Overview The 2-series Gran Coupe is a baby BMW that shares traits with its larger sedan siblings. While it has diminutive subcompact luxury sedan proportions, the Gran Coupe swipes its visage from the mid-size 5-series and cribs interior styling cues from the iconic 3-series. The 2-series Gran Coupe comes in two heat levels: a mild 228 variant available with either front- or all-wheel drive, and a caliente M235 xDrive trim that is only available with all-wheel drive and is better equipped for spirited driving. While the two-door 2-series Coupe costs slightly less, the 2-series Gran Coupe is the least expensive way into a BMW sedan that still has big-Bimmer energy. What’s New for 2026?For 2026, the 2-series Gran Coupe lineup adds a value-oriented, front-wheel-drive 228 sDrive variant. Like the AWD 228 xDrive trim, the new model features a 241-hp four-cylinder engine and many of the same standard features. BMW said that deliveries of the front-drive 228 Gran Coupe should commence in mid-2025. Pricing and Which One to BuyThe price of the 2026 BMW 2-series Gran Coupe is expected to start around $40,775 and go up to $52,000 depending on the trim and options.228$40,775228 xDrive$43,000 (est)M235 xDrive$52,000 (est)Driving enthusiasts will likely yearn for the spicier M235 model, but the 228i Gran Coupe will satisfy most buyers. We’d recommend sticking with the front-wheel-drive trim and using the savings to throw on a good set of winter tires if you live in a snowy area of the country.Engine, Transmission, and PerformanceAll 2-series Gran Coupe models come with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The turbocharged four-banger makes 241 horsepower in 228 models and 312 horsepower in the M235 xDrive. Regardless, a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic is the only transmission option available. In M Sport Package–equipped models, holding down the left-hand paddle for more than a second engages a Sport Boost mode that primes the powertrain and chassis for peak acceleration. An adaptive suspension is standard on all 2-series Gran Coupes, and the M235 xDrive comes with an upgraded brake package for more stopping power. 0–60-MPH TimesWe haven’t tested the new Gran Coupe yet, but BMW claims that the front-wheel-drive 228 will reach 60 mph from a standstill in 6.1 seconds, while the all-wheel-drive xDrive variant will do it in 5.8 seconds. The sportier M235 has a significant acceleration advantage over the 228 models, with an estimated 0-60 mph time of just 4.7 seconds, per BMW. We’ll update this section once we’ve had a chance to get behind the wheel and see what the 2-series Gran Coupe is made of. More on the 2-Series Gran Coupe SedanFuel Economy and Real-World MPGThe EPA hasn’t released any fuel economy information for the 2026 2-series Gran Coupe yet, but last year’s 228 xDrive variant earned ratings of 26 mpg city, 38 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined. The more powerful M235 xDrive trades fuel efficiency for power, earning significantly lower estimates of 24 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined. We expect that the FWD 228 sDrive should be the most fuel-efficient of the bunch. Interior, Comfort, and CargoThe 2-series Gran Coupe has an ergonomically sound and sleek interior, as we’ve come to expect from BMW. It’s a simple, handsome, driver-focused design, featuring ambient interior lighting that illuminates the dashboard and door panels. BMW claims that rear-seat legroom is nearly the same as it is in the larger 3-series sedan. The 2-series Gran Coupe’s small cargo area is enough for grocery runs and weekend road trips, and the rear seat folds down to accommodate bulkier cargo. The Car and Driver DifferenceInfotainment and ConnectivityThe 2-series Gran Coupe’s instrument and infotainment needs are fulfilled by a driver-oriented curved display, featuring a 10.3-inch infotainment screen and a 10.7-inch gauge cluster. BMW’s iDrive infotainment software is the brain behind the operation, and it features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. For the gamers out there, the infotainment system is also equipped with a new AirConsole platform, which allows drivers and passengers to play casual games while stationary. A 12-speaker Harman/Kardon premium sound system comes standard, as does wireless device charging.How to Buy and Maintain a CarSafety and Driver-Assistance FeaturesBMW’s Active Driving Assistant, which includes a suite of driver-assistance features to help reduce the likelihood of an accident, comes standard. For more information about the 2-series Gran Coupe’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard blind-spot monitoring with rear-cross-traffic alert
- Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
Warranty and Maintenance CoverageBMW offers a warranty package that matches what its European rivals provide, and then it sweetens the deal with three full years of complimentary scheduled maintenance. Audi offers just one year of included service visits, and Mercedes-Benz doesn’t offer any.
- Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Complimentary scheduled maintenance is covered for three years or 36,000 miles
More Features and Specs
Source: caranddriver.com
