2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe Review for decades, the BMW 3 Series has been the undisputed king of the entry-level compact luxury sports sedan. Unfortunately, for enthusiasts, the current 3 Series has grown so large, heavy, and expensive over recent generations that it left a glaring void in BMW’s lineup. This was the very gap the brand aimed to fill with the original 2 Series Gran Coupe. When it first debuted in 2019, it unfortunately became the butt of many jokes for its uninspired, “Grand Corolla” styling that didn’t seem to fit the BMW ethos.
For 2025, we have an all-new, second-generation model, and BMW is determined to change the narrative. We’re looking at a completely new exterior with a much sleeker design, more power under the hood for both available engines, and a thoroughly updated interior featuring the latest iDrive 9 software. This week, we’re testing the base model, known as the 228i Gran Coupe. The big question we aim to answer is: For those seeking a more affordable and smaller BMW sedan, has BMW successfully recaptured the 3 Series magic in this new 2 Series Gran Coupe?Let’s find out.
Engine & Performance: More Power and a New Gearbox
Before we dive into the new styling, let’s address the powertrain—the source of much controversy. The 2 Series Gran Coupe was the first front-wheel-drive-based BMW in the U.S., which ruffled the feathers of purists. Under the hood, you’ll still find a transversely mounted engine, confirming its roots in the Mini-derived front-wheel-drive (FAAR) architecture. This platform is the key to the Gran Coupe’s more accessible price point.
The base model is now called the 228 (BMW has dropped the ‘i’ to avoid confusion with its electric ‘i’ models). Its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine has been massaged for 2025 to produce a stout 241 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This is a significant increase over the previous generation’s 228 hp and 258 lb-ft. Power is now sent through a new 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), replacing the previous 8-speed torque-converter automatic.
For 2025, a front-wheel-drive version is available for $2,000 less, but our test car features the optional xDrive all-wheel-drive system, which we highly recommend for better traction and a more dynamic driving character. This base engine is now the most powerful in its class, outperforming the Mercedes-Benz CLA 250, Audi A3, and Acura Integra. BMW claims a 0-60 mph time of 5.8 seconds, with impressive fuel economy estimates of 26 MPG city, 38 MPG highway, and 30 MPG combined (on premium fuel). With a 13-gallon tank, you can expect nearly 400 miles of range.
Exterior Design: Shedding the “Grand Corolla” Image
BMW has made a concerted effort to align the 2 Series Gran Coupe’s design with the more upscale 4 Series. The hood appears lower and wider, and the signature twin-kidney grille is larger and more prominent. The headlights feature BMW’s latest lighting signature with sleek LED elements and sequential turn signals. Our test car, finished in an optional Tanzanite Blue Metallic paint and equipped with the M Sport Package, certainly makes a strong first impression with its blacked-out accents and aggressive front fascia.
However, the car’s proportions remain its biggest challenge. It is slightly taller than its predecessor, and while it looks better head-on, its profile and rear three-quarter view can still echo economy car origins rather than Bavarian luxury. The rear end features wider, full-LED tail lamps and a more sculpted bumper, though the base 228i hides its exhaust tips underneath, a sportier look reserved for the M235i model. The 19-inch alloy wheels on our tester, shod with summer performance tires, fill the arches nicely and enhance the sporty stance.
Interior & Features: A High-Tech, Modern Cabin
Step inside, and you’re greeted by BMW’s latest interior philosophy. The centerpiece is the new curved display housing a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.7-inch central touchscreen running the all-new iDrive 9 operating system. While the screen is smaller than the 14.9-inch unit in more expensive BMWs, the software is incredibly fast, intuitive, and feature-rich, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard.
The M Sport steering wheel is thick-rimmed and wonderful to hold, featuring physical buttons—a welcome relief in an era of capacitive touchpads. Our car was equipped with the optional head-up display, which projects vital information onto the windshield.
BMW has moved to sustainable materials, and as such, you cannot get real leather in the Gran Coupe. Instead, it features Veganza synthetic leather, which in our tester’s Mocha Brown color with contrast stitching, looks and feels upscale. The seats are 8-way power-adjustable and heated, though frustratingly, ventilated seats are not available—a notable omission in this class. A premium 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system is standard across the board. The ambient lighting is particularly clever, illuminating strips within the elegant aluminum trim on the dashboard and doors.
Space and Practicality: The “Coupe” Compromise
As a “Gran Coupe,” it features four doors with a sleek roofline, but this does impact rear-seat headroom. With 34.4 inches of legroom, the back seats are acceptable for adults on short trips but may feel cramped on longer journeys.
Where it excels is trunk space. The conventional trunk offers a generous 15.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which is among the best in the class. The rear seats fold in a versatile 40/20/40 split, and there’s a surprisingly deep underfloor storage area, making it quite practical for daily errands and weekend getaways.
Safety: Comprehensive Driver-Assistance Tech
The 2025 2 Series Gran Coupe comes standard with the BMW Active Guard suite of safety features, which includes:
- Forward Collision Warning
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Lane Departure Warning
Our test vehicle was also equipped with the optional Parking Assistance Package, which adds a very useful 360-degree surround-view camera system, making tight parking spots a breeze. Available advanced features like Active Blind Spot Detection and Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go further enhance safety and comfort on long highway drives.
Price and Verdict: Is It the Right BMW for You?
The 2025 BMW 228i Gran Coupe starts at an attractive MSRP of around $40,000. Our well-optioned xDrive tester, with the M Sport Package, Premium Package, and several standalone options, came in at approximately $52,000, placing it squarely against rivals like the Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 and Audi A3.
So, has BMW recaptured the 3 Series magic? The answer is nuanced. If you’re a driving purist seeking a rear-wheel-drive, balanced sports sedan, you should look at the 2 Series Coupe or a used 3 Series.However, if you are in the market for a stylish, technologically advanced, and daily-driven compact luxury sedan that offers spirited performance, a premium badge, and surprising practicality, the 2025 2 Series Gran Coupe is a compelling and significantly improved contender. It successfully sheds its controversial past and stands as a mature, desirable, and fun-to-drive option that deserves your attention.
Md Imran Rahimi is the founder and main author of TechScopeHub.in. He is passionate about technology, gadgets, and automobiles, and loves to share simple yet valuable insights with readers. With a focus on honest reviews and clear comparisons, Imran’s goal is to make technology easy and useful for everyone.”
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