2 Series Gran Coupé
May 25 2020,
2020 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé
The all-new compact 2 Gran Coupé is a low-slung, sporty four-door Coupé with frameless windows and a wide stance. The exterior shows many DNA traces from the 8 series Gran Coupe. The many new and exciting features make it an exceptional performance-oriented entry point to BMW ownership. The first models are currently hitting our Calgary Dealerships.
- • 228hp 228i xDrive Gran Coupé and 301hp M235i xDrive Gran Coupé models
- • 0-100 km/h in 6.1 sec. for 228i xDrive model and 4.8 sec. for M235i xDrive model
- • New suspension technology for improved safety and handling
- • Stylish design with everyday usability and versatility
- • Latest digital connectivity, driver assistance and safety systems technology
Power and Performance
The 228i xDrive model is powered by the 228 hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder version of BMW’s B modular engine family. The 8-speed Sport automatic transmission and xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive system is standard. The 228i accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds and reaches an energy-restricted top speed of 210 km/h when the vehicle is equipped with all-season tires and 240 km/h when equipped with performance tires
The BMW M235i xDrive Gran Coupé has the 301 hp tuned version of the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with a reinforced crankshaft, larger diameter main bearings, new pistons and modified connecting rods. Engine output is increased by a bigger turbocharger that features a built-in exhaust manifold and integral diverter valve. Increased flow volume is due to the addition of modified fuel injectors. The M235i is able to display its performance under the most demanding conditions as the result of enhanced cooling. An independent transmission oil cooler provides these cooling improvements and is divided from the engine’s coolant circuit, two remote coolant radiators in the wheel arches, an electric 850-watt fan, and an enlarged expansion tank. A dual-branch exhaust system with minimal backpressure is included. The M235i accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds (4.7 seconds with the overboost function in the optional M Performance Package) and reaches a top speed of 250 km/h when equipped with performance non-run-flat tires.
BMW Performance Control with ARB
The 2 Series Gran Coupé adopts the Actuator-Related Wheel Slip Limiter (ARB) technology from the BMW i3. ARB improves traction when cornering or accelerating on wet or icy conditions, allowing wheel slip to be controlled, accurately, and swiftly. Rather than being placed in the control unit for the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system, a slip controller, used by ARB, is positioned precisely in the engine control unit. Information is relayed three times faster when the signal path distance is reduced. This in turn, allows the driver to recognize wheel spin being brought under control with ten times faster reaction times. ARB also works with the DSC system to significantly reduce power understeer without the need for corrective DSC inputs.
ARB is assisted by a yaw distribution system called BMW Performance Control. Before the wheel spin occurs, the vehicle intelligently applies the brakes at the wheels on the inside of the bend, a standard function on the 2 Series Gran Coupé. The car gains a neutral steering behaviour by the suppression of any initial understeer. If drivers wish to take over complete control of the car’s sporty handling abilities, they can deactivate the DSC system.
8-Speed Sport Automatic transmission
Intelligent connectivity enables the 8-speed Sport automatic transmission to adapt its shift strategy according to the planned route and driving situation. If the 2 Series Gran Coupé is equipped with optional Active Cruise Control with Stop and Go function, (to avoid unnecessary gear changes) the transmission will factor in the data from the navigation system and ensures it is always in the appropriate gear for upcoming road conditions; for instance, downshifting when nearing a slower vehicle or a turn.
The Auto Start-Stop and Coasting functions also take their cue from the sensors for the drivers assistance systems, the front-mounted camera, and the navigation system. Setting the Driving Experience Control switch to 'COMFORT', as well as 'ECO Pro Mode' is available for the coasting function. This setting will separate the powertrain in cases where performance and comfort are not threatened. In the event that the driver quickly lifts off of the accelerator, the powertrain will stay linked to ensure engine braking can still be used. When stopping briefly, inefficient engine shutdown by the Auto Start Stop function is also avoided.
Body, Chassis and Suspension
The body of the Gran Coupé uses aluminum for the hood and trunk and high-strength steel for other body components for weight control and exceptional torsional stiffness. The M235i xDrive gets more structural support with bracing on the front axle subframe and in the tunnel area, and a strut tower tie bar, plus an anti-roll bar mounting with high preload.
The M Sport steering has a more direct ratio, sharper response, and power assistance which varies according to vehicle speed and lateral acceleration.
