I had to do a quick double-take when the M235 Gran Coupe was delivered to my abode, as I somehow envisaged the G42 model 2 Series coupe, and this again reminded me of the quite convoluted development of this compact BMW range, presented initially as an MPV (the Active Tourer) and then spun off from the 1 Series in coupe and convertible form.
Based on the BMW Group’s UKL2 platform, the Gran Coupe is the last model derivative in an extended range that includes the 1 Series hatchback, the X1 and X2 small crossovers, and the Mini Countryman. Due to its flexibility, the platform can support a variety of powerplant options, including plug-in hybrid and electric power units, as well as front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations, but not models with rear-wheel drive architecture.
The second-generation 2 Series Gran Coupe was introduced last year, and BMW South Africa now offers two derivatives locally – the 218 and M235 (the “i” suffix from previous-generation models has been omitted, as BMW now uses it solely for battery-electric vehicles).
Intriguingly, despite its sloped roofline, the Gran Coupe is classified as a compact sedan, further distinguishing it from its coupe stablemates. As such, its main rivals are the Audi S3 quattro and the Mercedes-AMG A35 4Matic sedans, both with very similar power and pricing.
STYLING AND TRIM
The new 2 Series Gran Coupe is 20 mm longer and 25 mm taller than its predecessor, but its wheelbase remains 2,670 mm. In practice, it is the smallest sedan in the BMW stable, and as such, its interior feels slightly cramped in the second row (though less so than in the 2 Series coupe).
In M235 form, with some standard M Sport package kit and optional M Sport package pro add-ons, the Gran Coupe had real presence, but it still does not exude the purposeful and extroverted character of the standard coupe model… However, the dynamically elongated silhouette and powerfully designed rear convey sporty elegance.
Its wide grille features an innovative structure of vertical and diagonal bars, and the large lower air inlet gives the Gran Coupe a low-slung, road-hugging appearance. The LED headlights feature vertical daytime running light and turn indicator elements. At the rear of the side window graphic, a discreetly embossed number 2 highlights the characteristic Hofmeister kink.
Our test unit, endowed with the M Sport package Pro, came with shapely front M Sport seats featuring a nifty, illuminated M logo, M Sport seatbelts, and standard features such as a Harman Kardon sound system, a panoramic sunroof, an infotainment system with cloud-based navigation, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity and a crisp and clear 360-degree camera display.
Running BMW’s iDrive 9 software, the infotainment system now has an almost complete touchscreen interface with very few buttons remaining. Luckily, the voice control system is responsive and intelligent, but I did not find the redesigned, clutter-free interior (leather-free in standard trim) with its newly designed gear selector and triangular and hexagonal detailing to be as ergonomic as before.
PERFORMANCE, HANDLING
Besides a stiffer unibody structure and optimised suspension geometry, the M235 xDrive Gran Coupé has adaptive M suspension as standard, lowering the vehicle by up to eight millimetres, as well as variable, mechanically controlled and frequency-selective shock absorbers.
All-wheel drive, directly controlled wheel slip limitation, an integrated M Sport braking system (with red callipers), and optional 19″ light alloy wheels further enhance its agility and cornering dynamics, but perhaps the best trait of the newcomer sedan is its smooth, gliding ride quality even over rough, undulated tar surfaces.
The updated 2.0-litre, four-cylinder twin-turbo engine in the latest M235 Gran Coupe delivers 7 kW more (233 kW) than before but 50 Nm less (400 Nm), and now sends power to all four wheels via a seven-speed DCT, not an eight-speed automatic transmission as before.
Even so, it is quite punchy and makes the Gran Coupe deceptively quick, charging from zero to 100 in 4.9 seconds (with Sport mode and launch control activated), the piped-in augmented high-revving four-cylinder sound adding a sense of urgency to proceedings.
Yet, it all still feels somewhat artificial and contrived, and in normal mode, the lack of sound, even with a quartet of exhausts sticking out at the back, is very noticeable. And although it has generous grip, it still feels like its dynamic setup is geared more towards daily driving than outright performance pleasure.
LAST WORD
Although the latest M235 xDrive Grand Coupe has more than generous performance, excellent dynamics, prodigious amounts of grip and good consumption (we averaged 8.9 l/100 km, while BMW claims 7.7 l/100 km), given its sporty credentials, it still primarily is a sporty cruiser, not an all-out track weapon like its M2 cousin once removed.
It balances the latest technology and connectivity, performance and practicality at a reasonable price. In this respect, it has the measure of the Mercedes-AMG A35 Sedan, but whether this holds true for the newly launched, more powerful Audi S3 Sedan is disputable.
However, if it’s a quick, comfortable, compact cruiser you’re after, it may fit the bill, yet we feel that at this price (R1,029,000, extras not included), the more serious performance sedans or coupes from BMW may be more attractive, such as the M340i xDrive or the slightly smaller two-door M240i xDrive.
Report by FERDI DE VOS | Images © BMW SOUTH AFRICA
