New BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe: details and first drive of the sleek executive four-door

• Updated exterior styling
• All-new interior design
• Prices start from £34,915

The new BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe has arrived, and customers in the UK can place an order now. The mini executive saloon has received the same updates introduced by the 1 Series hatchback earlier this year, bringing sharper styling and the promise of a sportier driving experience.

The new 2 Series Gran Coupe will continue to compete against its key German rivals, the Mercedes A-Class Saloon and the Audi A3 Saloon. The latter recently received an update of its own, so BMW will be hoping that its updates keep it competitive in the niche small executive car market. We’ve had a brief chance to test it out on track, and the changes look like a step in the right direction – we’ll reserve full judgement until we’ve driven it over here.

What’s new for the 2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe?

While the fresh styling might suggest that this is an all-new model, the 2 Series Gran Coupe still uses the same basic platform and engines as the outgoing car. However, BMW has fiddled around with the bodywork and interior to such an extent that it’s treating the updated 2 Series Gran Coupe as an all-new model – it’ll even need to be crash tested again by Euro NCAP.

BMW has chosen to keep the 2 Series Gran Coupe visually aligned with the 1 Series hatchback for this update, and it picks up many of that model’s styling cues. Upfront, you’ll find the same pair of slim headlights and the new ‘kidney’ grille, while even the air ducts and bonnet creases are shared.

As before, the differences lie in the Gran Coupe’s profile; while the 1 Series has a typical squared-off hatchback body, the Gran Coupe sports a sloping roofline and a saloon-style boot opening. The outgoing car’s distinctive horizontal tail-lights are gone, replaced by a pair that more closely resemble those fitted to the 1 Series, while the gloss black boot spoiler, diffuser and side skirts complete the sporty package.

Given their similarities on the outside, it’s no surprise to learn that the new 2 Series Gran Coupe has an identical interior to the 1 Series. Everything from the curved displays to the new steering wheel has found its way into the 2 Series Gran Coupe, bringing it right up to date with the latest generation of BMWs. The central iDrive rotary controller has been removed – BMW cites cost reasons – but we found the touchscreen easy enough to use when we tested the system in the 1 Series.

What engines are available for the 2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe?

The new 2 Series Gran Coupe will launch with two petrol engines to choose from – diesel was dropped from the outgoing model in 2023 and it won’t be making a comeback here. The first is badged ‘220’, the ‘i’ suffix having been dropped from BMW’s petrol models. It uses a 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine with mild hybrid assistance, delivering 168bhp to the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. The setup should be good for a sub-eight second 0-62mph time, but an even quicker model will be offered for customers wanting more performance.

That would be the M235 – it gets a beefier 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and xDrive four-wheel drive. With 296bhp, it’ll hit 62mph in just 4.9 seconds, and it’ll stop just as quickly thanks to uprated brakes taken from the BMW M3. Both models also get a host of changes to the chassis and suspension to improve agility and steering precision. 

Is the 2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe more expensive than before?

Prices start from £34,915 for the new 2 Series Gran Coupe in 220 M Sport guise, making it slightly more expensive than the outgoing car. Opt for the M235, though, and you’ll have to hand over an extra £10,000 as prices for this model start from £44,435. Both models are on sale now and the first cars are expected to be delivered in early 2025.

BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe: first drive

We were given an exclusive first drive in the new BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe earlier this year – albeit a brief one. BMW handed us the keys to the M235 for just two hot laps around the track at its Performance Centre in South Carolina, US. While full judgement will have to be reserved until we’ve driven it on our twisty UK roads, here’s what we could take away from our first drive.

Like before, the sporty M235 feels plenty quick, especially when you engage launch control and perform a 0-62mph sprint. It feels incredibly stable up to that speed and beyond, so we have no doubt that it will feel at home on the motorway. The M-style wing mirrors with their small aerodynamic winglets did create some noticeable wind noise, though.

The dual-clutch automatic gearbox is very snappy, delivering quick shifts with every pull of the large steering-wheel paddles. When you approach a corner, the M235 stops just as impressively as it goes. The brakes – pinched from the M3 saloon – are the largest that BMW could squeeze behind the 19-inch wheels, and have masses of stopping power. A bit more initial bite would be nice, but we can’t fault their overall effectiveness.

BMW has given the 2 Series Gran Coupe quicker steering for this update and it was definitely noticeable through the corners during our brief test. It’s more precise, too, and we found it could change directions very quickly. Body movement feels well controlled whether you’re cornering fast or slow, even if there is a bit of roll.

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