BUY, LEASE OR FINANCE A BMW 2 SERIES GRAN COUPE FROM OSV: https://bit.ly/3r8slpG

Market and Model

Prices start at around £26,000 for the base 218i petrol 'Sport' variant; you'll need £1,350 more to add dual-clutch automatic transmission to it. The 220d diesel costs from around £31,500 in 'Sport' form. In either case, you'll need £2,500 more to add ritzier 'M Sport' trim. You'll need a budget of well over £37,000 for the M235i xDrive variant. As you'd expect for that kind of cash, all variants get an extremely high standard of spec, including full-LED headlights, sports seats and BMW's 'Live Cockpit Plus' package, which gives you an 8-8-inch control display with touch function.

'Sport'-spec models get 17-inch wheels, LED front foglights, front and rear parking sensors, and auto-dipping rear view mirror and two-zone climate control, plus BMW's 'Drive Performance Control' driving modes system. 'M Sport' variants meanwhile, are upgraded to 18-inch M light alloy Double-spoke rims. 'M Sport' and M235i variants also get the upgraded 'Live Cockpit Professional' infotainment package with its larger centre-dash 10.25-inch touchscreen and its "Hey BMW' 'Intelligent Personal Assistant' which will allow you to operate many of the car's major functions by merely speaking a command. Plus with this top trim level there's M Sport-tuned steering and suspension. And an aerodynamic body styling kit that re-styles both the front and rear bumpers.

Cost of Ownership

As you'd expect, the engineering here is prioritised towards improving efficiency. As a result, the base three cylinder 218i manages up to 47.1mpg (WLTP) and up to 114g/km (NEDC) in manual form. And the 220d delivers up to 57.6mpg (WLTP) and 110g/km (NEDC). The top M235i xDrive variant returns up to 37.2mpg (WLTP) and up to 153g/km (NEDC). On models with auto transmission, this car can be particularly efficient thanks to intelligent connectivity that enables the two auto gearboxes to adapt their shift strategy according to the planned route and driving situation.

If this model is equipped with Active Cruise Control, both transmissions will factor in the data from this system and the standard Navigation, to avoid unnecessary gear changes in a quick succession of bends. Across the range, efficiency is also aided by coasting and Auto Start Stop functions that take their cue from the data supplied by the navigation system, the front-mounted camera and the sensors for the optional driving assistance systems. The coasting function de-couples the powertrain from the transmission at cruising speeds when the car is running in either its 'Comfort' or 'ECO PRO' driving modes.

Summary

It's surprising that it took BMW so long to bring us this car. It's arch-rival, the Mercedes CLA, has after all been around since 2013 demonstrating the very real global demand for a compact saloon with a trendy coupe-like vibe. Whether you prefer BMW's take on this concept will be purely down to personal preference. It doesn't bring anything particularly new to this profitable sub-segment, but it has the required technology, style and sheer swagger to make the necessary impact.

If you were already thinking of buying the 1 Series hatch, we'd encourage you to also consider this Gran Coupe because it's essentially the same car without much of a practicality downside and a considerably more stylish feel. That in a nutshell sums up what this kind of car is all about. Late to this party BMW may be, but the brand has come ready to make an impact.

PLAYLISTS
► Weekly Motoring News: https://bit.ly/35JuUo7
► New Car Reviews: https://bit.ly/3myaZiV
► Highlight Car Reviews: https://bit.ly/35N1Wnx
► Electric Car Reviews: https://bit.ly/2TAqjPK
► Short Car Reviews: https://bit.ly/2HHlJMS
► Hatchback Reviews: https://bit.ly/3mKNAen
► SUV & 4X4 Reviews: https://bit.ly/37Verjt
► Saloon Reviews: https://bit.ly/37QrbrD
► City Car Reviews: https://bit.ly/3jDzBVI
► Estate Car Reviews: https://bit.ly/3kDflog
► Sports Car and Coupe Reviews: https://bit.ly/2TwkzXb
► MPV Reviews: https://bit.ly/3e7114S
► Van Reviews: https://bit.ly/31QWcb4
► Business Car Reviews: https://bit.ly/3kGZncN
► Family Car Reviews: https://bit.ly/3myLaiy

FOLLOW OSV ON
Facebook ►   / osvltd  
Twitter ►   / osvmotoringnews  
Instagram ►   / osvltd