BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe (2024 - ) review

The 2 Series competes against other premium compact saloons like the Audi A3 and Mercedes-Benz A-Class and, like-for-like, the BMW commands a similar price tag. However, don’t forget costs will quickly creep up as you work your way through the options list. The mild-hybrid assistance in the 220 helps to boost efficiency and keep fuel costs down, but currently there’s no plug-in version available. As a result company car drivers will either have to upgrade to a 3 Series or look to the Mercedes A 250 to reduce their Benefit In Kind.

BMW hasn’t always had the best record for reliability, though it fared better than its closest rivals in some of the most recent surveys. Premium cars do tend to be more expensive to fix should anything go wrong due to their complex engineering but, for peace of mind, you will get a three-year, unlimited mileage warranty including roadside assistance. Additionally, you can pay a fixed price for servicing which should help keep your car in tip-top condition giving you one less thing to worry about.

The 2 Series Gran Coupe comes with a range of driver aids, including cruise control and parking assistance. However, in true BMW style, you’ll need to upgrade by adding both the Technology Plus Pack and the Driving Assistant Professional to get the full gamut of safety features. These help with everything from highlighting upcoming bends in the head-up display to actively steering, stopping and even parking the car for you. Rather than being intrusive, BMW's systems fall into the goldilocks zone, providing just the right amount of help without being overbearing. Additionally, unlike many other BMWs, the 2 Series Gran Coupe sends all its power to the front wheels rather than the rears, which should make it better placed to cope with slippery conditions. For more grip still, the sportier M235 gains BMW’s xDrive system, giving it all-wheel drive.

BMW knows how to build classy interiors and it’s the attention to detail which elevates the overall experience of the 2 Series Gran Coupe. From the backlit, laser-cut aluminium inserts to the hand-stitched stripes across the dashboard and tactile vegan leatherette, the 2 Series Gran Coupe feels solid, modern and unmistakably BMW. The only downside is the chunky steering wheel, which feels like a relic from the 1990s and can quickly become uncomfortable for anyone with smaller hands. That said, keen drivers will enjoy the low-slung driving position for the more connected and engaging driving experience over taller SUV alternatives. The sleek coupe shape does limit rear headroom, though. Up front there’s plenty of space, though. There are just two models to choose from: the 220 M Sport or the performance focused M235. The seats in 220 models are comfortable and supportive, while the sportier M235 model cocoons you more tightly. Similarly, the ride is on the firmer side in the standard car and jiggles over rougher surfaces at lower speeds but provides a sporty driving experience when out on the open road. Meanwhile, the stiffer suspension and more responsive steering of the M235 is more accomplished still. This was particular noticeable when driving the two cars back-to-back. Our M model test car was fitted with an optional M Technology package which added more body stiffening making the 2 Series Gran Coupe even sharper to drive.

The 2 Series Gran Coupe, like the 1 Series, is aimed at younger, more digital focus buyers and BMW’s infotainment one of the best in the business. The curved display is very responsive and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto along with a multitude of apps, streaming and gaming services. While most of the physical dials and buttons have been replaced with touch-screen controls, the always-on bar for the temperature settings means you won’t miss them too much and there’s also a built-in virtual assistant allowing you to control some of the cars features with voice commands. All cars come with electrically adjusted heated front seats, but you’ll have to add costly option packs to get features such as a head-up display, heated steering wheel, dual-zone climate control and wireless phone charging.

The entry-level 2 Series Gran Coupe is the 1.5-litre petrol 220 M Sport with front-wheel drive. This has 170 horsepower and mild-hybrid assistance smoothing the power delivery and boosting efficiency – though you won’t get any all-electric driving. The 220 is easy to drive with its seven-speed automatic gearbox doing most of the work and, although its performance isn’t dazzling, it has plenty of power for motorway cruising or overtaking. Alternatively, there’s the meatier 2.0-litre M235 xDrive, with 300 horsepower and all-wheel drive. This is effortlessly controlled with responsive steering and a growling exhaust note making for a very enjoyable driving experience to match the meaner looks and quad exhaust pipes.