The BMW 218 Gran Coupé isn’t a car that hits you with drama or thrills, and that’s exactly why I like it.
8
The BMW 218 Gran Coupé isn’t a car that hits you with drama or thrills, and that’s exactly why I like it.
For decades, BMW’s recipe was simple and straightforward: an engine at the front and power at the rear. That changed, though, when it switched from rear-wheel-drive to front-wheel-drive for its current 1 Series, which shares a platform with the subject at hand, the 2 Series Gran Coupe.
That said, the 2 Series Gran Coupe doesn’t follow that infamous traditional BMW formula, and that makes sense as it’s the gateway into the brand’s sedan range, and BMW’s decision to build it was driven by a mix of competitive pressure, changing demographics, and the efficiencies of modern manufacturing.
For many years, BMW watched the Mercedes-Benz CLA and Audi A3 sedan dominate the entry-level premium segment. For instance, Merc, in particular, proved with the CLA that there was a massive global appetite for a small, stylish sedan with a 4-door coupe silhouette. BMW needed a direct rival to stop losing young, style-conscious customers to its neighbours in Stuttgart and Ingolstadt. So, does it still feel like a **real** BMW, even without the traditional rear-wheel-drive setup?
Well, that depends on what your definition of a ‘real BMW’ is. For me, it has never been purely about which wheels are driven. It’s about engagement, the steering dialogue, the composure through a corner, the confidence it gives you when you press on. More than anything, it’s about whether it puts a smile on your face when the road opens up. And in that respect, the BMW 218 Gran Coupé, particularly in M Sport guise, might just surprise you. I have to admit, it’s not the prettiest sedan out there, at least not in the traditional sense. But then again, design has always been subjective. What might look awkward to one person feels bold and refined to another. And I can actually see what BMW’s designers were going for here: appealing to a younger, more style-conscious buyer.
When it comes to the drive, the turbocharged 1.5-litre turbo 3-cylinder engine paired with the 7-speed DCT sends power to the front wheels, and this pairing works better than expected. Sure, the engine isn’t about big numbers, and that was never the point. With only 115kW and 230Nm, the 218 GC isn’t trying to impress on the drag strip; it leaves all that to the 235s and M2s.
On the road, the 218 GC rides comfortably, smoothing out the worst bumps. The steering is sharp with decent weight, the engine is smooth and responsive, and the gearbox effortlessly regulates engine speed. I even drove it through the rain, and while it handles well overall, the front end does tend to lose a bit of grip when the road gets slippery. There’s plenty of everything you want: strong pace, precise front-end feel, balance mid-corner, and brakes that are easy to modulate. At the end of the day, it just isn’t as fun as the RWD BMWs – and that’s expected – yet it’s a very competent and polished 4-door sedan.
But where it really wins me over is the interior. It’s very typical BMW, solid build quality, a clean layout and that driver-focused setup I have always loved. Nothing feels random or overdesigned in a cabin that BMW has been refining of late. Yes, the climate controls are now integrated into the infotainment system, which might raise eyebrows for some, but in the real world they’re surprisingly easy to access and intuitive to use. The only thing that feels slightly off, at least initially, is the blower vent adjustment mechanism. It’s not complicated, just different. If you’re not familiar with BMW’s latest products, there’s a small learning curve, but once you get it, it makes sense. Overall, it’s a cabin that feels thoughtfully executed rather than stuffed with things you don’t need, and that’s something I can appreciate.
The 218 GC thrives in a time when sedans are fighting for attention, as SUVs continue to take a bite out of what was once a market staple. Add to that Chinese brands launching new models at a rapid rate, and the odds continue to mount against the likes of the 218. At R773,559, it’s not exactly what you’d call affordable, but when you consider what it brings to the table, it’s a solid product that sticks to its own strengths rather than chasing what the Chinese or others are doing. Fuel consumption isn’t its strongest suit, though. I saw it settle at 7.1l/100km, which isn’t surprising given that small petrol engines aren’t always known for their efficiency.
The BMW 218 Gran Coupé isn’t a car that hits you with drama or thrills, and that’s exactly why I like it. Sure, it’s front-wheel-drive, and yes, the design had to grow on me, but it’s easy to drive daily with just enough personality to keep it interesting. And in a world where sedans have to fight for relevance, the 218 GC feels like BMW doing its own thing, and honestly, that’s refreshing.
Get TopGear SA news and reviews in your inbox