Standard on the M235i xDrive, the M Sport suspension reduces vehicle ride height by 10 mm and further increases the handling capabilities; made available as part of the optional M Sport package. Dynamic Damper Control allows the option of two distinct shock settings, but is optional on both the 228i xDrive and M235i xDrive models.
Either the Comfort setting for better ride comfort or the Sport setting for performance can be selected by utilizing the Driving Experience Control switch. All models feature a multi-link rear suspension.
Wheels, Tires and Brakes
The 228i comes with 18-inch Multi-spoke wheels with 225/40R18 all-season runflat tires. The M235i comes with 19-inch bi-colour M Double-spoke wheels with 225/35R19 performance non-run-flat tires. There is a host of other run-flat and non-run-flat tire and rim combinations for both models including a 19” bi-colour wheel finished in cerium grey with performance non-run-flat tires for the M235i.
Optional on the 228i xDrive Gran Coupé, but standard on the M235i xDrive model are the M Sport brakes.
Exterior and Interior Design
The photos display the many features of what is an attractively priced pocket-rocket with much daily use versatility that will undoubtably make buyers think twice about either an X1/X2 or a 3 series.
Exterior finishes include two standard non-metallic paints and a choice of eight optional metallic colors. When opting for the M Sport Package, Snapper Rocks Blue Metallic & Misano Blue Metallic are additionally offered.
The Coupé’s low-slung form has generous cabin space. Rear passengers are welcomed by legroom almost equal to a 3 Series Sedan. The 12 cubic ft trunk with an additional storage space can be extended by collapsing the 40/20/40 split rear seat backrest. The rear bench can be entirely released from the load compartment. The tailgate opens automatically at the push of a button or with the wave of a foot under the bumper thanks to the standard Comfort Access.
The interior combines a sporting focus and upscale materials. Modern and premium quality touches are added from the differing grain effects between the steering wheel, backlit interior trim, instrument panel/doors, and contrast seams on the dashboard. Sport seats are covered in Oyster/Black or Black Sensatec on the 228i with Dakota leather in various colours being an option. Dakota leather is standard on the M235i. Interior lighting follows a similar mode where the M235i has more options.
The general control layout is similar to that of all current BMW models. See the X5 article in this issue and the December 2018 Newsletter (available in archives on our website) for full details on the new digital dash.
The base is the BMW Live Cockpit with standard Navigation, intelligent voice control and Apple CarPlay, analog instruments and a 130 mm portrait-format screen. The optional BMW Live Cockpit Professional has a digital 260 mm screen and all the features described in the Digital Dash and X5 articles.
The Intelligent Personal Assistant “Hey BMW” allows drivers to access various vehicle functions and obtain information simply by speaking.
The optional full-colour Head-Up Display projects onto a 9.2-inch area of the windshield and includes speed, speed limits, assistance systems status indicators and warnings, and route guidance. A distance warning icon is displayed if Active Cruise Control is ordered.
Active Driver Assistance Systems
Standard safety features include: Frontal Collision Warning with City Collision Mitigation Function and Active Blind Spot Detection. Active Driving Assistant includes: the Lane Change Warning system and Lane Departure Warning system with active lane return, which operates from 70 – 240 km/h.
Standard Park Distance Control (PDC) includes sensors at the front and rear, and offers the option of visual and audile signals to prevent collisions. Additionally, a rear-view camera is standard for the vehicle.
The optional capability for automated parking in parallel or perpendicular spaces is incorporated in the Parking Assistance Package. The Back-Up Assistant guides the driver while exiting parking spots or maneuvering when there is a lack of space, representing a further step towards automated driving. The model presents this feature as optional and available for the BMW vehicle. Additionally, this function offers automatic reversing in limited spaces or situations where the driver does not have a clear view, such as winding driveways or multi-story parking garages. To do this, the steering movements are stored when the car has driven forward at no more than 35 km/h. Then, the system reverses the car for up to 50 metres of distance by guiding it on the exact line it took when driving forward. The only thing the driver must do is control the accelerator and brake pedals, as well as monitor the vehicle’s surroundings. The car can back up at a maximum 9 km/h using the reversing assistant.
The Active Cruise Control system is an optional feature with Stop & Go technology that automatically keeps assessing distance to vehicles travelling ahead.
