In addition to the standout standard safety features, the 2020 2-Series Gran Coupe comes with enough fine finishes to get a taste of the luxury life. Gorging on options can load up on the luxury price, too, taking the Gran Coupe into the $ 50,000 range.
At that point, there might be better “entry-level” luxury sedans. But the base 228i and its excellent warranty has enough standard content to earn it a 8 out of 10, provided you avoid the temptation to load it with M Sport bits and colorful leather that can take the price to more than $ 50,000. If that’s the case, may we entice you to some shoreland in Florida? Or more sincerely, the M340i.
The 2020 2-Series Gran Coupe comes as either a 228i or M235i, depending on your engine choice. Since it comes with standard all-wheel drive, the $ 38,495 228i is only $ 200 more than the 2-Series coupe with AWD.
In addition to the distinguishing blue and white roundel and kidney grille outside, the 2-Series Gran Coupe comes with 17-inch wheels with all-season run-flat tires and power-folding side mirrors. For any color other than black or white, cough up $ 550 or $ 1,200.
Inside, synthetic leather upholstery belies some of the entry-level status, but the three-spoke steering wheel comes leather-wrapped. The base model still uses BMW’s older 8.8-inch touchscreen with a controller dial and Apple CarPlay compatibility. An 8.8-inch instrument cluster with 5.1-inch vehicle info display, four USB ports, keyless start, rain-sensing wipers, and 10-way power front-adjustable seats are also standard. A 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 10.3-inch touchscreen with the latest iDrive system is available as part of the $ 1,100 Live Cockpit Pro option. We recommend it.
Add the $ 4,000 M Sport package for 18-inch wheels, rear spoiler, sport suspension and other sharpening bits, upgrade to $ 1,450 Mocha perforated leather seat trim, tick off the $ 3,050 Premium Package with heated seats and steering wheel, a panoramic moonroof, and BMW’s latest and, admittedly, greatest infotainment system, and your entry level Gran Coupe has now reached the strata of questionable life choices.
We like the Premium Package, but don’t need M Sport here; if you don’t bundle it together, the Premium Package jumps to $ 4,750. BMW really wants you to opt for the M Sport package. It would lead us to the 3-Series.
As would the M325i performance-oriented 2-Series Gran Coupe. Starting at $ 46,495, it adds the M Sport package plus a front axle limited-slip differential. The price bump is mainly for performance. Creature comforts include leather seats, keyless entry, ambient lighting, and lumbar support.
We’d stick as close to the base model as possible, and dream of better BMWs for the next pay bump.
Fortunately, a 4-year/50,000-mile warranty carries 2-Series Gran Coupe owners into their next stage of BMW brand growth.
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