BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe: Same price, other options

Launched in October 2020, the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe is an affordable CKD luxury model available in the Malaysian market. It is available in a sole 218i Gran Coupé M Sport trim, which not only attracts the auto-enthusiasts with its sporty styling and sharp driving dynamics but also with the practicality that comes along with its four-door body type. The coupe is priced at RM 199,177 (on-the-road, with SST exemption, without insurance), however, the tag reaches RM 211,367 with an extended warranty and service package. 

Now at this price point, one can pick between large SUVs, premium sedans, and premium hatchbacks. So, here we have other options available in the market for the same price, but before that let’s know the 4-door BMW coupe a little better.

The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe’s front end and interior look similar to the 1 Series hatch, but its unique identity is marked with a signature rear end featuring slim and long tail lights. Further adding a touch of drama are the frameless windows, which are hard to get at this price. The car is also fitted with the optional M Performance parts, including carbon-fibre wing mirrors, a different high-gloss mesh grille, carbon fibre tailpipes, and a black rear spoiler.

The coupe takes the power from a 1.5-litre turbo three-cylinder mill capable of generating 140 PS of maximum power and 220 Nm of peak torque. It is coupled with a seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission transferring power to the front wheels. Performance-wise, the luxury coupe can hit the century sprint in 8.7 seconds before attaining a top speed of 213 kmph. 

Included in the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe features list are LED headlights and tail lights, hands-free power tailgate, 18-inch light-alloy wheels, Black leather Dakota upholstery, BMW Digital Key, two-zone climate control, BMW Live Cockpit Plus with an 8.8-inch Control Display and a digital 5.1-inch analogue instrument cluster, BMW ConnectedDrive services, and 6-speaker stereo sound system. As for safety, the car equips a Driving Assistant suite, which includes a number of advanced driver-assistance bits.

Now, let’s discuss the other models one can buy at the same price point.

Toyota Fortuner

The new 2021 Toyota Fortuner SUV touched the Malaysian roads back in February. The updated model is available in two CKD trims - 2.7 SRZ AT 4×4, and 2.8 VRZ AT 4×4. The top-spec is priced at RM 203,183 (On-the-road price including SST, without insurance). 

The SUV has an aggressive presence featuring a mesh-styled upper grille with an angry-looking lower intake. The exterior kit includes automatic quad-LED headlights, LED fog lamps, sequential LED turn signals, a blacked-out roof, roof spoiler, dual-tone 20-inch wheels, and L-shaped LED tail lights. Inside, one gets a 9-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto connectivity, 4.2-inch instrument cluster, automatic air-conditioning, cruise control, power-adjustable seats, leather upholstery, Vehicle telematics system, and so on.

Under the hood, it is equipped with a 2.8-litre turbo diesel mill that generates 204 PS of maximum power and 500 Nm of peak torque. The engine is coupled with a 6-speed automatic transmission. As for safety, Toyota Safety Sense is an important inclusion that carries advanced driver-assistance systems like pre-collision system, lane departure alert, and dynamic radar cruise control.

DS 5

The DS 5 premium hatchback is available in the Malay market in just one trim, priced at RM 198,888. Touted as the most beautiful option in the segment, the car has a sleek and wide hexagonal grille teamed up with Xenon Headlights with DRLs and sweeping LED indicators. Other exterior highlights are L-shaped LED tail lamps, a stubby boot, a large roof spoiler, and 18-inch alloy rims.

Inside, the premium appointments start right away with an Aviation-inspired cockpit having three dramatic skylights. Further, it boasts a 7-inch Interactive touch screen, navigation, Apple Carplay and Mirrorlink connectivity, Denon HiFi sound system with 6 speakers, automatic dual-zone air-conditioning, head-up display, electronic parking brake, electronic stability program, blind spot monitoring, and more.

Powering the premium DS 5 hatch is a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that makes 165 PS of maximum power and 240 Nm of peak torque. The transmission duties are taken care of by a 6-speed automatic gearbox. 

Volkswagen Passat R-Line

Another option on this list is Volkswagen's premium sedan, the Passat R-Line. The car priced at RM 204,433 (OTR with SST, without insurance) made its Malaysian debut last year in October. Its standard kit comprises LED headlights, LED tail lights, 19-inch Verona alloy wheels, powered tailgate, digital cockpit with multifunctional steering wheel, sports pedals, Nappa leather seats, three-zone climate control, 9.2-inch touchscreen Discover Pro infotainment display with Wireless AppConnect system, eight speakers, reverse camera, side assist with rear cross traffic alert, proactive passenger protection system, dynamic chassis control and more. 

It is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline mill that is good for making 190 PS and 320 Nm of peak torque. The power is sent to the front wheels through a seven-speed DSG wet dual-clutch gearbox. 

Subaru BRZ

At the given price point, one can also buy the Subaru BRZ sports car. Available with 2 doors, the model received its last update in 2017. The standard kit includes full LED headlamps with LED DRLs, LED fog lights, dual exhaust outlets, and 17-inch 10-spoke alloys. Inside, the sports car features a three-spoke steering wheel, cruise control, a 4.2-inch LCD infotainment unit, 6-speaker audio system, dual-zone automatic climate control, Alcantara leather upholstery, vehicle dynamics control, hill start assist, and so on.

Under the bonnet, it is fitted with a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated four-popper boxer mill that churns out 197 horsepower and 205 Nm torque. A six-speed manual gearbox sends power to the car’s rear wheel. It is priced at RM 211,729.

All the above options are equally impressive in their own way, So, at last, it comes down to the customers’ choices and requirements.

Also read: BMW 740Le xDrive M Sport: Detailed in 15 pictures