this is the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe a in simple terms it's a sleeker four-door version of the one
series hatchback on which it's based and forms the entry points of BMWs niche busting gran coupe a
range it started out with the 6 Series Gran Coupe a back in 2012 and has since grown to include a 4
and 8 Series variant the 2 therefore is designed to act as a taster for what lies ahead if you were
to continue your way up the BMW family tree but hold on because there are alternatives
mercedes-benz offers a direct rival in the CL a while outies a3 saloon isn't a million miles away
either but how does the baby BMW fare well keep watching to find out why we think the 2 Series
Gran Coupe a makes a worthy entry point to the BMW range head over to the online configurator and the
two Series Gran Coupe a is available in three trim levels namely sport M Sport and performance
m235i guys standard equipment on all models is extensive and includes dual zone climate control
front and rear parking sensors and BMWs excellent live cockpit plus infotainment system the latter
delivers an eight point eight inch touchscreen as standard or a ten point two five inch display if
you upgrade to live cockpit professional you can control it via the screen or rotary dial
on the center console and because of that it's probably one of the easiest to use systems out
there mercedes-benz and Audi equivalents have similar functionality but the usability isn't
quite as good as for the rest of the cabin it's based on the 1 Series hatchback and that certainly
isn't a bad thing the fits and finish is superb with everything feeling logically placed and laid
out the only real complaint is that we'd like to see a more capable and customizable digital
instrument display it's certainly clear but feels one-dimensional compared with rivals if you often
use the back seats in your car then it's worth listening to this next section carefully the 2
Series Gran Coupe a benefits from plenty of knee room but that swooping roof line means
that Headroom is restricted especially when compared with the one series hatchback however
the tables are turned when it comes to the 2 Series Gran Coupe ace boats at 430 liters with
the seats up it's 50 litres larger than the 1 Series hatchback even if the opening is tighter
on to driving and like the 1 Series the 2 Series Gran Coupe a has front-wheel drive as standard
and while this might be seen as sacrilege to some diehard BMW fans in reality it makes very little
difference M Sport and m235i models get sporty-er / firmer suspension and steering as standard yeh
whichever version you go for the 2 Series Gran Coupe a is excellent to drive it's sharper than
the CLA yet refinement and overall comforts are similar if not better in the BMW with each of
the three available engines doing their bit the 190 horsepower - 20 D diesel in particular is
quiet and powerful while the m235i delivers a genuinely rapid 4.9 second not 260 tumhare now
a time through its xDrive all-wheel-drive system a 1.5 liter 3-cylinder petrol with 140 horsepower
is also available but can feel sluggish at low revs gearbox options meanwhile include a
6-speed manual and an 8-speed Auto its looks may be divisive but overall the 2 Series Gran Coupe
a gives you pretty much everything you could want from a scaled-down BMW it feels more special than
a 1 Series and if you rarely carry rear seat passengers it could even make more sense - for
those that are looking to buy a 2 Series Gran Coupe a then be sure to check out the hundreds
of new used and leasing offers on the Parker's website and get the very best deal available