This second-generation BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe follows its predecessor by arriving once again in a sole 218i guise.
Now appearing at the other end of the sedan spectrum from the recently-launched M5, BMW Malaysia has also pulled the wraps off the new F74 2-Series Gran Coupe. This smallest sedan in the Bavarian automaker’s local hierarchy will be offered — just like before — in a single locally-assembled 218i variant, with prices estimated at RM 241,000 (including BMW’s BSRI five-year extended warranty and service package).
Originally revealed globally in October last year, this latest iteration retains its predecessor’s 2,670 mm wheelbase and 1,800 mm width. However, overall length has grown by 20 mm to 4,546 mm, while height is up by 25 mm to 1,445 mm.
Styling-wise, the new 2-Series Gran Coupe unfortunately continues BMW’s recent struggle with crafting attractive front ends. The oversized kidney grilles—now filled with a mix of vertical and diagonal slats—are flanked by LED headlights that stretch deep into the front fenders, resulting in a face that looks more like an old Kia than a proper Ultimate Driving Machine.
Down the sides, visual elements like gloss black mirror caps, an embossed ‘2’ in the Hofmeister kink (as seen on the latest G60 5 Series), and 18-inch Y-spoke two-tone alloys attempt to sharpen what is otherwise a somewhat sleek silhouette—spoiled by an awkwardly raised rear end. And rounding off this stylistic mishmash is the rear, which bears more than a passing resemblance to a Mercedes-Benz A-Class sedan from behind.
Moving along inside, the 2-Series Gran Coupe’s minimalist dashboard is to be dominated by BMW’s now-standard Curved Display, which merges a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster with a 10.7-inch central touchscreen. Standard equipment includes sports front seats with electric adjustment and memory, perforated Veganza (BMW’s vegan leather) upholstery, a three-spoke sport steering wheel, Aluminium Graphite trim with backlit illumination, a wireless charging pad, automatic climate control with rear vents, and anti-dazzle mirrors.
Also included is BMW’s latest Driving Assistant package, which bundles in Lane Change Warning, Speed Limit Info, Rear Crossing Traffic Alert with brake intervention, and Exit Warning. Reverse Emergency Braking and Predictive Forward Collision Warning are present too. Parking Assistant adds a reversing camera and a Reversing Assistant feature capable of retracing up to 50 metres. That said, there’s still no mention of autonomous emergency braking (AEB) or adaptive cruise control.
Under the bonnet of the new 218 here lies the familiar B38 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, paired with a 7-speed Steptronic dual-clutch transmission. This latest iteration now runs on a more fuel-efficient Miller cycle and produces 156 hp and 230 Nm of torque. Power is expectedly sent to the front wheels in this small sedan, with its 0–100 km/h sprint currently quoted at 8.6 seconds.
While this 2GC might still be viewed as the “poor relation” to the more accomplished 3-Series in BMW’s sedan lineup, there should still be a fair few that will be roaming our roads over here soon enough. After all, (somehow) over 4,500 units of the first-gen 2-Series Gran Coupe have been sold locally since its debut in 2020.
