Can the 2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe Grow Up?
BMW surprises with another generation of its most compact model, the sporty 2 Series Gran Coupe.
You probably forgot about the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, the most compact BMW model sold in the U.S., as its design (and sales) didn't make waves in the compact luxury segment. So, somewhat surprisingly, it's now back for a second generation, gaining more power and torque and a new 7-speed dual-clutch transmission that could promise a new era for the compact sport sedan, or gran coupe, or whatever you'd like to call it. Here's what's new and exciting about this sloped sportster, the 2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe.
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2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe Power
The updated 2 Series GC now features an upgraded 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gas engine making at least 241 hp and upping the torque to 295 lb-ft, routed through all four wheels in the 228 xDrive Gran Coupe, and linked to a new 7-speed dual clutch transmission. The base car can scoot from 0 to 60 mph in a claimed 5.8 seconds. The M235 xDrive boosts to 312 hp and 295 lb-ft and gets to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds.
The new transmission can enable coasting and "tailors shift strategy to the route topography" in the more efficient (non-Sport) drive modes. It automatically engages Park when the car is turned off, and the parking brake is similarly automatically engaged when the car detects a slope. The M Sport Package adds paddle shifters to the steering wheel, with a Sport Boost function accessed by holding down the left paddle.
BMW says increased body rigidity in the chassis connections and body structure, solid axle-support bearings in the front, new shock absorbers, and a 20 percent increase in caster offset on the front wheels, and standard Adaptive M Suspension all help improve ride comfort and handling. A non-adaptive conventional suspension setup is available at no extra charge, though we're not sure how many of those will be ordered or built considering it's not standard. The integrated braking system combines brake actuation, brake boosting, and brake control of the stability control system in a single small module for better handling and traction dynamics, as well.
2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe Design
The redesigned 2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe is now 0.7 inches longer over the same 105.1 inch wheelbase, coming in at 70.9 inches wide and now 56.9 inches tall, once inch higher than the outgoing model for more interior dimension for the five passengers and a more expressive exterior design. That exterior now gets M Sport styling standard, including larger air intakes, a wide BMW kidney grille that can be optioned to light up, a long hood with short overhangs, a heavy shoulder down the side, newly elongated side window graphics with a giant number 2 in the signature Hofmeister window kink, and flat taillights at the rear with bumper-integrated tailpipes. The new Premium package lets you option a gloss back contrasting roof panel against some of the 11 standard paint finishes, or you can do an individual color. The 18-inch Y-spoke wheels are standard but you can option alternate 18- and 19-inch designs. An M Sport Professional Package adds BMW Shadowline lighting, a rear spoiler, and darker Shadowline trim around the car.
2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe Interior
BMW has eschewed leather for most of the 2025 2 Series Gran Coupe lineup, now offering Perforated Veganza or Alcantara trimming, but funnily enough, there is leather ... if you get the M Sport steering wheel with the M Sport package, but that's it. Heated sport seats are standard now, with optional massaging front seating with lumbar support. The sport steering wheel gets chrome trim with illuminated buttons. Other interior trim is done up with milled aluminum, contrasting the massive black curved display screen in the dashboard featuring the latest version of iDrive. There's also a 12-speaker Harmon/Kardon sound system standard, as is keyless entry, wireless phone charging, and automatically-dimming mirrors. An optional Technology Package unlocks a head-up display, park assistant, and the augmented display Drive Recorder.
2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe Safety
The new car comes standard with some decent safety features, including Frontal Collision Mitigation, Lane Keeping Assistant, Active Blind Spot Detection, and Speed Limit Info. For $500, you can option the Driving Assistance Plus Package to gain Distance Control and Steering Assistant. Another optional Driving Assistance Professional Package adds Side Collision Protection, front and rear Cross Traffic Warning, Lane Change Assistant, and Traffic Jam Assistant which allows hands-free driving on select highways at speeds of up to 40 mph while paying attention.
2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe Price
BMW says production of the new GC begins later this year, with a market launch and deliveries anticipated to start in March of 2025. The first two models at launch will be the 228 xDrive and M235 xDrive, with a "two-wheel drive" (read: front-wheel drive) 228 sDrive model featuring the lower-power engine configuration coming later in mid-2025. The 228 xDrive starts at $42,775, the M235 xDrive starts at $50,675, and the 228 sDrive is said to start at $40,775 when it arrives later.
Justin Westbrook eventually began writing about new cars in college after starting an obsessive action movie blog. That developed into a career covering news, reviews, motorsports, and a further obsession with car culture and the next-gen technology and design styles that are underway, transforming the automotive industry as we know it.
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