BMW 218i Gran Coupé M Sport: Should you buy one?

BMW Malaysia introduced the locally assembled 2 Series Gran Coupé last October in a single variant called 218i Gran Coupé M Sport. The 4-door coupe exudes a bold character in an extraordinary way while keeping a great combination of hi-end technologies and driving dynamics. It gives a tough run to the models like the Mercedes-Benz A-Class sedan and the CLA. But, should you buy one? Let’s try to find out the answer by checking out the 218i Gran Coupé M Sport exterior, interior, engine, and safety bits.

Exterior

The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé M Sport stands out from the crowd with ease thanks to its elegant coupe silhouette. The car attracts the younger generation with its dynamic curves, powerful shoulders, frameless doors, and sporty stance. Upfront, we can see a BMW kidney grille flanked by LED headlights, which not only include low beam and high beam lights but also turn indicators with full LED technology.  

The sporty rear end also has LED tail lights that provide optimum illumination of the roadway along with better recognisability in the dark. Over the sides, frameless doors take away all the attention while underling the car’s sportier character further. Other significant inclusions are:

• 18-inch M Sport light-alloy wheels shod with 225/40 R18 tyres
• M Sport front and rear bumpers
• BMW Individual high-gloss shadow line
• High-gloss chrome on the grille
• M Aerodynamics package
• Side exterior "M" designation badges
• Side mirrors with automatic anti-dazzle and fold-in function
• LED fog lights
• Rain sensor 
• Hands-free powered tailgate

Interior

Hop inside the BMW 218i Gran Coupé M Sport and you will be greeted by a premium ambiance and a sophisticated driver-oriented cockpit. The dashboard and door trims have ‘illuminated Boston’ finishing with ‘Triangle accent’ that lends the car a progressive appeal. There are M sports seats for driver and front passenger with adjustable thigh support and lateral support required during fast cornering. Seats are wrapped in Black leather Dakota upholstery.

Other M-specific touches are M leather steering wheel, M Sport door sill, M Sport floor mat, and M-specific pedals.

The Gran Coupe comes with a BMW Live Cockpit Plus that has two high-quality displays - an 8.8-inch Control Display operated by touch and a fully digital 5.1-inch analogue instrument cluster. It is mated to BMW Operating System 7.0 and BMW Navigation.

Other interior highlights are 

• BMW ConnectedDrive services
• BMW Digital Key
• Extended functionality for Bluetooth / USB devices with wireless charging
• 6-speaker stereo sound system
• Armrest in the front with storage compartment
• Automatic air-conditioning with two-zone control
• Comfort Access system
• Storage Compartment Package
• Rear seat backrest with 40:20:40 split function

Engine and performance

Under the bonnet, the 2 Series Gran Coupe equips a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine that churns out a maximum power output of 140 PS from 4,600 to 6,500 rpm and a peak torque of 220 Nm between 1,480 and 4,200 rpm. The motor is coupled with a seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission sending power to the front wheels. On the performance front, the car runs from zero to 100 kmph in 8.7 seconds before attaining a top speed of 213 kmph. The fuel consumption is rated at 5.9 litres per 100 km.

Adding to the car’s driving dynamics are M Sport suspension, which lowers the vehicle by approximately 10 mm. It has shorter suspension springs, tighter damper settings, and harder stabilizers for a distinctly sporty driving style. Performance Control assists during cornering with engine control and brake interventions are also there for more agile driving.

Safety

Like other BMW cars, the BMW 218i Gran Coupé M Sport also comes with a Driving Assistant suite of features that consists of an Attentiveness assistant, Cruise control with braking function, Rearview camera, Parking Assistant with Reversing Assistant, and Driving Assistant. The latter comprises lane departure warning, lane change warning, and front collision warning with brake intervention, rear collision prevention, and speed limit info. Other safety bits are:

• Airbags for driver and front passenger
• Side airbags for driver and front passenger
• Head airbags (front to rear) 
• Dynamic Stability Control including ABS and Dynamic Traction Control, Dynamic Brake Control, Start-Off Assistant, Electronic Differential Lock Control, and Performance Control
• ISOFIX 

Price

The BMW 218i Gran Coupe M Sport price tag reads RM 199,177 (with SST rebate and without insurance). With an extended 5-year unlimited-mileage warranty and a 5-year free service package, the price increases to RM 211,367.

Final words

In the end, we can say the BMW 218i Gran Coupe M Sport is a really amazing option for the buyers out there. With an imposing stance, the car has everything that an individual expects from a premium car. 

Also read: BMW i4 and iX3 facelift coming soon to Malaysia