BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe review

Is the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe really a coupe at all? We don’t think so. It’s just a 1 Series with a swoopy roof at the back. Fine if you like that sort of thing – and plenty of people do – but the name is making promises the car can’t quite keep.

BMW isn’t alone in telling these fibs, though, as the Mercedes CLA and Audi A3 Saloon are also small four-door cars with swoopy roofs. All have hatchback equivalents that are more practical – and cheaper.

The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe has a distinctive large grille and LED headlights at the front, exactly like the 1 Series – so it’s only in profile and at the rear that you can tell it’s a 2 Series. The frameless doors and different roofline are really the biggest changes over the 1 Series here as the rest of the car is really similar.

Take the interior, for example – it’s the same set-up as in the 1 Series, and that’s no bad thing. The materials are soft-touch and build quality is good, plus there’s a fantastic infotainment system included on all models.

The front seats in the 2 Series Gran Coupe are spacious and comfortable because there’s loads of adjustment. Yet in the back there’s less headroom than in the 1 Series, as the roofline cuts into the available space. At least legroom is still okay.

The 2 Series Gran Coupe just doesn't look coupe-like enough. The concept car looked cool in BMW's sketches but I'm just a bit disappointed with this car's looks, especially from the side.

The boot is slightly larger on paper than the hatchback’s, but in practice, it’s much less useful because the available space is low and flat. The seats fold down for longer items but nothing bulky will go in without a fight.

Your engine choices are between a 1.5-litre, three-cylinder petrol 218i with 140hp, a 2.0-litre four-cylinder 220d diesel or the range topping M235i with a 306hp 2.0 petrol. The 1.5 comes with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed auto, while the 220d and M235i come with an eight-speed auto only. The 1.5-litre petrol is the best all-rounder but the diesels are good for long trips. The M235i is fast but not exciting enough.

No matter which version you pick, the 2 Series Gran Coupe is comfortable over bumps in the road, and it’s easy enough to drive despite visibility being a bit lacking. On a twisty road it’s fun to drive, with lots of grip and precise steering. It’s smooth on the motorway, too.

The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe really is all about the looks, because it’s the only reason to choose one over a BMW 1 Series. At least everything else is the same: it’s good to drive, comfortable and has a great interior. If that sounds like your kind of thing, then head over to our BMW deals pages for the very best prices.