The previous 2 Series Gran Coupe was always in the shadows of its 3 Series sibling but now with the new generation model, the 2 Series Gran Coupe aims to be a more convincing proposition this time. The second generation model is bigger, has more technology and addresses the shortcomings. The new car is still based on a front-wheel drive platform but the design is much better this time and looks longer/wider and has its own presence.

The shark nose effect with the peeled back headlamps along with the unique grille (with vertical/diagonal bars) looks good and yes, the grille is illuminated as well. It just looks much more pleasing to the eye and not so compact because it isn't at 4.5m plus (20mm increase) while some trademark elements like the pillar less doors/slim tail-lamps remain. It is an eye-catching car that looks more stylish.

 

Inside, quality has gone up while some hard trim elements remain but the design is more modern while tech has been added up. The driving position is fantastic though and the touchscreen is lovely too but it needs to be as nearly all controls are placed there. We did like the contrast stitching which is handmade and the vegan leather placed everywhere. The sports seats are comfortable and grip well and this time, the rear legroom is much better too.

That said it is still a compact four seater and sloping roofline eats into the headroom but it is a vast improvement over the earlier one. Tech has been increased with a HUD (head-up display), ADAS, electric panoramic sunroof, augmented navigation, digital key, Harman/Kardon audio, dual zone climate control and more. It's well loaded except for ventilated seats. The new BMW OS is slick too and easy to use and storage is better too while boot space is decent.
Time to drive. You sit low with the trademark thick steering wheel and immediately you notice how much better the ride quality is now. The increased ground clearance also makes navigating speed breakers much better and it is actually a big plus for our roads. The ride is much softer now (while still being firm overall), more pliant and there is more refinement too. Only the 218 petrol is offered with a 3 cylinder turbo unit with 156hp and 230Nm along with a 7-speed double clutch auto.
 
Forget the preconceived notions of a front wheel drive BMW with a three cylinder as this engine feels punchy, agile and fun enough. Dial it up in the Sport modes and the power delivery is strong with more than enough to make it a proper BMW. Else, for everyday driving it is quiet for a 3 cylinder. Even the efficiency is pretty good at 10/12 kmpl although no one buys a BMW for that. In terms of handling, there is more grip, less torque steer and it feels more composed. Sure, it is not a 3 Series but fun enough with a typical sharp turn-in and crisp dynamics.

 

In short, the new 2 Series GC is much better now and makes a good first luxury car. Sure, it's not very spacious but it's stylish, good to drive and the engine entertains enough to forget that it is a 3 cylinder. We can see this one selling much more.

What we like- Looks, quality, better ride, increased ground clearance, handling

What we do not like- Not many physical buttons, rear seat still lacks space