Drive with us: BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe Review

Join us as we take a closer look at the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé, the four-door coupé that delivers BMW thrills in a sleek, more stylish package

The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé sits in a unique corner of the market. It shares its underpinnings with the BMW 1 Series but adds a rakish, glamorous roofline with four-door practicality — giving you more of the BMW experience for less than 3 Series money.

It competes with the likes of the Mercedes-Benz CLA, Audi A3 Saloon and Mercedes A-Class Saloon, and it makes a strong case against all three.

We drove the first generation 220d M Sport Auto in Storm Bay Metallic — the diesel being the sweet spot in the range at the time.

But since then, the 2 Series Gran Coupé received a facelift in June 2024, bringing a refreshed exterior, new driver assistance systems and mild hybrid technology. Diesel was dropped from the lineup entirely, with the current range consisting of the 220i petrol with mild hybrid tech and the performance M235i xDrive.

But does the smaller price tag mean any compromises? Let's find out.

What we drove:

• Model: BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé 220d M Sport Auto
• Fuel type: Diesel
• Engine: 2.0-litre 220d 190PS DCT Auto Start/Stop
• 0-62mph: 7.5 seconds
• Transmission: Automatic (DCT)
• Colour: Storm Bay Metallic

Specifications correct at the time of publication

Or watch our video review over on YouTube:

A looker, no question

There's no denying the family resemblance to the 1 Series — but that's no bad thing. Think of the 2 Series Gran Coupé as a 1 Series with a little more oomph and a lot more presence.

The rakish, sloping roofline gives it proper coupé proportions and from the side it looks stunning. It's a genuinely head-turning silhouette that none of its direct rivals can match.

Up front, the muscular wide bumper commands attention, though the blacked-out grille does divide opinion; it's almost more modern EV than muscly BMW. Once you get used to it though, combined with that aggressive stance, it starts to make a lot of sense.

Head to the rear and it's wide, chunky and perhaps a little bulbous in isolation. But the dual exhausts and sporty air vents win you over. Step back, take it all in and it's hard not to be impressed.

It's perhaps a touch less refined than the Mercedes CLA, which offers something a little more elegant. But the 2 Series Gran Coupé has character in spades, and that counts for a lot.

The 2024 facelift brought updated lights and bumpers, sharpening the exterior design further. Though it's worth noting that for some, the pre-facelift car had a visual drama that's been slightly toned down with the refresh.

Premium by design

Step inside and it's immediately apparent how well this car has been built. Quality materials throughout, leather finishes with intricate blue stitching and comfortable sports seats elevate the overall feel of the cabin considerably.

It's been designed with the driver firmly in mind. The 10.25-inch touchscreen is angled towards you, the digital instrument display is crisp and clear, and the iDrive rotary controller makes everything intuitive and easy to use on the move. An optional head-up display projects speed, navigation and media directly into your eyeline too — a genuinely useful addition.

The cabin runs on the darker side, which gives it an intimate, cocooning feel. The optional panoramic sunroof helps lift things considerably, though be aware it does eat into what is already limited rear headroom.

And that's the compromise you make with the coupé roofline. The rear door openings aren't the most generous (you'll need to bend and curl to get in) and anyone over six feet will find headroom tight on longer journeys.

Once you're in though, legroom is actually surprisingly generous, and comfort levels throughout are high.

Storage is adequate, with door bins, a glovebox and a cubby beneath the armrest covering the everyday essentials. And the boot comes in at 430 litres – not class-leading, but plenty for all of life’s bits and bobs.

The 2024 facelift made some notable changes inside.

The iDrive rotary controller was removed in favour of a touchscreen-only setup, and physical climate controls also disappeared. Two steps forward in some respects, but for those who valued the tactile, on-the-move ease of the rotary dial, it’s a step back.

Born to be driven

Put your foot down and the 2 Series Gran Coupé does exactly what you'd expect from a BMW — it delivers.

Three driving modes are on offer: Eco, Comfort and Sport. And while it performs well across all three, it's in Sport where the car truly comes alive.

Acceleration is rapid, there's an endearing pull as you set off and the 190PS diesel engine thrives when you need an instant hit of power. Meaning motorway overtakes and those 40-70mph bursts happen with real confidence.

Navigating the windy country lanes is where we had the most fun though.

In true BMW style, the handling is effortless as it glides through corners while staying completely planted to the floor. The steering is well judged with good feedback, and the M adaptive suspension (adjustable between Comfort and Sport) means you can tailor the drive to suit your mood and the road ahead.

The compact cabin hugs you behind the wheel too, creating that cocooning, driver-focused feel that BMW does so well. Given it shares its underpinnings with the 1 Series, it feels very much like the hatchback behind the wheel, in the best way possible.

Rear visibility is okay but not amazing; a result of the low coupé roof, and the rear headrests hinder things further — though they're easily removed if you're not carrying passengers.

Since its facelift, the 220i mild hybrid is the standout choice for most buyers. It’s even smoother and more efficient, keeping your money where it belongs: In your wallet.

What's good, and what's not

The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé isn't without its flaws:

The good bits:

• Genuinely fun to drive — effortless handling and well-judged steering
• Cocooning, driver-focused feel behind the wheel
• M Sport interior is beautifully built — leather, blue stitching and quality materials throughout
• 10.25-inch touchscreen is sharp, responsive and well angled towards the driver
• iDrive rotary controller on the car we drove — intuitive and easy to use on the move

The not-so-good bits:

• Rear headroom is genuinely tight — six-footers will struggle on longer journeys
• Boot at 430 litres falls short of rivals — Mercedes CLA offers 460 litres
• Small saloon-style boot opening makes loading bulky items tricky
• Rear visibility is okay but not amazing thanks to the low coupé roofline

What's the verdict?

The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé is a genuinely compelling choice for those who prioritise driving enjoyment and style over outright practicality.

It delivers the full BMW experience at a more accessible price point than the 3 Series — effortless handling, a driver-focused cabin and styling that turns heads wherever it goes.

The coupé roofline does bring real compromises in rear headroom and boot access, but that's the deal you make. And for most buyers in this class, it's a deal well worth making.

The 2024 facelift sharpened things up further, though the loss of the iDrive rotary controller will frustrate those who valued its on-the-move ease.

Top 5 reasons to consider the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé:

1. Genuinely fun to drive, with effortless handling and BMW's famous driver-focused feel
2. Stunning coupé styling that turns heads without the 3 Series price tag
3. Well specced at M Sport level
4. Strong residual values — makes leasing it even more affordable
5. Five-star Euro NCAP rating for total peace of mind

Would we recommend leasing a BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé?

Absolutely. The 2 Series Gran Coupé is ideal for driving enthusiasts who want BMW thrills in a more compact, stylish package.

Just be mindful that if you regularly carry taller passengers or need maximum boot space, the 3 Series Touring might be the better fit.