BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe

The 2023 BMW 2 Series grand coupe comes in three different trims, namely, the 228i trim, 228i xDrive trim, and the more powerful M235i xDrive trim which will be reviewed separately. The wide variety of trims is definitely a plus as they all have their advantages but we did observe the 228i xDrive trim to be lacking in terms of additional features as it only upgrades the 2Series Gran Coupe to an All Wheel Drive Drivetrain. The performance-oriented M235i xDrive trim has a much higher power output resulting in quick acceleration while sacrificing on the handling somewhat. The removed features make a comeback on higher trims as standalone optional additions which is also a plus. There are also a couple of packages on offer by BMW for the 2022 2 Series Gran coupe which comes in handy when added customizability and convenience are expected. 

As stated previously, BMW could have done more with the 228i xDrive Gran Coupe but the standard features and the AWD drivetrain itself are quite compelling for the class and the standard 228i Gran Coupe is also a brilliant choice with various standard features that strike an adequate balance between performance and luxury. The package options are also standard with the Convenience package and the Premium package making a comeback as always offering easier accessibility and the M Sport and M Sport handling packages are also offered for a more customized experience. Some of the packages on offer for the 2022 BMW 2 series gran coupe are:- 

Convenience package (available on 228i models)

• Panoramic sunroof
• Keyless entry
• Adjustable front seat lumbar support

Premium package (includes the Convenience package)

• Heated front seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Adaptive LED headlights
• Live Cockpit Pro 
• Head-up display (M235i only)

M Sport

•  Shadowline exterior trim
• Aerodynamic kit
• M steering wheel

M Sport with Dynamic Handling

•  Extended Shadowline Trim
• Aerodynamic kit
• Dynamic Damper Control

We Recommend 

We would recommend going with the lower 228i Gran Coupe as it is a cheaper alternative for a more city-driving focussed approach. The Turbocharged 2L four-cylinder engine has decent acceleration and sporty handling and the interiors are covered with simulated leather upholstery which makes it look and feel premium while being comfy for daily use. The Snapper Rocks Blue Metallic paint scheme is attractive while not being tacky and the 18-inch M Double-spoke bi-color wheels make the 2 Series look absolutely stunning. The Magma Red Perforated Dakota Leather comes with the Convenience package as well and both are excellent additions to your car. 

Release Date 

The 2022 BMW 2 series gran coupe is available right now on the BMW USA website to build and order.

Equipped with a Turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission, the 2022 BMW 2 series gran coupe is a competent performer and excellent for city driving. The engine produces 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque giving it a brisk acceleration going from 0 to 60 in 6.3 seconds for the base model and a 0 to 60 time of 6 seconds in the xDrive. The high-performance M235i xDrive Gran Coupe goes from 0 to 60 in just 4.8 seconds due to a higher horsepower output of 301 hp. The acceleration is not as responsive as the coupe but has an agile response when compared to its competitors. The gas pedal is known to be slow to catch up but once it gets moving the 2 Series Gran Coupe can be a smooth performer with a confident acceleration and agile response. 

The Volvo S60 comes out on top, be it in terms of raw horsepower output or the acceleration but lags behind in the Quarter mile mark. The BMW 2 series gran coupe and the Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 have similar acceleration but the 2 Series has a better horsepower output whereas the CLA 250 has a much higher top speed for comparison which puts them both in a similar stature and power. The Audi A3 lags behind the competition in all regards when it comes to its engine power and performance and comes in last among the competition.

2022 BMW 2 series gran coupe Ride and Handling

BMW has been known for its excellent ride and smooth handling and the 2 Series Grand Coupe is no different in that regard. The base trim comes with an FWD drivetrain which is a signature among BMW vehicles and works well to improve the car’s handling. Couple that with a relatively low ground clearance and a smaller body and the 2 Series becomes a fun-to-drive car. The Strut suspension in the front and the Multi LInk suspension on the rear do a decent job at handling bumps but do feel a little stiff resulting in a bumpy ride when going through adverse road conditions at moderately high speeds. 

2022 BMW 2 series gran coupe Braking Performance 

The 2022 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe has a relatively well-designed braking system that gives it an edge over its competitors. It also has a relatively low curb weight of 3393 lbs with a well-balanced lightweight chassis which gives an advantage to its 13-inch brake rotors in the front and 11.8-inch brake rotors in the rear. The braking action is smooth and the addition of Emergency braking assist to go along with its 4-wheel ABS is a great addition. The 2 Series Gran Coupe also has brake drying that makes sure that the brake rotors remain active and ready even during stormy conditions. These features help the 2022 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe inspire confidence in its handling. 

