The first ever BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe was launched in India last year, becoming BMW India’s most affordable and the only FWD sedan. However, it was so far available only in the diesel 220d guise, but now the BMW 220i Gran Coupe M Sport has been launched, expanding the 2 Series GC range with a turbo-petrol engine. The petrol variant has been launched at an introductory sticker of Rs 40.90 lakh, costing Rs 50,000 more than the base 220d Sport Line and Rs 1.4 lakh less than the 220d M Sport. Like the 220d, the 220i will also be assembled locally in the BMW Group Plant, Chennai.
The BMW 220i gets a two-litre twin-scroll turbo-petrol engine that makes 187bhp and 280Nm and is paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission. BMW claims that the gear ratios are updated in the 220i and that it even features a long seventh gear which keeps the revs low to reduce fuel consumption while on the highway. Despite the focus on being slightly more fuel efficient, the 220i accelerates from 0 to 100kmph in just 7.1 seconds, 0.4 seconds quicker than its diesel sibling. What enthusiasts will like is the fact that the 220i is equipped with launch control and paddle shifters as well. The 220i even gets four driving modes— Eco pro, Comfort and Sport.
On the inside, just like the 220d Gran Coupe, it gets a 10.25-inch digital cockpit and touchscreen infotainment system with virtual assistant and gesture controls. It is festooned with an array of premium features like panoramic sunroof, dual zone climate control, Apple CarPlay, wireless charging, reverse assist and more. The overall exterior design remains the same as the 220d Gran Coupe which is in line with the brand’s current design language. However, since the 220i is offered with the M Sport package, it gets front and rear apron, body coloured side skirts, combination of gloss black and chrome inserts on the kidney grille and ‘M’ badges all over. It even gets dual tone 17-inch alloy wheels.
The BMW 2 Series will go head to head against the upcoming Audi A3 and the Mercedes-Benz A-Class Limousine with the latter being right around the corner. With the attractive styling updates offered on the M Sport trim, the BMW 220i Gran Coupe is bound to attract many customers. All that remains to be seen is which one among this German trio will be the best.