2020 Didn’t Fail Us Completely: 6 Reasons We Love the New BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe
Connie Peters
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The BMW 228i xDrive Gran Coupe style is on point
BMW brought us the 228i xDrive Gran Coupe as its a new entry-level four-door sedan in 2020, and this car is so good that it’ll make you want to forgive all the other bad things this year heaped onto our plates. Well… maybe not quite everything.
The xDrive model is all-wheel-drive standard with a 2.0L twin-turbo 4 cylinder engine that boasts 302 horsepower and 258 lb-ft torque, so it’s comfortable and fun.
All I had to do was browse through my bright photos of this car to realize I loved so much about the 228i XDrive Gran Coupe. I had to narrow it down for you, so here are six of the top reasons!
Related: 2020 BMW X6: Where Sporty Meets Coupe with a Touch of Luxury
The Model M Sport adds sporty visual and driving upgrades. ?: Connie Peters
1. The M Sport Touches
With the Premium Excellence Package and M Sport Plus Package, you get the M touches on the door sill, steering and steering wheel, sport suspension, sport brakes, and an aerodynamics package. My favorite of all of this was the painted blue brake calipers. I think painted calipers just make a car look super sporty, especially on these 19″ wheels.
A lower suspension, the trunk deck lid, frameless doors, dual exhaust and coupe-style roofline all shout ‘sport sedan’. This car can stand still and still give the impression of going fast.
Some may find the trunk and rear end to be a weird shape, not quite coupe and not quite a sedan, but I personally think it fits perfectly on this car.
There is no compromise in the new BMW 228i xDrive Gran Coupe. ?: Connie Peters
2. That high-gloss black kidney grille
It’s a little extra ($250) for the grille and this gorgeous Melbourne Red Metallic paint (USD $550 / CAD $895), but I feel like it’s completely worth the look!
While all BMWs have the Kidney shaped grille, this red and black combination is sharp and unique. Again: it just screams sporty luxury.
Related: What the 2020 BMW X5 M (and Competition Edition) Is All About
The interior is as sharp as the exterior styling. ?: Connie Peters
3. Modern luxury = technology
Dual digital displays mean everything is custom, and the touchscreen is nice and big, easily within reach of the driver. The infotainment offers wireless Apple CarPlay, but no Android Auto just yet.
Wireless charging, a Harman/Kardon sound system, and head-up display are all part of the Premium Excellence Package as well, so I wouldn’t go without this $8,750. It also includes things like the heated steering wheel, sport transmission with paddle shifters, lumbar support, adaptive full LED headlights and a WiFi hotspot! Seriously—if you’re going to opt for this car, you’re going to want to splurge.
Yes, it even has a digital key option, where you can use your smartphone as a fob to lock and unlock.
See? Fully tech loaded!
I love the blue brake calipers! ?: Connie Peters
4. Panoramic sunroof in a sedan? Yes!
The giant sunroof allows a lot of light within the cabin, making it feel larger. While it’s roomy to begin with, the added light works wonders. Even adults in the rear seat will feel a little more comfortable because of that extra natural glow.
Related: Meet the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe: Buh-bye Mom Car, Hello BMW M235i
The rear styling is really all that. ?: Connie Peters
5. But what about advanced safety?
Yes! Opt for the Premium Excellence Package and you’ll get adaptive cruise control and parking assistant in addition to the standard forward-collision warning, lane-keeping, speed limit assist, and rear collision warning. For me, those features are non-negotiable.
I could see myself owning this car. ?: Connie Peters
6. It’s just so comfortable
Not only are the seats (sport seats!) comfortable, but the car handles well and is fun to drive. And one of my favorites: it just fits. It fits in any parking space, parking lot, and is comfortable to drive and handle in every way. It’s as comfortable to drive as it is to maneuver.
Starting USD $37,700 / CAD $42,500, then add the Premium Excellence package, M Sport Plus Package, and the metallic paint and high gloss black kidney grille, and as driven this 228i xDrive Gran Coupe is USD $50,195 / CAD $53,395 before delivery. It’s important to note that packages and naming conventions are not exactly the same in the US as in Canada (as tested).
Who’s this car for?
This compact size is perfect for a small family or a city dweller who wants the luxury of BMW and a little bit of feel of their performance lineup. I loved how agile it felt to handle and drive, and I always love a compact size for parking lots and urban living. I can see myself owning this car!
Full disclosure: The BMW 228i xDrive was provided by BMW Canada for this review. All opinions are my own.