BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé M235 xDrive (2024 - )

I’ve always liked Bimmers. I don’t know why, writes Tim Barnes-Clay. Maybe it's the alpha male in me. There's not a lot of that, but it does seem to come out where BMWs are involved. I've only owned one, but driven lots of BMW press cars – including this latest 2 Series Gran Coupé, in M235 xDrive flavour.

The car, known internally as the F74, is the second generation of the model, superseding the F44. Sounds like an American fighter jet, doesn’t it? Boy, it's good – and, if I had it on a runway, I'd try and take off. Anyway, let's look at the vehicle in more detail.

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One man's meat is another man's poison, but I love the new BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé. It blends sporty elegance with innovative technology, making it a top player in the premium compact segment.

The BMW boasts an aggressive exterior design measuring 4,546mm in length and 1,445mm in height to project a fearless image on the road. Its sloping roofline and wide BMW kidney grille also give it an energetic appearance. The grille's contour lighting, available as an option, allows it to make a fabulous nighttime impact.

The upscale LED headlights are tastefully integrated into the body, providing seamless visibility through glare-free matrix high beams. With these, the ride becomes safer regardless of conditions.

Naturally, the 2 Series Gran Coupé stands out more strongly than ever in its M-specific trim, which is reviewed here. The M radiator grille with horizontal bars, the black M exterior mirror caps, and the M quad exhaust tailpipes more than allude to its performance characteristics, which are rounded off by the front apron with large air intakes, special side sills, model-specific M rear spoiler and sexy rear diffuser.

The advanced interior has upmarket finishes and enough space for up to five people. The dashboard features BMW's intuitive infotainment, with high-resolution display screens and smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, ensuring connectivity on the fly.
 

This car transcends the compact luxury vehicle segment. Regarding driving dynamics and handling, it's almost too refined for its pigeonhole - you feel like you're in another league.

The BMW harmoniously combines sport and practicality, and the moment you sit behind the wheel, the innovative engineering is highly apparent. It gives you a sense of being very much alive as you drive. It's just so dynamic and civilised.

At the beating heart of the Gran Coupé's performance is the M TwinPower Turbo technology, which pushes the 2.0-litre engine to 300 hp. This lump puts the car from 0-62 mph in a scorching 4.9 seconds, making every drive (up to 155mph, where legal) a racing dash rather than a typical commute. Its responsiveness is also improved by its notable 400 Nm torque generated between 2,000 and 4,500 rpm, which means a confident power level is present when required.

BMW's xDrive system is a huge step forward regarding traction and stability, allowing variable distribution of drive torque to the axles. This is supported by a mechanical front-axle differential lock, which delivers ‘on rails’ cornering dynamics. Tackling hairpin bends and cruising down the straights, the Gran Coupé is reassuring, giving a feeling of security that few competitors can match.

Another feature is the new 7-speed Steptronic double-clutch transmission, which elevates the driving experience with greased-lightning-quick gear shifts. The shift paddles on the leather steering wheel make it more interactive, especially when the M Sport Boost is engaged for a burst of dynamic acceleration.

The adaptive M suspension also provides a shot in the arm for handling. Frequency-selective and mechanically controlled shock absorbers offer enhanced agility and comfort. This suspension technology provides bang-on balance while, as mentioned, maintaining joyful cornering accuracy. The Bimmer glides effortlessly over road imperfections while still delivering pant-moistening responsiveness on winding tarmac.

When it comes to safety, it’s top-drawer stuff. BMW's sophisticated Driving Assistant is part of the standard spec, along with luxuries like front collision and lane departure warnings. The system's abilities cooperate beautifully with the Gran Coupé's performance so the Bimmer can be driven with focused attention.

Overall, the new BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé parades remarkable handling and exhilarating performance. I can't see any divorce on the horizon - it enjoys a fantastic marriage of sportiness and usability that provides unadulterated joy. It's ideally suited to those wanting a compact luxury car that dares not compromise on the thrill of it all. With its refined engineering and driver-centric form, the Gran Coupé proves that, rather than being just a seductive face among the crowded compacts, it's indeed a rewarding driver's car that is unmistakably true to BMW's sporting heritage.
 

The 2 Series Gran Coupé is not the largest car on the road, but it maximises space and utility in a genuinely impressive manner. Its sport seats are excellent for side support and hold up to five passengers on extended trips. That said, you’ll feel cramped if you're the middle occupant in the rear, so two adults in the back is more realistic, and more comfortable for a long journey.

Practically speaking, the rear seat backrest can be folded 40:20:40 to enable easy storage of longer objects without sacrificing access to the spacious 430-litre boot space. This feature renders the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé an appealing and highly usable vehicle.
 

The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé M235 xDrive has tolerable running costs.

Fuel efficiency is 34.4 to 37.7 mpg combined, which is not as parsimonious as that of a non-performance vehicle. However, for what it has in terms of poke, it's pretty affordable, being adequate for daily runs or cruising.

However, insurance on BMWs can cost more due to their top-of-the-line status. As is usual, obtain multiple offers, as prices will vary widely individually.

Though repair costs can be higher, the typical three-year, mileage-unlimited warranty negates these concerns to some extent by covering vital components for the first phase of ownership. Still, it’s not overly generous these days, especially with the likes of Kia offering seven-year guarantees.

Mind you, BMW Roadside Assistance is also included in the warranty, providing peace of mind. And, while there’s a higher potential cost for insurance and maintenance, the excellent resale value of the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé makes it a smart pick.

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The new BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé xDrive is a stylish choice for several reasons. First, its low-slung, modern shape combines elegance and sportiness in a manner guaranteed to get more than a few admiring glances. The hunkered-down, coupe-like stance also give it an aggressive look without sacrificing some degree of sophistication that's classic BMW.

The xDrive all-wheel drive technology offers better handling and stability, ensuring a secure driving experience in any weather, which is essential in the UK. What’s more, the M235’s beefy engine provides an exciting and rewarding dynamic drive, whether journeying around the 'burbs or slicing and dicing your way through rural roads before getting some motorway action.
The Gran Coupé interior boasts a driver-focused cockpit with the latest technology and high-quality materials. The seats are comfy, making it practical for daily driving and long road trips, as long as you don't pack three big adults into the rear seats. Two will always be better.

Furthermore, integrating advanced safety features and connectivity options contributes to the overall appeal.

Simply put, the new BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé xDrive combines flair, driving pleasure, and innovation. It will undoubtedly give you that dopamine boost you might be looking for. That’s right, the pleasure you'll get from the M235 will totally satisfy your brain's reward system. Hell, I'd go as far as to say it'll satiate your grey matter more than shopping or smelling warm cookies!

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