2020 BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe Looks Like an Economy Sedan, Starts at $38,495
The BMW 2-series Gran Coupe is a new compact sedan that will be BMW's entry-level model.
It's not related to the sportier 2-series coupe and convertible, as the Gran Coupe rides on a front-wheel-drive platform shared with the X1 and X2.
228i xDrive and M235i xDrive models will go on sale in the U.S. in March 2020.
UPDATE 12/15/19: BMW released pricing for the 2-series Gran Coupe, and it's not as cheap as we were expecting. The 228i xDrive model starts at $38,495 and the M235i model starts at $46,495. That starting price is slightly higher than base prices for both the X1 crossover and the 2-series coupe.
BMW finally has a competitor to the Mercedes-Benz CLA. It's a small front-wheel-drive-based sedan called the 2-series Gran Coupe that will serve as the luxury brand's price leader when it goes on sale in the United States in early 2020. Unfortunately, it seems to show its economy-car roots too obviously; both the base 28i and the more powerful M235i versions look ungainly and inelegant to our eye.
Although it shares its badge with the 2-series coupe and convertible, the 2er Gran Coupe shares little else with those sporty rear-wheel-drive two-doors. Instead, it rides on a front-drive platform shared with the X1 and X2 crossovers and numerous 1- and 2-series hatchback models that BMW sells overseas. This explains its awkwardly tall stance and decidedly non-sporty proportions, which don't live up to BMW's insistence that this is a "low-slung, sporty four-door coupe."
Powertrains are also the same as what you'll find in the Gran Coupe's X1 and X2 siblings. The base 228i xDrive Gran Coupe comes with a turbo 2.0-liter inline-four making 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive. The M235i xDrive coupe has a more powerful 2.0-liter turbo four with 301 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque that also routes through an eight-speed auto and standard AWD.
This setup in the closely related X2 M35i turned out a quick zero-to-60-mph time of 4.6 seconds in our testing, so even if the Gran Coupe doesn't look so sporty it may well achieve strong performance numbers. The M235i xDrive Gran Coupe also comes standard with enhancements including a front limited-slip differential, M Sport brakes and suspension, 18-inch wheels and tires, and all manner of M trim pieces for both the exterior and interior.
A fair amount of equipment comes standard even on the 228i, including navigation, Apple CarPlay, power front seats, and several driver-assist features. Numerous packages add desirable extras such as a digital gauge cluster, a panoramic sunroof, a Harman Kardon audio system, and various wheel and trim options for the exterior.
Pricing starts at $38,495 for the 228i xDrive and $46,495 for the M235i xDrive. It goes on sale in the U.S. in March 2020.
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