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The all-new BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe is here, and after spending genuine time behind the wheel, it's clear BMW has put significant effort into refining this premium compact sedan.

Notably larger, more luxurious, and surprisingly more affordable than its predecessor, this heavily revised model makes a strong case in the competitive entry-level luxury market.

Starting from just $59,900, the 218 Gran Coupe comes generously equipped, balancing luxury, technology, and sporty dynamics remarkably well. Opting for the $5,000 Enhancement Pack adds extra touches of luxury - like massage seats, panoramic sunroof, and the impressive Harman Kardon sound system - that genuinely elevate the driving experience.

Exterior and Design

BMW claims this is a new generation, and indeed it feels thoroughly refreshed. The Gran Coupe is now 20mm longer and 25mm taller, sporting mostly new sheet metal across the body. The redesign addresses previous design criticisms with an elegant, subtler style.

Vertical daytime running LEDs give it a distinct presence, complementing the more sophisticated kidney grille and sporty 19-inch alloy wheels.

The front incorporates modern design elements, including a prominent radar for autonomous driving functions and sleek vertical LED headlights. These headlights include luxury touches such as pulsing indicators, adding a high-end flair. The rear, a previous point of contention, sees significant improvement.

New taillights, also featuring pulsing indicators, provide a more cohesive and upscale appearance. Practicality hasn't been overlooked, with the boot space expanded to a substantial 430 litres, augmented by generous underfloor storage.

Interior and Technology

Inside, the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe impresses instantly with its blend of technology and comfort. The updated BMW Operating System 9 powers an intuitive touchscreen infotainment system, featuring seamless wireless integration of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The system is easy to navigate, and even climate controls - now integrated into the display - are straightforward to use without distraction.

Seating comfort has also been prioritised. Upholstered in BMW’s premium sustainable vegan leather, Veganza, the seats offer excellent support, enhanced further by the available massage functions.

Ambient lighting throughout the cabin elevates the luxury experience, changing colours in harmony with selected driving modes, and providing subtle yet elegant illumination.

BMW’s smartphone integration is notably advanced. The BMW app allows complete control over keyless entry and ignition using your smartphone, a feature we found exceptionally practical during testing.

Digital keys can also be shared securely, adding remarkable everyday convenience.

Driving Experience

Under the bonnet, the 218 Gran Coupe features a spirited 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine, delivering 115kW of power and 230Nm of torque. While these figures may seem modest, the car’s performance genuinely surprises, achieving an impressive 0-100km/h sprint time of just 8.26 seconds - faster than officially claimed.

Handling is where the Gran Coupe truly shines, embodying BMW’s signature driving dynamics. The refined suspension geometry and frequency-selective adaptive dampers ensure agile handling and responsive steering, making the Gran Coupe feel lively and confident through corners.

Structural enhancements provide improved rigidity, further sharpening the vehicle's driving dynamics.

Efficiency has not been sacrificed for performance. Even during enthusiastic driving sessions, fuel consumption stayed commendably low at around 7.4 litres per 100 kilometres.

Normal driving conditions yield significantly better fuel economy, making this a highly practical daily driver. On the highway, we saw as low as 5.6L/100km and for around town duties you rarely go above 7.0L/100km.

Autonomous driving capabilities further complement the driving experience.

The updated assisted driving system confidently manages highway cruising, enhancing comfort and significantly reducing driver fatigue during extended trips.

Final Verdict

The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe genuinely impressed us with its comprehensive refinement. It offers a compelling mix of sporty performance, premium interior, and advanced technology at an exceptionally competitive price.

While rear-seat space remains somewhat limited and minor reflections from ambient lighting occasionally distract, these issues are minor given the overall quality and performance on offer.

In summary, the BMW 218 Gran Coupe delivers on BMW's brand promise of performance, refinement, and technology. It makes an excellent choice for anyone seeking a luxurious yet dynamic entry-level sedan.

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