The 2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe: The Rebel in the BMW Family
BMW is a brand synonymous with luxury and performance—two traits that usually coexist within a sleek coupe or a stately sedan. The 2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, however, is the black sheep of the family. It’s quirky, a bit unconventional, and absolutely unapologetic about being different. It’s BMW’s attempt to get a little rebellious, a little daring, and, dare I say, a little less German in its pursuit of perfection.
The 2 Series Gran Coupe might not fit the traditional BMW mold, but that’s part of its charm. It’s for people who want a compact, premium car with a dash of excitement—without necessarily needing 500 horsepower or a 12-way adjustable suspension. It’s a car that’s as much about attitude as it is about speed.
Performance: The Little Coupe That Could
Under the hood of the 2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, you have a choice: a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four or a 3.0-liter inline-six for those who like their Bavarian machines a little spicier. The base 228i xDrive model comes with 241 horsepower, which is plenty for a car of this size. It’s light, agile, and the turbo four-cylinder delivers its power in a way that makes city driving lively and highway cruising effortless.
For those who want more, the M235i xDrive takes things up a notch with a healthy 315 horsepower, courtesy of the turbocharged inline-four. It’s not an M3, but the M235i will sprint to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds, which is enough to put a smile on your face every time you hit the throttle.
The 8-speed automatic transmission is standard, and it’s exactly what you’d expect from BMW—quick shifts, intuitive programming, and the ability to hold gears longer when you’re in the mood to play. All-wheel drive is standard across the board, which means the Gran Coupe can handle a spirited drive down a twisty back road without breaking a sweat, regardless of the weather.
Performance Comparison: 2 Series Gran Coupe vs. Rivals
| Model | Power Output | 0-60 mph Time | Top Speed | Drive Modes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW 228i xDrive (2025) | 241 hp | 5.9 sec | 130 mph | Eco, Comfort, Sport |
| BMW M235i xDrive (2025) | 315 hp | 4.6 sec | 155 mph | Comfort, Sport+ |
| Audi A3 Quattro | 201 hp | 6.6 sec | 130 mph | Comfort, Dynamic |
| Mercedes CLA 250 | 221 hp | 6.3 sec | 130 mph | Comfort, Sport |
The M235i sits comfortably at the top of its class when it comes to power and performance. The Audi A3 and Mercedes CLA are decent competitors, but they lack the sense of urgency and excitement that the M235i brings to the table. The 228i, meanwhile, offers enough pep to keep things interesting without crossing into overkill territory.
Design: Love It or Hate It
The 2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe has a look that’s decidedly divisive. It’s not the classic BMW silhouette, and if you’re hoping for a sweeping coupe roofline and a long bonnet, this isn’t it. Instead, you get a low, wide stance, a bold kidney grille, and an overall shape that’s more compact sports sedan than traditional coupe. It’s the kind of car that stands out without having to shout—it’s a bit of a rebel in a family known for their subtle elegance.
BMW has leaned into the sporty theme with the Gran Coupe, adding plenty of sharp angles, LED lighting, and an aggressive stance that makes it look ready to pounce. The M235i adds a few extra visual flourishes—larger wheels, sportier bumpers, and, of course, the signature M badging. It’s the kind of car that’ll turn heads, but it won’t be to everyone’s taste.
Inside, the Gran Coupe is pure BMW. There’s a sense of quality here that you won’t find in many other cars at this price point. The materials are high-end, the layout is driver-focused, and everything feels just right. The 2025 model also comes with a fully digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment system, making the interior feel modern and high-tech.
Interior Features Comparison
| Feature | BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe | Audi A3 | Mercedes CLA |
| Leather Upholstery | Standard on M235i | Optional | Optional |
| Panoramic Sunroof | Available | Available | Standard |
| Digital Dashboard | Yes (12.3”) | Yes (10.25”) | Yes (10.25”) |
| Heated Front Seats | Standard | Optional | Standard |
The interior of the 2 Series Gran Coupe feels like a cut above its rivals, especially in the M235i trim. The digital dashboard and premium materials elevate the cabin, while features like heated seats and a panoramic sunroof make it feel genuinely luxurious.
Technology: Cutting Edge Meets User-Friendly
BMW’s iDrive system has long been the gold standard for infotainment, and the 2025 2 Series Gran Coupe gets the latest iteration—iDrive 8. The 12.3-inch touchscreen is bright, responsive, and easy to navigate, with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto offered as standard. Voice commands work remarkably well, and the physical controls for key functions are a welcome touch in a world increasingly dominated by touchscreens.
The Gran Coupe is also packed with safety tech. There’s adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and even a self-parking feature that will take care of parallel parking for you. BMW hasn’t skimped on driver assistance, which means you can feel confident behind the wheel no matter the driving conditions.
Tech Features Comparison
| Feature | BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe | Audi A3 | Mercedes CLA |
| Infotainment Screen | 12.3” | 10.25” | 10.25” |
| Wireless CarPlay/Android | Standard | Optional | Standard |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | Standard | Optional | Standard |
| Self-Parking Feature | Available | No | Optional |
BMW leads the way in terms of technology, with a larger infotainment screen and a more complete suite of driver assistance features compared to the Audi and Mercedes. The iDrive system is easy to use, and the availability of features like self-parking further enhances its appeal.
Price: The Cost of Entry
The 2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe starts at $39,500 for the base 228i xDrive model. It’s competitively priced, especially considering the level of luxury and tech you get as standard. The M235i xDrive starts at $48,000, which is a fair bit more, but you’re paying for the extra performance and the M-specific features.
If you start adding options—and let’s be honest, you will—the price can climb fairly quickly. A fully loaded M235i will set you back around $55,000, but at that point, you’re getting a car that’s packed with every conceivable feature and enough performance to keep most drivers entertained for years.
Price Comparison
| Model | Starting Price | Fully Loaded Price (Estimate) |
| BMW 228i xDrive (2025) | $39,500 | $50,000 |
| BMW M235i xDrive (2025) | $48,000 | $55,000 |
| Audi A3 Quattro | $37,400 | $47,000 |
| Mercedes CLA 250 | $39,350 | $52,000 |
The 2 Series Gran Coupe is priced in line with its competition, but it offers more power and better tech at each trim level. It’s a car that feels like it’s worth the money, particularly if you opt for the M235i.
Conclusion: The Rule Breaker
The 2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe is a car that dares to be different. It’s not a traditional BMW, and it’s not trying to be. Instead, it’s a car for those who want something compact, premium, and a little bit wild. It’s got the performance, the looks, and the tech to stand out in a crowded segment, and it manages to do so without feeling like it’s trying too hard.
The Gran Coupe is the kind of car that appeals to those who don’t need a big, brash sports car but still want something that makes driving fun. It’s comfortable, it’s stylish, and it’s practical enough for daily use. In other words, it’s exactly the kind of car that BMW should be making—a car that offers driving pleasure without sacrificing usability.
If you want a car that’s got personality, that’s a little different, and that doesn’t play by the usual rules, the 2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe is well worth a look. It’s a car that makes no excuses for being what it is—and that’s what makes it great.
