The four-door Gran Coupé is priced at RM211,367 (on the road, without insurance and with sales tax exemption).
The launch of the locally assembled model wasn't conventional but took on a new twist as BMW Malaysia embarked on a new way to generate buzz ahead of today's event.
Two weeks ago, BMW had announced that it was working with Malaysian businesses, volunteer groups and non-governmental organisations to come up with indigenous designs that would be used as camouflage for a car model that would be unveiled.
The organisations were Komuniti Tukang Jahit, Changgih Designs, INKAA and Kanoe.
The camouflaged cars were driven through Kuala Lumpur and around the Klang Valley, making appearances at various venues in the run-up to today's launch.
The Gran Coupe´ is powered by the 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine; it is also the first-ever compact BMW coupé to use a transversely-mounted engine. With a maximum output of 103 kW/140 hp and a peak torque of 220Nm, the new Gran Coupe´ can make the century sprint in 8.7 seconds. The top speed for the sporty car is 213kph. Its combined fuel consumption is rated at 5.9 litres per 100km, with 135g of carbon emissions per kilometre of travel.
Power is transmitted via a a seven-speed Steptronic double-clutch transmission. Similar to the new 1 Series, the 2 Series Gran Coupe is also designed with the BMW front-wheel drive (FWD) architecture Suspension, damping and steering have also been tuned for sportier performance in the new Gran Coupe´.
A key contributor to the agile FWD handling of the new Gran Coupe´ is the ARB technology (near-actuator wheel slip limitation) which allows significantly faster and more sensitive control interventions, while minimising understeer usually experienced with FWD vehicles. The ARB technology features a slip control system positioned directly in the engine control unit which results in shorter signal paths, with reduced engine output as soon as there is a threat of wheel slip on the front wheels.
The Gran Coupé has a newly-designed three-dimensional mesh single-unit kidney grille that is complemented by slim, slanted LED headlights and LED foglights. The aerodynamic design also features a lower centre of gravity for high dynamic presence, while the sleek frameless front and rear doors accentuate its fluid design.
Modern flared wheel arches and 18-inch M light alloy wheels in double-spoke style 819 M Bicolour with runflat tyres lend a muscular appearance to the new Gran Coupe´ as well. Towards the rear are slim wrap-around LED taillights connected by a high-gloss black band. The new Gran Coupe´ also comes equipped with the M Aerodynamics package as standard, along with the BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line.
The Gran Coupé arrives with an elegant interior, coupled with generous cabin and luggage space for travel versatility. Complementing the Gran Coupé are also new digital services and advanced driver assistance systems.
The cockpit features illuminated trim finishers in Illuminated Boston and LED light sources via the Lights Package to enhance cabin ambience. Standard are a multifunction M leather steering wheel, sport seats with Leather Dakota upholstery, and two-zone automatic air conditioning system.
The BMW Live Cockpit Plus boasts an analogue speedometer and rev counter and a 5.1-inch, 4:3 portrait-format screen which displays information such as the car’s speed, the status of the driver assistance systems and navigation instruction. This is complemented by an 8.8-inch touchscreen control display.
Cup holders and a wireless charging tray are located on the centre console as is the push-start button.
The lower central tunnel design of the vehicle offers more comfort and space for rear passengers, compared to standard two-door coupés in this segment. A 430-litre luggage compartment is 40 litres wider than the 2 Series Coupe, ensuring everyday usability and providing ample space, especially when the rear seats are folded in a 40/20/40 split. Comfort Access 2.0 is also available to the new Gran Coupé, along with the BMW Digital Key.
The Gran Coupé is installed with Driving Assistant, Parking Assistant and Reversing Assistant. The Driving Assistant includes Lane Change Warning, Crossing Traffic Warning at the rear, Rear Collision Warning, and Speed Limit Assist. It also includes Lane Departure Warning with active steering intervention, as well as the Forward Collision Warning with brake intervention function. The Parking Assistant and Reversing Assistant are also available as standard, along with the Active Park Distance Control and a lateral parking aid.
The Gran Coupé is offered in a choice of Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Snapper Rock Blue, Storm Bay, and Melbourne Red. The interior will feature black Leather Dakota upholstery with blue and black highlights.
The latest BMW will be available at all authorised BMW dealerships nationwide starting today. Customers can also book the new Gran Coupé on http://www.shop.bmw.com.my/ at RM1,000.
With the Balloon Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, the Gran Coupé can be owned with a monthly instalment plan starting from RM2,418 (based on a 80% loan on a five-year tenure).
SPECIFICATIONS OF BMW 218I GRAN COUPÉ M SPORT (pdf)
