Overview
Premium automakers are racing to the bottom with entry-level luxury entries such as BMW's all-new 2020 2-series Gran Coupe. Mercedes-Benz's new A-class sedan and Audi's appealing-but-aged A3 four-door will be key rivals when the new 2-series Gran Coupe goes on sale. Two different turbocharged four-cylinders will be offered, but all-wheel drive will be standard on every model. The 2-series Gran Coupe's styling may not appeal to everyone, but it offers enough family resemblance to not look entirely out of place next to the similarly rakish 4-series Gran Coupe.
Premium automakers are racing to the bottom with entry-level luxury entries such as BMW's all-new 2020 2-series Gran Coupe. Mercedes-Benz's new A-class sedan and Audi's appealing-but-aged A3 four-door will be key rivals when the new 2-series Gran Coupe goes on sale. Two different turbocharged four-cylinders will be offered, but all-wheel drive will be standard on every model. The 2-series Gran Coupe's styling may not appeal to everyone, but it offers enough family resemblance to not look entirely out of place next to the similarly rakish 4-series Gran Coupe.
What's new for 2020?
The 2-series Gran Coupe is an all-new model in the BMW lineup. Rather than borrowing the bones of the 2-series coupe and convertible, it rides on the same platform as the X1 and the X2 subcompact SUVs. The new four-door is expected to hit dealer showrooms next spring.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
228i xDrive: $38,495
M235i xDrive: $46,495
If the X1 and X2 are anything to go by, the 2-series Gran Coupe will offer plenty of driving enjoyment even at the base 228i level. Driving enthusiasts will likely still yearn after the hotter M235i model, but for the majority of drivers, the base 2-series Gran Coupe will likely satisfy. We'd go light on the options, but adding the Convenience package—keyless passive entry, a panoramic sunroof, and SiriusXM satellite radio—seems like a no-brainer.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Both 2-series Gran Coupe models come with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes 228 horsepower in the 228i and 301 horsepower in the M235i. All-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission are standard with both engines. The 2-series Gran Coupe hasn't reached our offices for testing but we expect the performance of the 228i model to rival the new A-class and the A3. The hotter M235i may be even quicker than the X2 M35i with the same powertrain, which managed a zero-to-60-mph time of 4.6 seconds during one of our recent comparison tests.
The fuel & real-world MPG
The EPA has not released fuel-economy estimates for the 2-series Gran Coupe, but we expect slightly better ratings than all-wheel-drive versions of the X1 and the X2. An X2 xDrive28i we tested managed an impressive 36 mpg on our 200-mile highway fuel-economy route.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Cabin styling matches that of modern BMWs such as the new 3-series sedan and the X3 SUV. It's a simple, driver-focused design that's highlighted by ambient interior lighting that illuminates the dashboard and door panels. BMW claims that rear-seat legroom is nearly the same as the larger 3-series sedan, but overall we expect the cabin will feel more snug for both front- and rear-seat passengers. The 2-series Gran Coupe's small trunk will be good enough for grocery runs and weekend road trips and the rear seats fold down to accommodate bulkier cargo.
Infotainment & connectivity
An 8.8-inch infotainment touchscreen sits atop the 2-series Gran Coupe's dashboard, slightly angled toward to driver for easier use. Navigation is standard but SiriusXM satellite radio, a wireless smartphone-charging pad, and a Harman/Kardon stereo system are both optional. Apple CarPlay capability is standard, but Android Auto integration is not available. Choosing the optional digital gauge display replaces the 2-series Gran Coupe's analog gauges with a reconfigurable 10.25-inch digital display and replaces the standard infotainment screen with a secondary 10.25-inch unit.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The 2-series Gran Coupe has not been crash tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). BMW's Active Driving Assistant will come standard, which includes a suite of driver-assistance features to help reduce the likelihood of an accident. Key safety features include:
Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
Standard blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
BMW offers a standard warranty package that matches most European rivals at four years or 50,000 miles but sweetens the deal with three full years of complimentary scheduled maintenance. Audi offers just one year of included maintenance visits and Mercedes-Benz offers no such policy.
Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
Powertrain warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
Complimentary scheduled maintenance is covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles
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