2026 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe Expert Review
Reviewed by Billy Rehbock
Fresh from a major update for 2025, the 2026 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe is the entry point to the German luxury automaker’s lineup. Although the Gran Coupe shares a name with the two-door 2 Series, the two models ride on different platforms and have little in common.
BMW adds a new front-wheel-drive 2 Series Gran Coupe to the lineup for 2026, which lowers the base price by about $2,000. Competitors include other small luxury cars including the Audi A3, the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class, and Acura Integra.
What’s New
BMW adds a new entry-level variant to the 2 Series Gran Coupe lineup for 2026. The automaker simply refers to this front-wheel-drive variant as the 228 Gran Coupe, as opposed to the all-wheel-drive 228 xDrive Gran Coupe.
Aside from having two fewer driven wheels, the 2026 BMW 228 Gran Coupe receives the same equipment as the xDrive variant, including:
- BMW’s M Sport exterior design package
- An Adaptive M Suspension
- A curved display with dual screens
What We Think
When the BMW 2 Series coupe is so excellent, the front-wheel-drive-based 2026 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe has a lot to prove. Prior versions of this small sedan have never struck us as truly great, but the 2025 model’s update could bring the 2 Series Gran Coupe a smidge closer to its rear-drive stablemate.
Freshened styling is only the start of the improvements BMW made to the upgraded 2 Series Gran Coupe. The automaker added power and torque to the base engine, as well.
We like that change, but the new dual-clutch automatic transmission is somewhat worrying, as we’ve known this gearbox to lack refinement in other applications. Hopefully BMW will surprise us with better tuning this time around.
Speaking of tuning, the 2 Series Gran Coupe has historically had a stiff ride, not ideal for a car that’s intended more for daily commuting than back-road driving. The pre-refresh car handled well, even though it was uncomfortable over imperfect pavement, so this could be a major point of improvement.
Standard tech is one area where the 2026 2 Series Gran Series excels. Appropriately sized dual displays adorn the dashboard, and a standard Harman Kardon audio setup should satisfy audiophiles.
What’s more, BMW has kept the MSRP relatively low, making the 2026 BMW 2 Series the most affordable model in its lineup. With that value proposition in mind, this could be the right car at the right price.
Performance and MPGs
BMW equips every 2026 2 Series Gran Coupe with a 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 engine and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, but output varies by model. The entry-level 228 Gran Coupe is offered in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive variants. Front-wheel-drive models are simply called the 228 Gran Coupe while all-wheel-drive models are distinguished by BMW’s xDrive moniker.
Regardless of the number of driven wheels, the 228 Gran Coupe develops 252 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. BMW estimates the front-wheel-drive model will accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds while the all-wheel-drive variant should do the same in 5.8 seconds. For 2025, the EPA rated the 228 xDrive Gran Coupe at 26/38 mpg city/highway. Expect the front-wheel-drive model to improve on those impressive figures.
If you’re willing to sacrifice some fuel economy for power, the 2026 BMW M235 xDrive Gran Coupe is available as a higher-performance version of the 2026 2 Series Gran Coupe. Although the engine is the same size as that of the 228 Gran Coupe, BMW strengthens the M235’s crankshaft, installs a model-specific oil supply system for the cooling channel pistons, and swaps in distinctive main bearing shells and covers.
M235 output is rated at 312 hp and 301 lb-ft of torque, and the 0–60 mph time drops to just 4.7 seconds, BMW says. The EPA’s rating is 24/33 mpg, worse than that of the 228 Gran Coupe but solid for a sport compact with this much power. An Audi S3 returns 23/31 mpg, for example.
2026 BMW M235 xDrive Gran Coupe Performance Credentials
Ponying up for the hotter 2 Series Gran Coupe buys you more than a more powerful engine. It also makes several key enhancements standard for the small sedan.
An M Sport Boost mode is included with sharpened reflexes, enabled by pulling the left-hand shift paddle for more than a second. Stopping power comes courtesy of M Sport brakes or available M Compound brakes.
With the upgraded setup, the 2026 BMW M235 Gran Coupe receives four-piston fixed calipers and 15.2-inch discs in the front. In the rear, BMW equips single-piston floating calipers with 13.0-inch discs. A quad-tip exhaust setup further differentiates the M235 xDrive Gran Coupe from the 228 variant.
Cosmetic changes include a distinctive front fascia and standard 18-inch wheels with a Y-spoke bicolor design. Inside the cabin, BMW outfits the 2026 M235 Gran Coupe with sport seats or available M Sport seats with fixed headrests and illuminated M logos on the backrests. The displays also show M-specific graphics.
Safety Ratings and Features
Every 2026 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe comes with a basic standard safety suite that includes:
- Front automatic emergency braking
- Lane keep assist
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Road sign recognition
- Automatic high-beams
The following features can be optioned a la carte or added as part of a package:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Automated lane centering
- Automated lane changes
- Front, side, and rear cross-traffic alert
- Hands-free driving function for traffic jams
Cargo Space and Interior Room
Although the 2026 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe is a small car, it has a remarkable amount of cargo volume for the segment. Second-row legroom, however, is lacking compared to rivals.
Technology
Every 2026 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe has the same pane of curved glass that houses a 10.3-inch digital driver display and a 10.7-inch infotainment touchscreen with BMW Operating System 9. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard on all models.
Other tantalizing standard tech includes ambient lighting, a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio setup, a wireless charging pad, auto-dimming mirrors, and phone-as-key functionality. Available features include remote engine start, video augmented reality navigation, a 360 camera with 3D visualization, a head-up display, and an illuminated kidney grille.
Which 2026 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe Trim Is Best?
For 2026, there are three BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe variants:
- 228 Gran Coupe
- 228 xDrive Gran Coupe
- M235 xDrive Gran Coupe
We think the midrange 2026 BMW 228 xDrive Gran Coupe is the way to go with its peppy engine, strong suite of standard features, and a flexible options list that should allow for ample customization.
