The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe isn’t your typical compact saloon. It's a bit of a curveball — part coupe, part family car, part badge-driven style statement. In a world where crossovers and SUVs are everywhere, BMW is betting that there’s still room for something sleeker and lower to the ground. And with this 2025 facelift, they’ve gone all-in on design, tech, and premium feel.
But is it just a prettier version of the 1 Series, or does it offer something genuinely different?
Performance: Comfortable Cruiser or Budget BMW M?
Let’s start with what’s under the bonnet. BMW has simplified the engine line-up for the UK, ditching diesels and sticking purely with petrol — all of them automatic, and all with at least a bit of electrification. Here’s how it breaks down:
🔹 220 (168bhp, 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder)
This is your entry point. It’s the same engine that used to power the old 218i, but now it gets a mild hybrid boost. Around town and on gentle A-road runs, it does the job quietly and efficiently. But push it hard and it starts to feel a bit stretched — there’s a bit of that three-cylinder grumble when worked, and overtakes require a decent run-up. Still, for most drivers doing the daily commute and school run, it’ll be fine.
🔹 223 xDrive (215bhp, 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder)
If you want a bit more go — and the reassurance of four-wheel drive — this is a better bet. It’s still not particularly exciting, but it’s more confident on the move and feels more relaxed at higher speeds. It’ll suit buyers who want something a bit quicker without going full hot hatch.
🔹 M235 xDrive (296bhp, 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder)
This is the one that wears the sporty badge and aims to deliver that classic BMW driving experience. It’s properly fast, with plenty of grip thanks to xDrive and a mechanical limited-slip diff up front. However, it’s not quite as lively or playful as you might expect — largely because BMW swapped its old torque-converter auto for a dual-clutch box that isn’t quite as smooth. Still, for straight-line performance and fast B-road runs, it’s quick enough to entertain.
Ride and Handling
This is where things get a bit tricky. All models come in M Sport trim as standard in the UK, which means stiffer suspension and bigger wheels. The upside? The car feels composed and planted in corners. The downside? It’s firm — very firm. On smoother roads, it’s just about acceptable. But hit a rough patch or a pothole-ridden city street, and you’ll notice it.
There are no adaptive dampers with driver-selectable modes, just so-called “frequency-selective” ones that try to soften the blow depending on road surface. They help, but they don’t work miracles.
Space & Comfort: Better, but Not Brilliant
This facelifted 2 Series Gran Coupe is a touch longer (by 20mm) and a bit taller too. That doesn’t sound like much, but it does make a small difference inside.
🔹 Front Seats
You get a classic BMW driving position — low, supportive, and adjustable in all the right ways. The seats are great for long trips and there’s a real sense of quality up front. Everything feels tightly put together, and even though leather is no longer available, the synthetic 'Veganza' material looks and feels the part.
🔹 Back Seats
This is where things get tighter. Legroom is fine unless you’re very tall or sitting behind someone who is, but headroom is definitely on the snug side. That sloping coupe roofline means anyone over six foot might find their head brushing the ceiling.
🔹 Boot Space
Here’s one of the biggest compromises. The mild-hybrid models (220 and 223) now have smaller boots — just 360 litres — because the battery lives under the floor. It’s still a usable space, with a flat floor and an underfloor compartment, but it’s quite a drop from the previous 430 litres. If boot space matters to you, the M235 (which doesn’t get the hybrid tech) is the one to go for.
So yes, the 2 Series Gran Coupe can work as a small family car — but you’ll need to pack carefully, and taller passengers might not thank you for putting them in the back.
Tech & Features: Flashy, but Frustrating
Tech is a big focus for the facelift. The 2 Series Gran Coupe now runs BMW’s Operating System 9, with a big Curved Glass display that merges a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster with a 10.7-inch central touchscreen.
👍 What’s Good
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Looks slick: Crisp graphics, customisable layouts, and some clever widget-style shortcuts.
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Voice control works well: You can ask it to adjust climate settings, find music, or change routes.
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Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard, and the system connects wirelessly.
👎 What’s Not
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Too much is on the screen: The lack of physical buttons makes simple tasks (like adjusting the temperature) more fiddly than they should be.
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No iDrive controller: It’s all touchscreen now, which can be annoying on the move.
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Some features cost extra: BMW is increasingly moving to a "subscribe for features" model — including for things like enhanced nav or video streaming apps.
Interior Quality: Premium Where It Matters
This is one area where the 2 Series Gran Coupe genuinely shines. The cabin feels properly upmarket, with excellent materials, thoughtful design, and nice touches like backlit trim that changes colour depending on your drive mode.
Verdict: A Stylish Alternative, But Still a Niche Choice
The 2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe facelift does a solid job of updating a car that always felt a little bit of an oddball. It now looks sharper, feels more premium, and brings in some impressive tech. But it still comes with a few compromises — most notably the firm ride, slightly cramped rear space, and fussy infotainment system.
Stylish, well-built and more upmarket than before, the updated 2 Series Gran Coupe is a left-field choice that appeals on design and quality. But it's not the most practical or comfortable BMW you can buy