The Audi A3 dominates its competition when it comes to braking power with its low curb weight even though it has the smallest brake rotors among the competitors. The Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 comes in a close second with the second-highest curb weight and braking distance. The BMW 2 series gran coupe takes third place owing to its slightly higher curb weight and smaller brake rotors. The Volvo S60 comes in last with the longest braking distance among the competitors despite it having the biggest brake rotors, due to its heavier curb weight. Overall, the BMW 2 Series will have to go further if they wish to excel in its braking power but it makes up for that with an emphasis on technology. 

Fuel efficiency is not one of the 2 Series’ strong suits, it provides a steady fuel economy of upwards of 24 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway for a combined fuel efficiency of 28 mpg which is average for its class. The Forced induction and the smaller-sized engine doesn’t do it any favors either. What further holds it back is its small 13.2-gallon fuel tank which gives it a decent driving range of 316.80 miles in the city and 448.80 miles on the highway for a combined driving range of 369.60 miles. However, we must also note that the fuel efficiency is more than decent if being used in a daily driving capacity and the 2 Series base trims aren’t as power-hungry as their performance-oriented counterpart. 

The Volvo S60 has the greatest range among the competitors due to its above-average fuel efficiency and a massive 15.9-gallon fuel tank. The Audi A3 on the other hand has the best fuel efficiency and a slightly smaller fuel tank giving it a lower driving range than the S60. The Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 marginally beats the 2 Series Gran Coupe with slightly better fuel efficiency and a slightly larger fuel tank. The BMW 2 series gran coupe is the worst in terms of fuel efficiency and range among its competitors but it still delivers a decent range which is more than enough for a daily commute and long drives at the cost of slightly more frequent stops at the gas station. 

The 2022 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe has a refined yet practical approach to the interior much like more modern models coming out. The cockpit has a driver-focused approach with a 10.3-inch digital driver display and a 3-spoke leather-wrapped sport steering wheel. The dashboard has a stunning chrome bar separating the infotainment system and the rotary controls and air vents. All of this is illuminated by ambient interior lighting and the standard sports seats sweeten the deal. Other features like the standard SensaTec simulated leather upholstery and Illuminated Berlin trims give the car a much more aesthetically pleasing modern look. The storage in the Gran Coupe is decent and will suffice for grocery shopping or carrying multiple suitcases but that's about it and for a car its size is adequately spacious. 

The Volvo S60 has the best legroom and shoulder room among the competitors but lags behind in the cargo capacity and headroom department. This deficiency is exploited by the BMW 2 series gran coupe that has the best headroom among the competition and the second-best cargo space. The Audi A3 has the biggest cargo space and has the most proportionate seating arrangement when compared to the others. The Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 has a similar cargo capacity as the Volvo S60 but lags behind as it has a decently spacious front row but lacks the same consistency in its rear row.

Some of the standout interior features of the 2022 BMW 2 series gran coupe are:- 

• SensaTec simulated leather upholstery 
• Illuminated Berlin trims
• Dual-zone automatic climate control 
• Ambient cabin lighting
• Power-adjustable front sport seats
• Panoramic roof

2022 BMW 2 series gran coupe Infotainment system 

The 2 Series has the standard 10.3-inch dashboard-mounted touchscreen with the iDrive infotainment system. It is easy to use and the animations are fluid and there is no input lag whatsoever. BMW also offers both buttons and gesture controls for the infotainment system for easier access and convenience. The addition of four USB ports makes connectivity a priority and Bluetooth integration is relatively hassle-free. Standard features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Navigation, and SiriusXM satellite radio are also available. A wireless smartphone-charging pad and a premium Harman Kardon audio system are optional and can be added for an all-around solid experience with the 2 Series Gran Coupe’s multimedia offering. Some of the standout features of the 2022 BMW 2 series gran coupe’s Infotainment system are:- 

• 10.3-inch touchscreen
• Voice Activation
• 10-Speaker Audio System 
• Built-in Navigation
• Steering Wheel-mounted Controls
• Four USB ports 
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

The base Satin Aluminum exterior trim is gorgeous with subtle inclusions that make the 2 Series Gran Coupe a beauty to be remembered. The front fascia features Chrome Kidney Frame with high-gloss black kidney struts flanked on both sides by sharp LED headlights that give the front fascia an aggressive look. The sloping roofline and the sleek accents make the sides look distinct from other cars in the segment and the coupe-like back features horizontal taillights with integrated LED strip lights under an elongated rear spoiler that gives the 2 Series Gran Coupe a unique but fitting look. With a small body and a relatively hunkered-down stance due to low ground clearance, the 2022 BMW 2 series gran coupe is sure to turn heads wherever it goes. 

