Exclusive: BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé Petrol Review

The timing of the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé couldn't have been better for us last year. We were just out of the COVID-19 lockdown and were itching to hit the roads. Well! So much so that Siddharth took it straight to the mountains of the Mussoorie valley for a proper engaging experience behind the wheel. And honestly! It did a commendable job of beating his lockdown blues, despite being a front wheel drive (FWD) model. But the 2 Series GC was then launched only in the 220d trim that has the 2.0-litre diesel engine and we were the first one to tell you that the petrol iteration is on its way. Finally! The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé 220i too has arrived and again we're the first one to bring you its exclusive review.

Also Read: BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe 220i M Sport Launched In India

The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe has been launched in India only in the range-topping M Sport variant.

Now the only thing new in this 220i rests under its hood and yes, it now comes in this new Snapper Rocks Blue shade which may sound a bit funny, but looks absolutely gorgeous on this sexy looker and we simply love it. Other than that, it remains identical to the diesel model. So let's get straight to the point and just in case you have missed our previous review where Siddharth talked at length about its looks, interiors and features, follow the link below.

Also Read: BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé Review

The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe 220i is 0.4 seconds quicker to triple digit speeds than the 220d diesel iteration.

The new BMW 2 Series GC 220i is powered by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder twin-turbo petrol motor that belts out 186 bhp at 5000 rpm and 280 Nm of peak torque that's accessible from as low as 1350 rpm. Now on paper that torque output may look lesser when compared to 400 Nm of the diesel variant. But surprisingly the 220i is 0.4 seconds quicker to triple digit speeds at 7.1 seconds, while the 220d does the same stint in 7.5 seconds. And that's because of its wider and seamless torque band going up to 4600 rpm, making for a meaty mid-range performance.

Also Read: BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine Review

The BMW 2 GC 220i gets a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine.

The engine is mated to the same eight-speed steptronic torque-convertor automatic transmission that comes with launch control and paddle shifters. What I particularly like about this drivetrain is the way it changes character when you shift from comfort to sport mode. While it's best suited for cruising in comfort mode and feels at ease, the change is dramatic in sport where the shifts are quick and crisp, just that a tiny head nod is felt in initial shifts. Even the gear ratio is tall delivering a free revving experience where it goes beyond 5000 rpm. So when you push past its mid-range, there's still some momentum keeping the eagerness intact.

Also Read: BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine Launched In India

The BMW 2 Series GC surprises with its body manners and it understeers only when you carry higher speeds while cornering.

As its diesel iteration, even this petrol variant is front wheel drive and we still can't complain about its dynamics. Precisely, that's because the steering is well-weighed up and the nose reacts to your inputs quite mannerly. The limitation of FWD is only apparent when you are trying to cut through a steep corner without dropping down gears as is tends to understeer a bit. Yet! It's quite fun to play around with its tail and the traction control intervenes only when you go wide.

Also Read: BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé Launched In India

The suspension setup of the BMW 2 GC is biased on the stiffer side and remains standard in all drive modes.

Then I also like the suspension set-up on this one which remains standard in all drive modes. Though it's biased on the stiffer side, at lower speeds it doesn't feel fussy and absorbs bumps impeccably. It's only when you carry some speed over potholes and rough patches you hear that thud and the pitter-patter is felt inside the cabin. That said, it helps maintaining its stability around bends or when you are driving in a spirited manner. Quite fun!

Also Read: BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe 'Black Shadow' Edition Launched In India

Details like M-Sport badging on the floor mats and scuff plates look really cool.

The 220i very pertinently completes the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé's line-up in India. It is offered only in the range-topping M-Sport trim and those sporty details- the M-Sport logo on its fenders, scuff plates and floor mats look really cool.

Also Read: BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine vs BMW 3 Series: What's Different

The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe 220i is Rs. 50,000 more affordable than the 220d diesel iteration.

Yes! It's a front wheel drive and has some minor inherent flaws, but still it drives quite like a Beemer should. And we'll go ahead and say that at present it's the sportiest entry-level luxury model in India. At Rs. 40.90 lakh (ex-showroom), it is about Rs. 50,000 more affordable than the 220d M Sport and is setting the bar high for the upcoming Mercedes A-Class Limousine and 2021 Audi A3.