NOTHING screams juxtaposition like BMW’s 2 Series models in today’s market.
It faces the duality of two extremes of either needing the most convincing to make sense of or is the easiest model to recommend because of how much sense it makes.
The former happens when there’s immense expectation for it to live up to the full BMW experience despite it only being the brand’s entry level model.
Automatically putting it in a very challenging position right off the bat, the range doesn’t always get enough room to shine the way it is meant to.
This is made tougher when it is pitted against its pricier siblings such as the vastly popular 3 Series range for example which is a step above and seen as the superior choice.
Scrutiny over the 2 Series models are heightened because of it.
Every little lacking bits and pieces of what they perceive a BMW car should deliver is magnified.
Expectation and perception are the keywords here.
Temper them accordingly and you’ll find that the range is actually the perfect pick.
That is the case with the 218 Gran Coupe Sport. Keeping in mind of positioning, while there are a number of details one could nitpick off, the car does ultimately deliver the goods.
Working our way inward, the first contention people have with the car is its more executive look that comes in either Alpine White, Black Sapphire, or Cape York Green.
At the front is a newly sculpted BMW kidney grille flanked by adaptive LED headlights with anti-glare high beam and cornering function.
Its rear has been updated with vertical LED taillights and a newly contoured sport diffuser.
Throughout the body we see Satin Aluminium accents, high-gloss black mirror caps, and 18-inch Bicolour alloy wheels.
Though the sharp-sporty demeanor from its predecessor has been toned down the new look similarly caters to those who are either indifferent or value the subtle change.
Facing a similar dispute is the car’s cabin that features a curved display that integrates a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and 10.7-inch control display.
It is powered by a BMW Operating System 9 with QuickSelect which offers smartphone-style navigation, personalised widgets, and natural voice command through the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant.
Other standard miscellaneous to the car are the BMW Digital Key Plus, automatic air conditioning, wireless charging, dual cup holders, electric front seat adjustment with memory, anti-dazzle mirrors, and front sports seats.
Some found its minimalist approach with sustainable Black Veganza perforated upholstery being too basic for a BMW.
On the other end the overall presentation is lauded for matching its subtle-premium simplicity in compliments to the car’s modern essentials.
Specifically saying in the end it is only a matter of preference as they both have their points. It isn’t so much that the car lacks in necessities but what is it that you’re looking for.
Aesthetics and equipment aside, the real meat of the 218 Gran Coupe Sport is the car’s performance.
Paired with a seven-speed Steptronic dual-clutch transmission the front wheel drive (FWD) car’s 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine produces 156hp and 230Nm of torque.
It has a top speed of 230kph and can achieve a 0–100kph sprint in 8.6 seconds.
Driving assist and safety properties come in the form of ARB traction control, Lane Change Warning, Rear Crossing Traffic Alert with brake intervention, Exit Warning, Predictive Forward Collision Warning, and Parking Assistant that includes Reversing Assistant and a rear view camera.
In spite of how the numbers look on paper it is a BMW machine through and through where its dynamic tuning is concerned.
As someone who has driven multiple BMWs you’ll find the brand’s DNA littered throughout - everything from acceleration to cornering even with the absence of a rear wheel drive (RWD) setup.
Its FWD nature also means better grip control making is a great all-rounder for all drivers irrespective of experience level and driving conditions.
A unique characteristic of the 218 is its size at 4,546mm in length, 1,445mm tall, 1,800mm wide and 2,670mm at its wheelbase.
It is the smallest BMW on sale in the present market making it extremely versatile and agile.
This is in addition to it also being fully functional having decent legroom for all passengers and 430 litres of luggage capacity at the rear.
And that’s really what matters with the 218 - offering you a taste of the German automaker’s prowess at its most affordable.
At RM218,800 the car with its specs drives superbly fine with a setup that isn’t to be underestimated.
If however you’re hoping for the moon and the stars then a 2 Series model is in a hard place to satiate your hunger.
Hence the question is it fair to expect an entry model to a premium brand to already give up all its goods at the front door.
There is no sacrifice so-to-speak either with the 218 Gran Coupe Sport so depending on what you’re looking for the car may just be what you need.
SPECIFICATIONS
BMW 218 Gran Coupe Sport
Engine: 1,499cc, turbocharged, three-cylinder
Maximum power: 156hp from 4,950 to 6,500rpm
Maximum torque: 230Nm from 1,500 to 4,600rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed Steptronic, dual-clutch
Acceleration (0-100kph): 8.6 seconds
Top speed: 230kph
Features: 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, 10.7-inch control display, BMW Digital Key Plus, automatic air conditioning, wireless charging, dual cup holders, electric front seat adjustment with memory, anti-dazzle mirrors, front sports seats, ARB traction control, Lane Change Warning, Rear Crossing Traffic Alert with brake intervention, Exit Warning, Predictive Forward Collision Warning, and Parking Assistant that includes Reversing Assistant up to 50 metres and a rear view camera.
Warranty: Five-year unlimited mileage, along with five-year/100,000km of service coverage.
Price: RM218,888 (without registration, road tax and insurance)/RM240,500 (add on BMW Service & Repair Inclusive)
