow kidney grille

Body colour door handles

Exterior M sport design elements

Front and rear bumper panel with M specific design, in body colour with inserts in black high gloss

High gloss shadow line exterior trim

Key with M identification

M identification on the sides

Rear boot

Rear side wing doors

Roof trim strip in vehicle colour

Shark fin antenna

Side sill covers with M specific design in body colour

Visible VIN plate

Exterior Lights

Adaptive LED headlights with high beam assist

Automatic headlight beam throw control

Direction indicator side lights integrated exterior mirrors

Follow me home headlights

High level third brake light

LED daytime running lights

LED eyebrow turn indicators

LED front fog lights

Rear fog lights

Welcome lighting

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Dual zone automatic air conditioning with extended contents

Interior Features

12V power socket in centre console

2 cupholders in front centre console

3 spoke sports black walknappa leather steering with black stitching,shift paddled boost inscription,shaped thumb rests,specific M Badge

Anthracite headlining

Conditioned based service

Driver and front passenger backrest net on rear

Four grab handles integrated in roof lining

Front and rear door pockets including bottle trays

Front and rear side armrest integrated into door trim

Wireless charging tray

Interior Lights

Luggage compartment lighting

Packs

Connected pack professional - 2 Series Gran Coupe

Interior and exterior mirror package - 2 Series

Safety

2 tone horn

Airbag - Front driver and passenger, front and rear head, front side, curtain head protection, manual deactivation of front passenger airbag possible

BMW emergency call

Comfort access system with digital key

Crash sensor activating of airbags, Unlocking doors, hazard warning lights, interior light, safety battery terminal

Rear child proof door locks

Seat belt security check for driver and front passenger

Seatbelt warning

Side impact protection

Three point seat belts on all seats including front belt stopper, pyrotechnic belt tensioners and belt force limiters

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Warning triangle and first aid kit

Seats

3 rear seat head restraints

3 seat bench in 2nd row

Child seat ISOFIX attachment for two outer rear seats and front passenger seat with anchorage points

Driver and front passenger seat heating

Front head restraints

Height adjustable front head restraints

Rear seat backrest with manual 60:40 split folding with 3 top tether clips integrated on rear of seat panels

Single front passenger seat

Security

Central locking switch for all doors, fuel filler cap and luggage compartment

Deadlocking function system to all doors

Drive away locking system on all doors and luggage compartment

Locking wheel bolts

Start/Stop button (illuminated) in centre console with keyless engine start and Auto Start-Stop deactivation button

Thatcham Cat.1 alarm and immobiliser

Two remote control key with integrated key - open/close doors/fuel flap/tailgate +1 button for unlock compartment with M design high gloss black inlay

Towing

Trailer stabilisation logic

Transmission

Automatic transmission with gearshift paddles

Electronic differential lock

Vanity Mirrors

Sun visors with vanity mirrors and insert tab

Wheels

Reduced rolling resistance tyres

Wheels - Spare

Tyre repair kit plus

Emissions - ICE

CO: 0.119

HC: 0.009

HC+NOx: N

Noise Level dB(A): 65

NOx: 0.003

Particles: 0.0002

Standard Emissions: EURO 6

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 134

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 138

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 133

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High: 129

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High: 114

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low: 193

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium: 131

Engine and Drive Train

Camshaft: DOHC

Catalytic Convertor: No

CC: 1998

Compression Ratio: 11.1:1

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Cylinders: 4

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 82

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 94.6

Engine Code: B48A20M2

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Fuel Delivery: TWIN TURBO

Gears: 7 SPEED

Number of Valves: 16

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Fuel Consumption - ICE

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 5.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 6.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 5.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 5.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 5.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 8.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 5.8

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 47.9

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 46.3

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 47.9

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 49.6

WLTP - MPG - High: 55.4

WLTP - MPG - Low: 33.2

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 48.7

General

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Badge Engine CC: 2.0

Badge Power: 218

Based On ID: N

Coin Description: xDrive

Coin Series: M Sport [Tech+ Pack]

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Generation Mark: 1

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 28E

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 78

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 86

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 4

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 85

NCAP Safety Assist %: 80

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

Service Interval Mileage: 18000

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999999

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Performance

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

0 to 62 mph (secs): 6.4

Engine Power - BHP: 218

Engine Power - KW: 160

Engine Power - PS: No

Engine Power - RPM: 5000

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 266

Engine Torque - MKG: 36.7

Engine Torque - NM: 360

Engine Torque - RPM: 1500

Top Speed: 155

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Tyre Size Front: 225/45 R18

Tyre Size Rear: 225/45 R18

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Style: M Y SPOKE STYLE 975M

Wheel Type: 18" ALLOY

Vehicle Dimensions

Height: 1445

Height (including roof rails): N

Length: 4546

Wheelbase: 2670

Width: 1800

Width (including mirrors): 2070

Weight and Capacities

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 49

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2110

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): N

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 360

Max. Loading Weight: 545

Max. Roof Load: 75

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1300

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Minimum Kerbweight: 1565

No. of Seats: 5

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.7

Body Glass

Sun protection glass

Brakes

M Sport brakes with dark blue calipers

Driver Convenience

Parking assistant professional - with remote control parking manouevre assistant and professional reversing assistant

Driver Information

Speedometer

Driving Mirrors

Black colour mirror caps

Embellishment Trims

Illuminated Aluminium graphite interior trim

Entertainment

HiFi Loudspeaker system Harman Kardon with 12 speakers

Exterior Body Features

Black contrast roof with black matt grained roof moulding

BMW Individual Frozen paint

BMW Individual paint special request

Electric panoramic glass sunroof

Individual paintwork

Metallic paint

Model designation deletion

Trim designation deletion on side

Interior Features

Heated steering wheel

Perforated Veganza upholstery

Packs

Driving assistant plus package - 2 Series

Driving assistant professional package - 2 Series

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Black sapphire

Metallic - Brooklyn grey

Metallic - Cape York green

Metallic - Fire red

Metallic - Portimao blue

Metallic - Skyscraper grey

Metallic - Thundernight

Paint - Solid

Solid - Alpine white

Paint - Special

BMW Individual frozen paint - Portimao Blue

BMW Individual frozen paint - Pure grey

BMW Individual paint - Special request

Individual paint - Storm Bay

Individual paint - Tanzanite blue

Seats

Active driver and front passenger seats with electric lumbar support and massage function

Electric front seat adjustment - drivers with memory

Front M sports seats

Towing

Towbar with detachable ball

Trim - Leather

Perforated veganza - Black

Perforated veganza - Mokka

Perforated veganza - Oyster

Perforated veganza - Red/black

Trim - Part Leather

M Alcantara/ Veganza - Black/blue contrast stitching

Wheels - Alloy

19" M light Y spoke Bi-colour diamond-polished alloy wheels in solid jet black - style 976

19" Y spoke orbit grey matt metallic alloy wheels in refined silver unicorn - style 1085