The Limited Times

Now you can see non-English news...

BMW 218i Gran Coupé, a four-door 1 Series

2020-06-18T19:46:57.672Z


TEST - Derived from the Series 1, the last compact sedan from Munich sets out to conquer motorists in search of distinction.


Mixing the codes of a sedan with those of a coupé: the formula is not new and it has for several years been allowing manufacturers to give a facelift to a breathtaking sedan but also to attract new customers . Follower of this mixture of genres in the upper segments (Series 4, 6 and 8) under the marketing name Gran Coupé, BMW is now tackling the compact category with a new Series 2. In fact, there was an urgent need for the Bavarian brand to break the lines in this segment where Mercedes and Audi occupy all the space since 2013 with respectively the CLA and the Class A sedan.

The 2 Series Gran Coupé in M ​​Sport finish with 19 inch wheels. Tom kirkpatrick

Designed on the technical basis of the last Series 1 front-wheel drive, the Series 2 Gran Coupé stands out with a falsely two-volume silhouette, a rear trunk surmounted by a spoiler replacing the tailgate. From 4.31 m on the 5-door version, the length is extended by 210 mm, which brings the new 3 Series model closer (4.70 m). Other signs of distinction compared to the Series 1, the roof is lowered by 14 mm, the windows are frameless and the rear lights evoking those of the i8 overflow on the fenders. The unusual result at BMW and testifying to the evolution of formal language within the German style office may bewilder more than one motorist. The silhouette of the last CLA appears much more fluid.

High body belt, rear trunk surmounted by a spoiler, lights overflowing on the wings, the 2 Series Gran Coupé is out of place in the BMW compact family. Tom kirkpatrick

In a logic of economy of scale, the presentation and the interior atmosphere are modeled on the Series 1. We therefore find the quality of BMW manufacturing as well as the remarkable ergonomics based on a central console and an oriented infotainment tablet towards the driver. As standard, the instrumentation remains analog and you have to go to the next level (M Sport or Luxury finish) to access digital instrumentation similar to that of the higher ranges and the 10.25-inch touch screen. We navigate the menus either by swiping the screen with a finger, or from the rotary wheel next to the gear lever, or by using the voice assistant like Google Home. Shortcut keys around the wheel also allow direct access to the desired menu. The equipment is almost the same as that of the Series 1 but the Gran Coupé still receives the Assist pack as standard. It is not luxury considering the low visibility towards the rear, it facilitates parking maneuvers thanks to its radars and its rear view camera. Not content with detecting a free space and taking charge of the maneuvers, this system is still capable, thanks to the auto-reverse function, of recording the last 50 meters traveled up to 36 km / h and leaving a places in reverse as the vehicle entered. Without driver intervention. By tapping into the list of options and packs, it will be possible to access the best of the brand. Our over-equipped vehicle was close to 20,000 euros in options. If at the rear, the bench seat really intended for two and the length of the legs are similar to a Series 1, the lowered roof reduces the headroom. Failing to be very welcoming for large people (more than 1.70 m), the Gran Coupé offers 50 liters of additional loading (430 l) compared to the Series 1. If the significant depth of the space may interfere , the very low loading threshold facilitates access.

The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé shares its dashboard with the 1 Series. Tom Kirkpatrick

Compared to the Series 1, the range is simplified, retaining only two petrol models (218i and M235i) and as many diesels (216d and 220d). As a result of the use of the front-wheel drive platform, the Gran Coupé is also deprived of the in-line six-cylinder and the M235i, the most powerful version (€ 57,250) automatically associated with the 8-speed automatic transmission and four wheels drive, uses a 4-cylinder 2 liter turbo of 306 and 450 Nm. Our handling took place at the wheel of the 218i powered by the 3-cylinder 1.5 l turbo 140 hp associated with the double transmission 7-speed clutch (+ € 2,200). This sparkling engine and catchy sound ensures good performance but the revs at medium revs deserve more punch and its cut-off system more smooth. Adapted from the Series 1, the undercarriages passing through a multi-link axle at the rear participate in the approval but the M Sport finish which fitted our vehicle does not argue for comfort, especially with the Sport mode which generates hectic pace. Unless you prefer the sporty look of this version, we recommend the Luxury finish offered at the same price.

Tom kirkpatrick

Our opinion

The line of this Series 2 is more like a Series 1 with four doors than the Gran Coupé formula deployed on the upper segments but it allows BMW to be present in a popular segment of motorists for an additional 2 600 euros. The price of a silhouette that breaks the lines, this new Gran Coupé however loses in rear room what it gains in boot volume.

Technical sheet

Capacity: 1499 cc

Engine Type: 3-cyl. turbo petrol

Power: 140 hp from 4,600 to 6,500 rpm

Torque: 220 Nm from 1,480 to 4,200 rpm

Transmission: front-wheel drive, 6-speed manual transmission

Dimensions (L / W / H): 4,526 x 1,800 x 1,420 mm

Trunk: 430 liters

Weight: 1,425 kg

Performance (0-100 km / h): 8.7 seconds

Speed: 215 km / h

Consumption (EU mixed): 6.5 l / 100 km

CO2 emissions: 147 g / km

Price: from € 31,150

Source: lefigaro

All news articles on 2020-06-18

You may like

News/Politics 2024-03-25T15:34:32.858Z
News/Politics 2024-02-08T11:04:14.490Z

Trends 24h

News/Politics 2024-03-27T16:45:54.081Z

Latest

© Communities 2019 - Privacy

The information on this site is from external sources that are not under our control.
The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.