BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe interior
While its exterior will divide opinion, inside of the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe will win many fans. It’s solid, logical and tech-laden, although Mercedes does better dials.
Style
While the new BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe’s styling might not find favour in everyone, its cabin looks much less divisive. The numerous horizontal lines of trim and stitching that stretch across the dashboard striking air vents, buttons and trapezoidal infotainment display look much more modern.
That said, while the interior is a clear improvement over the old 2 Series Coupe’s interior, it isn’t quite a match for the Mercedes CLA’s’ futuristic cabin in the looks department.
Thankfully, everything in the BMW feels super solid and there are loads of soft-touch plastics and solid-feeling metal-effect trims dotted about the dashboard, doors and centre console. All the buttons are easy to reach and the stalks behind the steering wheel feel lovely and solid.
The general theme is black and grey inside, although ambient lighting comes as standard on M Sport models to lighten the mood a little (sorry). There are six lighting colours to choose from and the brightness can be adjusted. This ambient lighting can be found on trim strips on the instrument panel and door panels, and look normal in daylight, but become decorative lighting at night.
It’s no secret that I love a BMW interior and infotainment system. However, I do think Mercedes now does a better set of digital driver’s dials. Shock horror!
- Cash
- £26,549
- Monthly
- £291*
- Used
- £27,000
Infotainment
In entry-level Sport guise, the 2 Series Gran Coupe comes BMW’s Live Cockpit Plus system – essentially an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with built-in satellite navigation. The system’s a doddle to use, either by the touchscreen or by using the rotary dial on the centre console.
Sure, some of the menus could do with brighter, more colourful icons to help you read them with just a glance while you’re driving, but it’s still easier to use than the system you get in a Mercedes CLA.
The standard sat-nav is easy to program, calculates routes quickly and responds quickly when you swipe or pinch to pan and zoom in on the map displays. If you’d rather use your smartphone’s navigation apps, you can connect using Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
M Sport and M235i models come with a larger-screened version of the same system, plus digital driver’s dials. The screen is every bit as good as the smaller one, but is more visually impressive, although a CLA’s driver’s dials are clearer.
The 2 Series Gran Coupe’s larger screen is easier to read and comes with BMW’s Personal Assistant system. This advanced voice-control system works in a similar way to Mercedes ‘Hey Mercedes’ assistant, but it’s much more reliable and allows you to tweak a wider range of the car’s settings; including the climate control, stereo equalizer and sat-nav.
- Cash
- £26,549
- Monthly
- £291*
- Used
- £27,000
Build your own 2 Series Gran Coupe on carwow
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*Please contact the dealer for a personalised quote, including terms and conditions. Quote is subject to dealer requirements, including status and availability. Illustrations are based on personal contract hire, 9 month upfront fee, 48 month term and 8000 miles annually, VAT included.