The 2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe emerges as a completely redesigned luxury compact sedan that challenges conventional thinking about entry-level BMW vehicles. For its second generation, BMW’s subcompact luxury sedan enters its second generation with sportier styling and a modernized interior that has a dash-hogging screen. This comprehensive transformation positions the Gran Coupe as a more serious contender in the competitive luxury compact segment.
Striking Visual Evolution
Exterior Design Language
The 2025 model represents a dramatic departure from its predecessor, embracing BMW’s current design philosophy with remarkable confidence. Compared with its predecessor, the new 2 GC is 0.7 inch longer overall at 179.2 inches, just as wide as before at 70.9 inches, and an inch taller at 56.9 inches. These dimensional changes aren’t merely cosmetic adjustments but strategic improvements that enhance both presence and practicality.
The front fascia showcases BMW’s evolved kidney grille design, now featuring a reworked double kidney grille, newly available with an illuminated LED surround, as seen on the 5 Series and 7 Series. This illuminated grille option, arriving mid-year, represents BMW’s commitment to premium lighting technology throughout its lineup. The grille’s black finish contributes to the vehicle’s more aggressive stance, particularly when combined with the standard M Sport package that now comes with every Gran Coupe.
Sophisticated Proportions
The profile reveals careful attention to proportional balance, with the discreet ‘2’ logo on the rear window Hofmeister kink providing a subtle brand signature. The rear design adopts a boxier, more substantial appearance compared to the previous generation, while the M235 variant amplifies the sporting character with prominent quad tailpipes that signal serious performance intentions.
Performance Architecture
Powertrain Excellence
The heart of the 2025 Gran Coupe lies in its refined powertrain options, both utilizing BMW’s proven B48 turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in different states of tune. The 228 is powered by a 241-hp turbocharged four-cylinder and comes standard with all-wheel-drive this year, but next year a front-wheel-drive version will launch. The spicier M235 xDrive trim bumps power to 312 horsepower.
The base 228 model delivers substantial improvement over its predecessor, with power increasing from 228 horsepower to 241 horsepower, while torque climbs from 258 lb-ft to 295 lb-ft. This represents a meaningful enhancement in everyday driving dynamics, particularly for acceleration and highway merging scenarios.
Transmission Innovation
Perhaps the most significant mechanical upgrade comes through the adoption of BMW’s seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, replacing the previous eight-speed torque converter unit. This seven-speed, dual-clutch alternative is keener, snappier and really encourages you to grab the car by its collar on a favourite stretch of road. This transmission technology provides the precise, rapid gear changes that enthusiast drivers expect while maintaining smooth operation in automatic mode for daily commuting.
The performance credentials become even more impressive with the M235 variant, where power rises to 312 hp, up from 301 hp previously. However, torque output sees a slight reduction to 295 lb-ft from the previous 332 lb-ft, representing BMW’s optimization for emissions compliance while maintaining strong acceleration characteristics.
Interior Sophistication
Digital Integration
The cabin transformation represents one of the most comprehensive updates in the Gran Coupe’s evolution. So you now get the terrific Curved Glass touchscreen underpinned by the latest BMW OS9 software. It transports you into a dizzying digital ecosystem, as well as reducing the amount of physical switchgear. This curved display configuration comprises a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster paired with a 10.7-inch central touchscreen, creating an impressive technological showcase.
Material Quality and Comfort
The interior benefits from substantial upgrades in material quality and feature content. A host of new standard interior, tech, and safety features—including heated sport seats, a curved infotainment display, and driver-assistance features—make the 2025 2-series Gran Coupe feel less like an entry model. The standard heated seats represent a welcomed inclusion that many luxury competitors charge extra for, while the sport seats provide appropriate support for spirited driving.
BMW’s commitment to sustainability appears through the standard Veganza vegan leather upholstery, with optional Alcantara trim available through the M Sport Plus Package for those seeking a more tactile experience.
Technology and Safety
Advanced Driver Assistance
The 2025 Gran Coupe arrives well-equipped with comprehensive safety technology. Frontal Collision Warning, Active Blind Spot Detection, Lane Keeping Assistant, and BMW Assist (OnStar equivalent) all come included, which is nice. For buyers seeking the most advanced capabilities, BMW offers hands-free driving technology through the Driver Assistance Professional Package, though this requires additional investment beyond the base package.
Infotainment Excellence
The curved display system operates BMW’s latest OS9 software, providing intuitive control over vehicle functions and entertainment options. Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility ensure seamless smartphone integration, while the available 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system delivers premium sound quality throughout the cabin.
Market Positioning and Value
Competitive Pricing Strategy
BMW says the 2025 2-series Gran Coupe will go on sale next March. However, it will launch with all-wheel-drive versions of the 228 and M235, which will start at $42,775 and $50,675, respectively. Sometime in the middle of 2025, a front-wheel-drive 228 will join the party with a lower base price of $40,775.
This pricing structure positions the Gran Coupe competitively against key rivals including the Audi A3 Sedan and Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class, while offering distinct advantages in standard equipment levels and performance capability.
Specification Comparison Table
| Model | Engine | Power | Torque | Drivetrain | 0-60 mph | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 228 sDrive | 2.0L Turbo I-4 | 241 hp | 295 lb-ft | FWD | 6.2 sec* | $40,775 |
| 228 xDrive | 2.0L Turbo I-4 | 241 hp | 295 lb-ft | AWD | 5.8 sec | $42,775 |
| M235 xDrive | 2.0L Turbo I-4 | 312 hp | 295 lb-ft | AWD | <5.0 sec* | $50,675 |
*Estimated figures
Driving Dynamics
Chassis Development
Excellent high-speed stability coupled with sorted handling and a precise steering. Mature ride quality at speed characterizes the driving experience, though the 18-inch wheels provide a firm edge on bad roads at low speeds. It’s totally liveable though. The M235 variant benefits from additional chassis enhancements including revised suspension tuning and structural reinforcements that sharpen responses without compromising ride quality.
Practical Considerations
Storage and Usability
Useable 430-litre boot and multiple storage spaces in the cabin ensure the Gran Coupe maintains practical credentials despite its sporting pretensions. However, rear passenger space remains limited due to the coupe-inspired roofline, making this primarily a two-plus-two configuration rather than a genuine four-passenger vehicle.
The 2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe represents a significant evolution that addresses many criticisms of its predecessor while maintaining the attractive value proposition that makes it BMW’s most accessible four-door sedan. The combination of enhanced styling, improved powertrains, advanced technology, and competitive pricing creates a compelling package for buyers seeking genuine BMW character in a compact luxury sedan format.
While it may not possess the pure driving dynamics of BMW’s rear-wheel-drive models, the Gran Coupe succeeds in delivering a distinctive alternative to conventional compact luxury sedans, particularly for those prioritizing style and technology over ultimate driving engagement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the difference between the 228 and M235 models? A: The M235 offers 71 more horsepower (312 vs 241 hp), standard all-wheel drive, and enhanced chassis tuning for sportier driving dynamics.
Q: When will the front-wheel-drive model be available? A: The 228 sDrive with front-wheel drive will arrive in mid-2025, starting at $40,775.
Q: How does it compare to the regular 2 Series Coupe? A: Despite sharing a name, they’re completely different vehicles built on different platforms with different transmissions and driving characteristics.
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