The BMW 2 Series GranCoupé in the test

VW Jetta, Fiat Tipo, Mercedes A-Class - so far the sedans in the compact class have a rather bourgeois image. But the BMW 2 Series GranCoupé is now an alternative.

Berlin (dpa-infocom) - The 1er too small, an SUV like the X1 too bulky and the 3er too big or too expensive: If you believe the BMW strategists, there are a number of customers to whom Bavaria has so far nothing to offer had.

That is why for the first time in mid-March they are adding a 2-series GranCoupé. With a minimum price of € 31,950, the four-door car costs € 3,650 more than a comparable 1 Series, but remains € 4,550 below a 3 Series.

The proportions provoke

In the courting for new customers, the Bavarians deliberately did not draw a shrunk 3er and distanced themselves a little from the all-too-narrow notchback. Just like Mercedes in the CLA, BMW uses a flowing line, frameless side windows and a short, very sporty rear. For some, the GranCoupé is a long-awaited innovator that blows the dust off the segment. For the others, on the other hand, the proportions don't really fit. Because the rear is quite high. But no matter whether beautiful or weird - the 2er definitely stands out and has already fulfilled part of its mission.

As fresh and unusual as the 2 series appears on the outside, the interior is so unsurprising and boring. Because even the illuminated console and a few trendy decorative elements can not hide the fact that all BMW models now have the same ambience and differ only in the make-up, which is more with each vehicle class. The most modern software is now running on the chips, the voice and gesture control is one of the best on the market, and the graphics on the screen and the digital instruments make every smartphone look pale. But measured against the widescreen cockpit of the CLA, all of this looks good and honest. Even the Seat Leon or the Hyundai i30 make a fresher impression.

Defects in the dimensional concept, strengths in driving behavior

Even with the dimensional concept, the 2 Series is just a compromise. Because just because it stretches to the notchback and surpasses the one by around 20 centimeters, you shouldn't expect space constraints like in a sedan. At 4.53 meters, it is around 20 centimeters shorter than a 3-series and has only 2.67 meters wheelbase. The back seat on the long haul becomes a better bag storage or a children's compartment. Because adults do not want to sit there in the long run with modest knee and moderate headroom. And the trunk is also not lavish with 430 liters.

On the other hand, the driving behavior is beyond any doubt. The GranCoupé lives up to the good reputation of Bavaria and offers more driving pleasure than comparable strong competitors - even though BMW has now switched the 2 Series to the front-wheel drive like the 1 Series. But with a particularly fast traction and stability control, a tight chassis and unrivaled direct steering, the 2 Series gets the pulse going and becomes an expert on the county road - especially when you're on the road in the top model M235i, which has 225 kW / 306 hp marked the top. It has so much power that BMW equips it with all-wheel drive as standard.

More choice in the pipeline

But even the 220d is enough, which maintains the balance between reason and pleasure much better. It delivers 140 kW / 190 hp, puts the tire tread to the test with up to 400 Nm and offers a sprint rating of 7.5 seconds and a top speed of 235 km / h on the one hand, and a moderate standard consumption of 4.2 liters and CO2 on the other - Output of 110 g / km.

In addition to these two engines, there is a 218i with 103 kW / 140 PS petrol engine on the starting grid. Later, there will probably be a lot more choice right up to the plug-in hybrid. And if you cry after the rear-wheel drive of the last 2 Series or yearn for less provocative proportions, you have to wait about a year - then BMW derives a 2 Series Coupé from the three with a classic cut and traditional drive.

Conclusion: a question of taste

It stands out from the crowd and drives better than the competition - with the 2 GranCoupé, BMW offers a new facet for drivers in the compact class. But BMW lets the imagination of product planners pay with a proud surcharge. In view of the available space, the equivalent value for this is kept within narrow limits, and the choice becomes primarily a question of taste. If you really want to move away from the 1 series, you better save on a 3 series. But if you want to stand out, the 2 is the best choice.

Datasheet: BMW 220d GranCoupé

All data according to the manufacturer, GDV, Schwacke