2020 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe: 5 Things We Like, 6 Things We Don’t
Though it shares a platform with the X1 and X2 SUVs, the BMW 228i xDrive Gran Coupe is a new model for 2020. Both it and the more powerful (and more expensive) M235i xDrive are very much their own animals in the BMW lineup. Unfortunately for the new cars, there are better and more cost-effective options from competitors like Audi and Mercedes-Benz, making it hard for the company to pitch either to would-be buyers.
Related: 2020 BMW 228 Gran Coupe Review: Little, and of Little Point
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Shop the BMW 228 Gran Coupe near you
Want to see all the details about the 228i Gran Coupe? Click through the link above to read Cars.com’s Brian Normile’s full review. If a summary is what you’re looking for, though, you’re in the right place — here are the pros and cons of the 2020 BMW 228i Gran Coupe:
Things We Like
1. Great Screens
The 228 Gran Coupe has a large, horizontally oriented 8.8-inch touchscreen that has some of the sharpest and most colorful graphics on the market today. The optional 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster is just as good and takes the place of the standard gauge cluster behind the steering wheel. The displays remain visible in a wide variety of lighting conditions, which makes use of the backup camera much easier, even when the driver is wearing sunglasses.
2. Wireless Apple CarPlay
This is a hot-button issue for some drivers, as older iPhones sometimes have problems connecting or staying connected. That said, the system works well with newer phones, and wireless charging makes it even easier to get in and drive without plugging in a device.
3. Sounds Good
BMW obviously knows that there’s no reason to have a turbo if you can’t hear it. The 228 Gran Coupe makes all the right noises, and puts on a good show, but the 228-horsepower, 2.0-liter engine connected to that turbo isn’t as lively.
4. Decent Ride Quality
Even with the optional 18-inch wheels and M Sport suspension, the 228 Gran Coupe manages a surprisingly comfortable ride. Thankfully, that comfort doesn’t come at the expense of somewhat decent handling. Large imperfections in road surfaces give the little BMW trouble, but the suspension irons all but the worst.
5. Generous Standard Safety Features
Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning and blind spot monitors are standard, which is a nice upgrade over older BMWs that required an upcharge to get the features. Adaptive cruise control isn’t on that list, though, and will require an additional $1,200.
More From Cars.com:
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Things We Don’t
1. Dull Base Powertrain
The standard 2.0-liter turbocharged engine produces 228 hp and 258 pounds-feet of torque, which sounds decent for a car this size, but ultimately falls short of being a truly inspiring engine. The M235i Gran Coupe brings 301 hp to the table and a much more engaging driving experience, but that’s not what we’re talking about here.
2. Confusing Infotainment
BMW’s iDrive system has become less of a hassle over the years but is still needlessly complicated for reasons that only BMW understands. Options and controls are buried deep in menus that require multiple taps to reach, which causes a real distraction when the vehicle is in motion. There’s also no Android Auto, wireless or otherwise, leaving out a large portion of the world’s mobile users.
3. Cheap Interior Materials
Leather is optional, which is understandable, but the rainbow of cheap, hard plastics throughout the cabin is not. The lower half of the doors and lower parts of the center console are indistinguishable from a car costing half as much. That said, some plastic trim pieces have been “upgraded” with a digital matrix pattern that at least makes them look nice.
4. Numb Steering
The 228 Gran Coupe could be our poster child for everything we love to hate about BMW’s numb steering. There is no communication through the wheel at all, and combined with a healthy dose of understeer, it makes the 228 Gran Coupe feel much larger than it really is.
5. Cramped Interior
It’s a small car. We get it. Nobody is looking for minivan levels of space here, but even the driver will struggle to find a comfortable spot in the 228 Gran Coupe’s interior. Backseat passengers of adult proportions will have a hard time with legroom, and the Gran Coupe’s sloping roof does nothing to improve headroom. There’s a constant tug of war between front and rear seat legroom as well. That drama is even more pronounced with car seats in the rear, especially the large rear-facing models, which can make it hard to find an acceptable front seat position.
6. Full-On Price Tag
Our 228 Gran Coupe test car came in at $48,495 including destination, which is well into 3 Series money, and that’s just in BMW land. It’s hard to justify that price when the 330i xDrive is bigger, faster and more fuel efficient.
Cars.com’s Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com’s long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don’t accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com’s advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.
