2023 BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe

Overview

If you simply must have a new BMW in your driveway but need to spend as little as possible, the 2023 2-series Gran Coupe has you covered. As the entry-level model in the German automaker’s lineup, the 2-series GC is a small sedan with the difficult task of conveying the brand’s ethos without the benefit of a rear-wheel-drive chassis. Unlike the 2-series coupe and the 3-series sports sedan, the 2-series Gran Coupe rides on a front-wheel-drive platform borrowed from Mini. Handling is playful and a duo of turbocharged four-cylinder powertrains provide perky power, but neither the 228i nor the racier M235i feel as balanced as their stablemates. The interior, at least, is nearly as premium as other BMWs, and holds up nicely against rivals such as the Acura Integra and the Audi A3.

What’s New for 2023?

BMW’s smallest sedan receives no changes for 2023 and carries over to the new model year with only a slight uptick in price.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Driving enthusiasts will likely yearn for the hotter M235i model, but the base 228i Gran Coupe will satisfy most drivers. We’d skip most options, but adding the Convenience package—keyless entry, driver’s-side lumbar support, and a panoramic sunroof—seems like a no-brainer.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Both 2-series Gran Coupe models come with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. The one in the 228i makes 228 horsepower, whereas the M235i’s produces 301 horses. All-wheel drive is standard on the M235i and optional on the 228i; an eight-speed automatic transmission is standard across the line. Around town, the 228i feels sprightly and eager, and at the test track, it delivered a brisk 5.1-second run to 60 mph. A short test drive in the M235i, however, will push that car from your mind. The M235i makes the entry-level model feel tame, and in our hands, it blasted to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds. That’s quicker than the X2 M35i SUV, which has the same powertrain and hit 60 in 4.6 seconds during a comparison test.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The EPA rates the 228i xDrive Gran Coupe for 23 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined, and on our 200-mile highway fuel-economy loop, it posted an impressive 37 mpg. The more powerful M235i model earns nearly the same ratings as the 228i: 23 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined. What’s more, in our testing, it delivered 37 mpg too. For more information about the 2-series Gran Coupe’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Cabin styling matches that of modern BMWs such as the 3-series sedan and the X3 SUV. It’s a simple driver-focused design featuring ambient interior lighting that illuminates the dashboard and door panels. BMW claims that rear-seat legroom is nearly the same as the larger 3-series sedan’s, but overall the cabin feels snug for both front- and rear-seat passengers. The 2-series Gran Coupe’s small cargo area is good enough for grocery runs and weekend road trips, and the rear seat folds down to accommodate bulkier cargo. We fit five carry-on suitcases back there with the seats up and 14 with them down.

The Car and Driver Difference

Infotainment and Connectivity

The driver faces a 10.3-inch reconfigurable digital gauge display and a dashboard-mounted 10.3-inch touchscreen. The latter is angled slightly toward the driver for ease of use. Navigation and SiriusXM satellite radio come standard, but a wireless smartphone-charging pad and Harman Kardon stereo system will cost extra. And BMW provides Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility at no charge.

How to Buy and Maintain a Car

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

BMW’s Active Driving Assistant, which includes a suite of driver-assistance features to help reduce the likelihood of an accident, comes standard. For more information about the 2-series Gran Coupe’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection Standard blind-spot monitoring with rear-cross-traffic alert Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

BMW offers a warranty package that matches what its European rivals provide, and then it sweetens the deal with three full years of complimentary scheduled maintenance. Audi offers just one year of included service visits, and Mercedes-Benz doesn’t offer any.

Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles Complimentary scheduled maintenance is covered for three years or 36,000 miles

Specifications

SPECIFICATIONS

2020 BMW 228i xDrive Gran Coupe

VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan

BASE PRICE
$38,495

ENGINE TYPE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement
122 cu in, 1998 cc
Power
228 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque
258 lb-ft @ 1450 rpm