BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe: It’s here and yours from $161k
Leow Ju Len
19/02/2020
Order books for the latest addition to the BMW 2 Series range are set to open this week in Singapore
UPDATE: We’ve driven the 218i Gran Coupe Luxury in Europe – here’s our verdict – and 218i M Sport in Singapore – read here for that.
UPDATE: 20 Feb. The 2 Series Gran Coupe was previewed in Singapore today. See the full gallery after the story!
SINGAPORE – The 218i Gran Coupe and M235i Gran Coupe will be available for public viewing at the BMW showrooms in Singapore on 22 February 2020, which is as apt a date you could get for the launch of a car that is all about twos.
It’s the latest addition to BMW’s highly accessible 2 Series range, but unlike the original, rear-wheel drive 2 Series Coupe, the base model Gran Coupe is built on a front-wheel drive platform.
It follows on from BMW’s principles that all of the brand’s coupe and four-door coupe body styles will carry even numbered badging, and the launch party here will see the car available in two engine options.
Entry into the club begins with the 218i Gran Coupe Luxury Line, priced at $160,888 including Certificate of Entitlement (COE). $3,000 more will get you into a 218i Gran Coupe M Sport.
Both cars are mechanically identical but the M Sport variant will come fitted with additional front and rear aerodynamic aprons, a thicker M Sport steering wheel and sports seats. The interior will also feature high-gloss black trim, in contrast to the Luxury Line’s satin aluminium highlights.
Beneath the hood of the 218i Gran Coupe you’ll find the highly rated 1.5-litre, three-cylinder turbo engine that is already doing duty in a bunch of other BMW cars. It offers a modest power output of 140hp, but delivers a punchy torque output of 220Nm. The 218i covers the 0 to 100km/h sprint in 8.7 seconds. It is equipped with a seven-speed automatic transmission and will also feature the iDrive 7 interface system in the cabin.
Also available in Singapore is the M235i xDrive Gran Coupe, going for $249,888 with COE. Paying $88k over the base model 218i gets you into a serious sports car with a power output of 306hp from a 2.0-litre turbo engine. It is equipped with an eight-speed automatic gearbox and BMW’s intelligent all-wheel drive system, the xDrive, for a massive handling advantage. The M235i will cover the 0 to 100km/h sprint in 4.9 seconds.
It also comes fitted with a more direct M Sport steering rack and M Sport brakes, along with adaptive suspension.
Besides these two, the 2 Series Gran Coupe features two other variants, the 228i xDrive (2.0-litre turbo, 228hp) and the 220d (2.0-litre turbodiesel, 188hp) that were seen at the international launch but will not be available in Singapore, at least for now.
The obvious competitor to the BMW 218i Gran Coupe would be the Mercedes-Benz CLA 200 and the three-pointed star’s AMG counterparts, all priced within shouting distance of the Beemers. The BMWs are clearly more chunky and angular than the svelte Mercedes-Benz designs, but you can make your own judgement when you go and check out the 2 Series Gran Coupes at the showroom this weekend.
About the Author
Leow Ju Len
CarBuyer Singapore's original originator, Ju-Len in person is exactly how he is on the written word and behind the wheel. Meaning that he darts all over the place and just when you thought he's lost the plot, you realise that it's just you not keeping up with his incredible rate of speed and thought.
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