2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe petrol review, test drive

For the longest time, the three Sequence represented the entry level for patrons into the luxurious sedan area from the BMW secure in India. Now, patrons have a brisker, a extra trendy and a younger choice within the form of the 2 Sequence Gran Coupe. Priced between Rs 40.40 and 42.30 lakh, the two Sequence Gran Coupe is obtainable with a diesel engine within the ‘220d’ guise alongside a turbo-petrol engine within the ‘220i’ guise, the latter being the main focus of this overview.

220i Gran Coupe marks new entry-point to BMW’s petrol sedan vary.

What’s it?

Having a coupe-like silhouette, aggressive design parts, and frameless home windows throughout, the two Sequence is squarely aimed to enchantment to a youthful set of patrons. It’s almost 200mm shorter than the three Sequence in size, so it’s comparatively compact, making it ideally suited for patrons searching for one thing premium but of a manageable measurement for dense city areas. And that compactness is filtered on the insides too. Whereas the design, format and several other bits of the cabin are shared with a number of fashionable BMWs, therefore high quality ranges and fit-finish being top-notch, area nevertheless will not be its strengths. The entrance seats have loads of adjustment and this M Sport model additionally affords adjustable facet bolstering, nevertheless, these with bigger physique frames will discover these a comfortable match. And whereas the upright backrest angle of the rear seats isn’t a lot of a priority, the dearth of headroom for rear occupants actually is, and matched with a small rear glass space, the again seat expertise is kind of cramped and claustrophobic.

The two Sequence Gran Coupe is supposed to enchantment to youthful, city patrons.

The 220i is obtainable solely within the M Sport variant therefore it’s generously outfitted with package like a panoramic sunroof, auto LED lights, 17-inch alloys, 2-zone local weather management, wi-fi charging, gesture controls for the ten.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, paddle-shifters, wi-fi Apple CarPlay and extra.

The 220i is just accessible in top-spec M Sport kind and will get all of the bells and whistles.

What’s it prefer to drive?

The two Sequence Gran Coupe relies on the UKL modular platform, so this BMW shares its underpinnings with the BMW X1 and all of the fashions from Mini. The larger speaking level nevertheless is that that is the primary BMW sedan in India to be accessible as a front-wheel drive, and whereas purists will scoff on the thought of a non-rear-wheel drive BMW, there’s quite a bit to love about the way in which this automobile drives (extra on that in a bit).

Shared with the bigger 330i sedan, the B48 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine powers the 220i, however not like the 330i’s tune of 258hp/400Nm, this engine within the 220i makes 190hp and 280Nm of torque. And transmitting energy to the entrance wheels of the 220i is a 7-speed dual-clutch computerized transmission; the identical configuration because the BMW X1 petrol.

2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine makes 190hp and 280Nm of torque.

On evaluating the specs of the 220i and 220d on paper, each these make 190hp, however the petrol makes 120Nm of torque lesser than the diesel, clearly tilting the steadiness in favour of the diesel. Nonetheless, the 220i feels simply as conscious of faucet because the diesel, if no more, and with a linear but a relentless supply of energy from somewhat over idling revs until its redline, this turbo petrol is an keen performer. What’s extra is that it’s clean and refined, and due to its free-revving character, it would spin until 6,800rpm with ease. And complementing this engine is its dual-clutch computerized gearbox that seamlessly upshifts and retains the engine spinning optimally. Put your foot down nevertheless, and you’ll catch the dual-clutch transmissions off-guard, so there’s a momentary pause earlier than the gearbox reacts and downshifts to get going. You will discover your self reaching out to the steering-mounted paddles typically to drop down ratios, particularly when driving in an enthusiastic method or in a rush.

Regardless of the distinction in output figures, the 220i is as fast as its diesel counterpart.

The 220i M Sport will get three drive modes – Consolation being the default setting; Eco Professional is probably the most environment friendly mode the place the engine coasts in impartial at regular speeds if you raise your foot off the accelerator to scale back gas consumption; in Sport mode it would maintain onto decrease gears quite a bit longer for brisker acceleration and crisper throttle responses. A sportier exhaust be aware is sorely missed not less than within the sportiest drive mode (just like the 330i’s Sport Plus mode) which might have added the next diploma of aural drama for the driving lovers.

Three drive modes on provide – Eco Professional, Consolation and Sport.

Geared up with launch management, BMW claims a 0-100kph time of seven.1 seconds, nevertheless, with a major quantity of wheel spin within the first two gears, the very best time we achieved was 7.39 seconds, an identical to the 220d’s timing. Rolling acceleration occasions from 20-80kph and 40-100kph too have been an identical to its stronger diesel counterpart.

BMW 220i vs 220d: Efficiency
	220i	220d
0-60kph	3.73s	3.36s
0-100kph	7.39s	7.35s
20-80kph (in kickdown)	4.33s	4.20s
40-100kph (in kickdown)	5.17s	5.35s

A stickier set of tyres is not going to solely include the wheel spin higher and enhance its acceleration timings, however these will even permit drivers to take advantage of its taut chassis’ full potential, as the present tyres protest and quit too simply. And whereas on the subject of dynamics, its steering feels direct, the turn-in is sharp, and you may level it into corners with a excessive diploma of confidence and subsequent to zero physique roll. Its darty nature paired to its high-revving, robust engine makes the 220i fairly thrilling to drive. Lastly, as with the case of the 220d diesel nevertheless, highway and tyre noise are fairly intrusive whereas on the transfer, one thing that’s not anticipated in a automobile of this worth.

Tyres play spoiler on what’s in any other case an important dealing with bundle.

Ought to I purchase one?

And eventually we handle the elephant within the room – its pricing, at Rs 40.90 lakh for the 220i M Sport model it doesn’t spell nearly as good worth because the extra rounded and extra highly effective BMW 330i which is a mere Rs 1.50 lakh dearer. However the 2 Sequence’ enchantment lies in its snazzy styling, its compact dimensions and its fun-to-drive character. That the turbo-petrol model is clean, fast and a bit extra reasonably priced than its personal diesel counterpart solely strengthens the 220i’s case additional.