As a motoring enthusiast, I was thrilled to get behind the wheel of the 2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, specifically the M235 xDrive Gran Coupe and 218 Gran Coupe variants, this week.
BMW’s coupe 2 Series, has long been the benchmark for compact luxury sports sedans, blending dynamic driving with everyday practicality. The Gran Coupe, with its sleek, coupe-like silhouette, promises to elevate that formula with added style. But do these new models live up to the hype? – Let’s dive in.
Tech Upgrade:
The vehicle incorporates extensively enhanced suspension technology and integrated innovative systems for automated driving and parking – two of the highlights that use the new BMW iDrive tech with QuickSelect and a wide range of digital services and in-car gaming based on BMW Operating System 9.
The new BMW Infotainment system, based on Android Open Source, was developed in-house, and the Navigation system uses a fully cloud-based system that provides live updated data and driving options. The newly upgraded voice activation seems to be a bit quirky, but perhaps it is just my voice.
Style and Presence
Walking up to the M235 xDrive Gran Coupe, the first thing that strikes you is its sharpened design. The 2025 refresh brings slimmer LED headlights – bold but not overbearing, with an expressive front section, a dynamically elongated silhouette, and a strong, sporty rear.
The wide BMW radiator grille positioned below the headlights features a structure of vertical and diagonal bars inside, and the large lower air inlet gives the new BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé a low-slung, road-hugging appearance.
The roofline flows seamlessly into a sculpted rear, giving it a sportier stance than the standard 2 Series sedan. The 218 Gran Coupe shares this aesthetic but dials back the aggression slightly, with subtler trim and smaller alloy wheels—17-inchers versus the M235’s 18s. Both cars exude premium charm, though the 325’s M Sport package (optional on the 318) adds a touch of menace with its gloss-black accents and lowered stance.
Further enhancements for refined dynamic performance are provided by the M Sport package and the M Sport package Pro.
High-Class Premium Ambience.
The M235 gets sportier seats with more bolstering, which hug you during spirited drives. The 218’s seats are comfier for long hauls but less grippy. Rear legroom is adequate for adults, though the sloping roofline nibbles at headroom, particularly for the taller drivers.
The newly designed interior of the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé is entirely leather-free as standard. The Veganza/Alcantara trim is available as an option, combined with hand-sewn contrasting seams for the instrument panel. The dynamically backlit interior trims made of milled aluminium likewise contribute to the car’s refined and athletic premium ambience. BMW Curved Display and the newly designed gear selector underline the progressive character of the interior. There are seat heating and electrically operated adjustment options for all versions.
The standard sports steering wheel can be exchanged for an M leather steering wheel, which has also been redesigned.
This is part of the M Sport package and features shift paddles for manual gear changes. An interaction airbag between the driver and front passenger now contributes to optimised occupant protection as standard.
The rear seat backrest offers a 40: 20: 40 split as standard, while the storage volume is 430 litres (As compared with the BMW 220 Gran Coupé, BMW 220d Gran Coupé at 360 litres).
On the Road: Performance and Handling
The M235 Gran Coupe is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 233 kw of power and 400Nm of torque, making the 0-100 km/hr in a speedy 4.9 seconds and is linked to a 7-speed Steptronic transmission. The 318 Gran Coupe, with its 1499 cm3, three-cylinder engine, delivers 115 kw of power and 230Nm of torque, taking a more leisurely 8.6 seconds to hit 100 km/hour. Both come with rear-wheel drive as standard, with xDrive all-wheel drive optional.
On winding backroads, the M235 shines. Its steering is precise, with just the right amount of heft, and the chassis feels planted yet playful. The adaptive M suspension (standard on M235, optional on 218) lets you toggle between Comfort and Sport modes. In Sport, the 235 dances through corners with minimal body roll, while Comfort smooths out bumpy city streets. The 218, while competent, lacks the same verve. Its softer suspension prioritises comfort, making it a better choice for daily commutes.
M Sport Package with adaptive M suspension and sport steering.
A standard feature of the new BMW M235 xDrive Gran Coupé offered as part of the optional M Sport package for all other model variants, the adaptive M suspension enhances both agility and long-distance comfort by means of variable, mechanically controlled and frequency-selective shock absorbers. Pressure peaks within the shock absorbers are smoothed out by means of additional valves acting on the traction side. With the Adaptive M suspension, the vehicle is lowered by up to 8 millimetres and also includes sports steering.
Improved body rigidity, further developed chassis.
The increased rigidity of the body structure and chassis connections helps the new BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé achieve improved agility, steering precision and cornering dynamics. The further refinement of the chassis includes optimised kinematics and new shock absorber technology. The increased caster offset of the front wheels ensures stable straight-line driving and optimised steering feedback.
Selling Price:
Base Price including Motorplan and Co2 Tax:
- Gran Coupe 218 – R733,599.20
- BMW M235 xDrive – R1,043,099.90
The new BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé offers the experience of sportiness and elegance to the premium compact segment. The second generation of the four-door model now lends even greater emphasis to these hallmark BMW qualities
