The M235i's upgraded equipment — including a more powerful engine, a sport-tuned suspension and more powerful brakes — creates thrills worthy of the extra badging. It's a costly but welcome addition to the 2024 2 Series Gran Coupe.Read full review
Josh Jacquot is a seasoned automotive journalist with a career spanning more than two decades. His passion for cars has been the driving force behind his career, fueling his love for storytelling and technical work. Josh has held staff positions at Edmunds and Car and Driver, where he performed instrumented testing and wrote everything from technical breakdowns to long-form adventure stories. This hands-on enthusiast's early fascination with cars evolved into a professional journey that blends his technical knowledge and deep appreciation for engaging driver's cars.
Pros
Quick acceleration and sporty handling
Comes with a lot of the technology of more expensive BMW models
Generous list of standard features
Cons
Back seat lacks headroom for taller passengers
Firm suspension means you feel the bumps in the road
What's new
No significant changes for 2024
Part of the first 2 Series Gran Coupe generation introduced for 2020
Overview
The 2 Series Gran Coupe isn't a coupe at all, of course. This entry-level BMW is a sedan with a smoothed-out silhouette that gives it a sleeker, longer look. However, it's actually shorter than the other 2 Series cars and it rides on a substantially shorter wheelbase as well. Underneath the shapelier sheetmetal is a front-wheel-drive-based platform that gives this Gran Coupe — despite the promise made by its styling — very different dynamics than the standard 2 Series coupe and sedan.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe M235i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.97 per gallon for premium unleaded in New York.
With no significant changes for 2024, the 2 Series Gran Coupe carries on as a bit of an outlier in the 2 Series lineup. Give BMW credit for squeezing the most out of its small car offerings, but don't think that all 2 Series cars are created equal. The front-wheel-drive platform steals some of this tiny BMW's Ultimate Driving Machine credibility no doubt. It's sharp and nimble in its own way without the rear-drive-based balance found in its namesake-sharing brethren. But with one front-wheel-drive and two all-wheel-drive Gran Coupes, including the performance-focused M235i xDrive, there's probably a Gran Coupe here to suit you.
Competitors to consider
The Audi A3 and the Mercedes-Benz CLA are the 2 Series Gran Coupe's closest competitors. The A3 offers a more livable ride than the Gran Coupe, and its interior is remarkable although it's showing its age. The CLA has a slightly longer wheelbase and costs a bit more. Like the Gran Coupe the CLA is built around a front-wheel-drive platform, which brings these two diminutive Germans even closer dynamically.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
Good
7.9
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
The M235i's upgraded equipment — including a more powerful engine, a sport-tuned suspension and more powerful brakes — creates thrills worthy of the extra badging. It's a costly but welcome addition to the 2024 2 Series Gran Coupe.
How does the 2 Series Gran Coupe drive? The turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is wonderfully responsive and makes plentiful power throughout the rev range. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph took 5.0 seconds in our testing, and standard M Sport brakes deliver on both power and pedal feel. Panic stops from 60 mph were done in a scant 107 feet.
The 2 Series Gran Coupe M235i stays flat enough around turns. The front-biased all-wheel-drive system will noticeably add power to the rear wheels for extra traction and dynamic accuracy. It's a fun sensation especially paired with quick and confident steering. The shifts are quick, abrupt and often dramatic.
Comfort
8/10
How comfortable is the 2 Series Gran Coupe? Expect a firm ride from both the seats and the suspension. You will feel bumps in the road, but at least the optional M Sport front seats provide the support necessary for aggressive driving. Thankfully, the seats offer a wide range of adjustability and lumbar support.
You will notice tire noise at low speeds and wind noise at higher speeds, but they are kept at appropriate levels for a sport-tuned sedan. You're still able to hold conversations without shouting and, after all, it's part of the trade-off for its performance. There is still a touch of luxury: The climate control system is easy to operate and works quickly.
Interior
7/10
How’s the interior? There is a lot of room up front and the wide-opening doors make it easy to slide in. The driving position always feels slightly elevated compared to a typical sedan, though space shouldn't be an issue whatever your height.
The rear seats are less accommodating. It's easy to get in, but they're better suited to children. Up front there is a commanding road view, but thick pillars and a small rear windshield create awkward angles.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Save as much as $3,540 with Edmunds Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $3,540 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the M235i xDrive trim.
2024 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe M235i xDrive pricing in Brooklyn, NY
How’s the tech? BMW offers many of its latest and greatest driver aids on the 2 Series Gran Coupe, including adaptive cruise control with lane keeping assistance, automatic emergency braking and blind-spot warning. BMW's iDrive infotainment system is relatively easy to interact with. It works well, though not as well as the system on the latest Mercedes-Benz models. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration is standard.
Storage
8.5/10
How’s the storage? Cargo space is a highlight for the M235i. The stubby, vaguely crossover-like shape comes in handy, offering a much bigger trunk than competitors. There's underfloor storage, and the rear seats fold flat at the pull of a helpful lever under the trunklid. Interior storage is good too, with lots of options for small items and a handy smartphone grip.
The tight rear seats are not exactly ideal if you're installing a bulky rear-facing car seat, but the doors open wide and the car seat anchors are very accessible.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Fuel Economy
8/10
How’s the fuel economy? The M235i posts an EPA-estimated 27 mpg combined. This is pretty respectable for a sporty luxury sedan. On our mixed-driving test route, the M235i achieved 26.2 mpg, which indicates the EPA's estimate should be realistic.
Value
7.5/10
Is the 2 Series Gran Coupe a good value? This is a costly compact sedan, though pricing is ultimately pretty comparable to the Audi S3 and Mercedes-AMG CLA 35. The build quality is high, as evidenced by a tastefully sporty interior and a lack of creaks or rattles on the road.
The warranty and ownership experience are even better. BMW offers four years/50,000 miles for both basic and powertrain warranties. In addition, the 2 Series Gran Coupe comes with four years/50,000 miles of roadside assistance and three years/36,000 miles of scheduled maintenance.
Wildcard
8/10
The M235i is a charming car that amounts to more than the sum of its parts. The strong engine, sharp handling and stability of all-wheel drive help make the 2 Series' ungainly curves start to look a whole lot better.
Which 2 Series Gran Coupe does Edmunds recommend?
We think the 228i sDrive offers the best value in the Gran Coupe lineup. It comes standard with navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and multiple driver assist features. You'll still have to buy the Premium package to get heated front seats, however.
Key safety features on the 2 Series Gran Coupe include:
Back-up camera
Blind Spot Monitoring
Lane Departure Warning
Alarm
Tire Pressure Warning
Stability Control
Pre-collision safety system
Post-collision safety system
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good
FAQ
Is the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2024 2 Series Gran Coupe both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.9 out of 10. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the 2 Series Gran Coupe has 15.2 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe. Learn more
What's new in the 2024 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2024 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe:
No significant changes for 2024
Part of the first 2 Series Gran Coupe generation introduced for 2020
To determine whether the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the 2 Series Gran Coupe. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the 2 Series Gran Coupe's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2024 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2024 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2024 2 Series Gran Coupe and gave it a 7.9 out of 10. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2024 2 Series Gran Coupe is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2024 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe?
The least-expensive 2024 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe is the 2024 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe M235i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $48,300.
Other versions include:
M235i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $48,300
What are the different models of BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe?
If you're interested in the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, the next question is, which 2 Series Gran Coupe model is right for you? 2 Series Gran Coupe variants include M235i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A). For a full list of 2 Series Gran Coupe models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more
Related 2024 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe M235i xDrive info
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