Unsurprisingly, the Volvo S60 has the longest exterior with the longest wheelbase as well. It is also the heaviest and the widest car among the competition with the lowest ground clearance. The Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 comes right after it with a much lower curb weight and the tallest ground clearance among the competition. The BMW 2 series gran coupe comes in third with a decent exterior size and ground clearance and is followed by the Audi A3 comes in last despite having a good ground clearance due to its smaller length, wheelbase and height, making it the smallest car among its competitors. 

BMW is not one to compromise on safety and that is fairly evident with the bucket load of safety features and driver assistance features present in the 2022 BMW 2 series gran coupe. It comes with an Anti-lock Braking System, a front and rear head protection system, a driver's and passenger's front airbag supplemental restraint system with advanced dual-stage deployment, door-integrated front side impact airbags, and Knee airbags for the driver and front passenger. For driver assistance, it has the Active Driving Assistant that brings in a Frontal Collision Warning system, Active Blind Spot Detection, Lane Departure Warning, and Speed Limit Info. Along with that it also has Impact sensors, Stability and Traction control systems, Programmable LED Daytime Running Lights, and much more.

Some of the standout safety features present in the 2022 BMW 2 series gran coupe are:- 

• Front Collision Mitigation
• Active Blind Spot Detection Blind Spot
• ABS And Driveline Traction Control
• Electronic Stability Control
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Blind Spot Detection
• Lane Departure Warning

2022 BMW 2 series gran coupe VS 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250

BMW and Mercedes Benz have had a historic rivalry spanning over decades and both try to find an edge to out-compete the other, thereby making the competition even fiercer. The BMW 2 series gran coupe has better acceleration at the quarter mile mark, a higher horsepower output, a better cargo capacity, a more spacious interior, and a lower ground clearance. Whereas the Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 has a higher top speed, a lighter body, a quicker braking action, better fuel efficiency, and fuel capacity giving it a better range, and a longer wheelbase. Thus, the competition between the two cars is fierce and both have their good sides and shortcomings. 

2022 BMW 2 series gran coupe VS 2022 Audi A3

A similar competition is witnessed between Audi and BMW as both have closely related cars but this one is easily won by the Audi A3 as it has a more practical approach and a much more refined look. It has a lighter body, a quicker braking action, and much better fuel efficiency and fuel capacity giving it a much longer driving range, a better cargo capacity, and lower ground clearance. Whereas the BMW 2 series gran coupe has better acceleration, a more spacious interior, and a longer wheelbase due to its bigger size. Thus, the Audi A3 stands out as the more practical alternative to the 2022 BMW 2 series gran coupe. 

2022 BMW 2 series gran coupe VS 2022 Volvo S60

Volvo has always had a more laid-back approach that is far away from performance but the S60 is their answer to an audience that craves speed. It fares much better than the BMW 2 series gran coupe as it has quicker acceleration, a higher top speed, better fuel efficiency, and fuel capacity giving it a longer range, a more spacious cabin, a lower ground clearance, and a longer wheelbase. Whereas the BMW 2 series gran coupe only has a quicker braking action, a lighter body, and a higher cargo capacity. The S60 clearly comes out as the superior vehicle against the 2 series gran coupe, for a slightly higher price. 

We would recommend the 2022 BMW 2 series gran coupe with a grain of salt as it will not be for everybody due to its size constraints and various shortcomings when compared to its competitors. It has a beautiful design both inside and out, brisk acceleration, confident handling, and fairly big cargo space. Along with that, it has a unique exterior design that is incredibly attention-grabbing. In theory, it comes across as the perfect daily driver but it's outshined by competitors like the Volvo S60 and the Audi A3 in those regards. However, it still has decent fuel efficiency and if the design is what speaks to you then the 2022 BMW 2 series gran coupe could be a worthy companion provided you don’t push it too hard. Its competitors are better at it in the areas it should shine and the 2 Series is an entry-level luxury offering that can’t compete with similarly priced performance sedans.