2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe First Drive Review: The Baby M Grows Up

When you had requested us a couple of years in the past whether or not to purchase an entry-level BMW sedan or a well-equipped mainstream automotive, our reply can be the latter, with out query. Launched in 2020, the BMW 2 Collection Gran Coupe (to not be confused with the common 2 Collection Coupe) acted as essentially the most inexpensive entry level to the BMW model in america, nevertheless it by no means lived as much as its household title in our opinion. It shared a front-wheel-drive platform with a number of Mini autos, however with out the quirky styling or thrilling dealing with.

For the 2025 mannequin yr, the two Collection Gran Coupe returns for its second technology, now dubbed internally because the F74 (the earlier mannequin was the F44). It is nonetheless based mostly on a front-wheel-drive platform with accessible xDrive all-wheel-drive, however BMW guarantees that this new mannequin will “enhance efficiency and sharpen dealing with.” To search out out if the four-door 2er can lastly earn the suitable to be BMW’s entry-level sedan, CarBuzz drove it round a secret take a look at observe at BMW’s Efficiency Heart in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Although our time behind the wheel was restricted, the brand new 2 Collection made an enormous impression.

First Drive occasions present our preliminary impressions of a automobile in a restricted surroundings beneath restricted time constraints. First Drive occasions present our preliminary impressions of a automobile in a restricted surroundings beneath sure time constraints. Regulate CarBuzz for our complete Take a look at Drive evaluate which is able to observe quickly.

What’s New For 2025?

In BMW vernacular, a “Gran Coupe” is a four-door sedan with coupe-like styling. The two Collection Gran Coupe is the corporate’s smallest sedan mannequin, and is expounded to the 1 Collection Hatchback that isn’t offered within the US. Regardless of being a second-generation mannequin, the brand new 2er rides on an up to date model of the BMW UKL platform that underpinned the unique, and remains to be used for a number of Mini merchandise.

The two Collection Gran Coupe arrives with two powertrains at launch, with a 3rd coming later. All three show a brand new naming scheme for BMW that drops the decrease case “i” on the finish of gas-powered fashions, reserving it solely for electrical autos. The 228 xDrive and M235 xDrive include AWD, and consumers must wait a couple of months for the front-drive 228 sDrive to make its technique to dealerships. Each 2 Collection Gran Coupe will get up to date styling, a nicer inside, and extra commonplace options than the outgoing mannequin.

Exterior and Inside: Escaping The Backside

Although it was removed from BMW’s ugliest automobile, the outgoing 2 Collection GC did not win any magnificence contests. It seemed like a automotive that was clearly designed as a hatchback first, then the rear finish was “chopped off” to make it right into a sedan. The proportions simply did not work. This second-generation mannequin grows 0.7 inches in size, although the wheelbase stays the identical. It is one inch taller, however with extra pronounced entrance and rear finish styling that give it extra of the coupe-like silhouette it was alleged to have initially.

As for the remainder of the outside, each 2 Collection GC now comes with a regular M Sport exterior package deal with darker accents for a stealthier look. 18-inch wheels come commonplace with 19-inch ones accessible for simply $600. Alpine White is the one no-cost shade, although there are 6 metallic choices accessible for $650, two premium metallic colours for $1,200, and two frozen paints for $2,350. If none of those fit your style, BMW now provides Particular person colours for $3,600, together with the eye-searing Borozon Turkish Blue on this pre-production mannequin. If we had our selection, Thundernight Metallic (purple) is a superb possibility for $650.

This nonetheless seems like an entry-level BMW inside, nevertheless it nonetheless covers the necessary surfaces with soft-touch supplies. Perforated Veganza (pretend leather-based) seats really feel like the true deal, now together with heated seats as commonplace with accessible massaging lively entrance seats. These seats are available in 5 shade choices, together with Oyster, Purple/Black, Mocha, Black, or Black M Alcantara. The M235 will get sportier wanting chairs that really feel extra at house in an M-branded automobile. Different commonplace options embrace a ten.7-inch touchscreen with BMW Working System 9, tied to a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

