BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe 220i Petrol Review, Specifications And Price

This is the top-end MSport and it gets everything from a panoramic sunroof to gesture control plus wireless charging, dual-zone climate control and more. Read the full review below.

Image: C. Pereira

Rs 40 odd lakhs will get you a Toyota Fortuner and some change for a holiday. For that money, that is the maximum real estate possible in the auto space. However, the times have changed when large money needed to be measured against how big your car is-at least in the luxury space. The changing mindset, cramped urban cities and the fact that luxury car buyers are getting younger means that a good looking, fun to drive luxury car that is also compact enough to be used everyday, is a popular choice for many. BMW group sells a decent number of Mini cars in India and its new 2 Series Gran Coupe is another compact luxury car that promises everything a BMW should have but in a smaller sized format. We drove the car in two of the most cramped cities- Delhi and Mumbai and here the 2 Series Gran Coupe fits in well. This is the newer petrol version and is also better suited to this car rather than the diesel. Before that, in terms of looks, the 2 Series Gran Coupe is indeed attractive and while considerably shorter than a 3 Series, the design is younger and sportier. It surely turns heads and is less of a sedan and more of a coupe with four doors. There are frameless doors, slim tail-lamps and a shark-like front plus in this dark colour, it really looks good.

 

Image: C Periera

 

Inside, it is a typical BMW and by that we mean it is well finished and loaded with equipment. This is the top-end MSport and it gets everything from a panoramic sunroof to gesture control plus wireless charging, dual-zone climate control and more. While the interior is impressive, the 2 Series Gran Coupe is not for those who would like to be chauffeured around in. The rear seat is cramped and even the rear doors are small. This is clearly for those who drive themselves. For them, the 220i with a turbo petrol unit is the one to go for with 190hp and 280Nm. The gearbox is a 7-speed dct and this is a front-wheel drive car. The last part will make BMW fans go slightly puzzled as the 3 Series and other BMWs are mainly rear wheel drive, hence being fun. That said most owners won't care and the 2 Series is pretty quick regardless of where its power is sent.

 

Image: C Periera

 

Image: C Periera

The 2 Series with this petrol engine is better to drive as the engine is smoother over the diesel and more engaging. The engine likes to rev and you also enjoy driving it quickly along with the fact that it is not a huge car, you have further confidence to push for more. A 330i is fast and more fun but the 2 Series is pretty entertaining in a way a BMW should be like- you are spending a good amount of money here so a premium driving experience is what you expect and get. However, do note that the 2 Series in this MSport trim gets lower profile tyres and that makes for a hard ride on our roads. You have to be careful with these tyres while going over potholes etc

 

Image: C Periera

The 2 Series petrol range starts at Rs 37.90 lakhs while the top-end MSport is Rs 40.90 lakh. A 3 Series is a better all rounder and not much more expensive but they are also common, hence the 2 Series Gran Coupe is for those who seek a more stylish car which is "beyond a conventional sedan" and in that sense the petrol 2 Series fits in well with the scheme of things.