- The 2 Series Gran Coupe gets updated, and sees power rise to 312 ponies in the M235 xDrive
- Would you call it a looker? Styling now more closely aligns with other BMW models
- Canadian pricing has yet to be revealed, but production is planned for March 2025
No, no — not that BMW 2 Series, silly. This is the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé, a four-door model with its roots in front-wheel-drive and serving as a so-called “stepping stone” into the brand. The model is getting a revamp for the coming model year, heading into its second generation with improved looks and revised powertrains.
Most of the recent styling decisions out of the BMW design haus have been, erm, challenging for anyone blessed with the gift of sight, though this 2 Series Gran Coupé puts a decent foot forward with reasonably sized kidney grille shapes and an appropriately aggressive front bumper. Yes, you’ll be able to opt for an illuminated grille in a few months, if yer so inclined. Its headlights and hood shutline are a tad awkward, however. Around back, the taillamps are immediately identifiable as a Bimmer.
In terms of overall size, the 2 GC grows by 18 millimetres to 4,552 mm (179.2 inches) in length, while also adding 25 mm (one inch) of height. Its width and wheelbase are unchanged. If you’re looking for a common everyday yardstick, this BMW is about the same size as a Honda Civic.
Shots of the cabin show what appears to be an enormous screen but is actually a 10.3-inch gauge cluster and a 10.7-inch infotainment touchscreen under a single piece of glass. Popular gear like wireless smartphone mirroring, navigation, a 12-speaker audio system, and snazzy seats are all standard, now. So-called M Sport seats are available on the M235, as are uprated brakes and stiffer stabilizer brackets made from aluminum.
Available variants in Canada are expected to mirror those planned for the American market. Initial offerings in that country will be a 228 xDrive making about 240 horsepower; while a M235 xDrive will be good for 312 horses. Both utilize a turbocharged 2.0L four-banger engine and make identical torque figures, checking in at 295 lb-ft of twist. Each of those output totals mark a handful more horsepower compared to last year, but, oddly, the M loses over 30 torques.
Later in the year, the brand is choosing to introduce a two-wheel-drive (note BMW avoids the term front-wheel-drive, for very good reasons) version of the less-powerful model. We will note it is not uncommon for Canada to only get the AWD versions. A seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox replaces the old eight-speed automatic transmission.
Pricing has yet to be announced for the Canadian market, but we can tell you that examples of last year’s 228 xDrive can be had in the mid-$40,000 range, according to online ads. The model has temporarily vanished from the Canadian BMW build-and-price tool during the ramp up to this new iteration.
The new BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé will be produced at the company’s plant in Leipzig, with its market launch starting in March 2025.
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