Efficiency: Mini M {Car}

Below the hood, all variations of the two Collection GC get a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that has been upgraded from the outgoing model. The 228 now delivers 241 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, up from from 228 hp and 258 lb-ft beforehand. With xDrive, BMW says the 228 can hit 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. The M235 has the identical engine, nevertheless it’s tuned to ship 312 hp and 295 lb-ft, a ten hp improve however a drop of 37 lb-ft. That drop in torque is probably going as a result of the two Collection now makes use of a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission moderately than the eight-speed, Toyota-sourced automotive from the outgoing mannequin. DCTs sometimes deal with much less torque, however ship sportier efficiency. BMW says the M235 hits 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, which is a tenth of a second slower than the earlier M235i. Nevertheless, in our testing, the automotive clocked 60 mph in simply 4.31 seconds, simply besting its predecessor.

BMW has not launched EPA gasoline financial system for the 2025 2 Collection Gran Coupe on the time of writing. The swap in transmission may damage the gasoline effectivity barely, although the outgoing automotive was fairly frugal at 24/34/28 mpg metropolis/freeway/mixed in FWD 228i type (23/33/27 mpg with xDrive) or 23/32/26 mpg in M235i guise.

Driving Impressions: What A Distinction!

BMW allow us to unfastened within the M235 variant on a closed racetrack with no velocity restrict, permitting us to check the complete potential of the brand new powertrain. With launch management, the two Collection rockets off the road with fast shifts – a talent that may be attributed to the brand new dual-clutch transmission. The outgoing eight-speed Aisin transmission was a weak level of the earlier mannequin, however this new DCT that is shared with Mini seems like a sportier answer that may nonetheless be easy for every day driving. BMW pumps in some pretend engine noise by way of the audio system, however the result’s an aggressive sound that makes cool pops throughout every gear change. Upshifts are remarkably fast, however downshifts nonetheless really feel slower and late even in guide mode.

It is arduous to inform if BMW improved the tough experience of the outgoing 2er, since we have been on a observe and never regular roads, however the usual Adaptive M suspension felt decently compliant and clients can choose a no-cost typical suspension that is even softer, if they need. We have been shocked to study that BMW will promote the M235 with accessible Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, an possibility that’s sometimes reserved for track-focused M fashions and supercars. This explicit instance rode on Goodyear Eagle F1 tires, which nonetheless supplied loads of grip when mixed with the xDrive system. In truth, the brand new M235 feels way more nimble than earlier than with sharper steering, extra composed dealing with, and eventually, a little bit of suggestions to the driving force. The outgoing M235i felt like a straight-line automotive devoid of really feel, and we’re completely satisfied to report that BMW has re-engineered some enjoyable into it. It is not fairly a Mini John Cooper Works disguised as a BMW, nevertheless it’s not far off.

Pricing & Verdict: A Higher Entry

The 2025 228 sDrive will act as the most affordable entry level into BMW’s lineup, beginning at $39,600 (not together with $1,174 for vacation spot). That is dearer than the Audi A3 ($38,200), which now contains quattro AWD as-standard, however the BMW is extra highly effective and faster. With no extra A-Class within the US, the Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 Coupe is pricier ($44,400) and remains to be slower and fewer highly effective than the two Collection. The Acura Integra, whereas indirectly comparable, stays the discount on this phase with a $33,000 beginning value.

At launch, the 228 xDrive will begin at $41,600, whereas the M235 xDrive prices $49,500. In comparison with the efficiency fashions from Acura and Mercedes, the Integra Sort S ($52,600) and Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 Coupe ($56,100), the M235 is considerably of a price. The Audi S3 nonetheless holds a slight value benefit ($48,700) over the BMW, and is faster on paper.

Earlier than this second-generation, the BMW 2 Collection Gran Coupe would not have been within the dialog with these aforementioned opponents. We’d have chosen any of them over it, or saved some cash on one thing like a Volkswagen Jetta GLI. Not solely has BMW improved its entry-level sedan, nevertheless it’s now worthy of consideration as one of many higher autos within the subcompact luxurious sedan phase. For the primary time because the unique 1 Collection Coupe launched in 2008, we might be completely satisfied to drive an entry-level BMW.