There was a time when coupes came only with two doors but these days, the same sleek profile can be maintained even with four doors, and the new 218i Gran Coupe M Sport is a fine example of this. The compact model in the 2-Series family was launched today with a pricetag of RM211,367.00 (excluding insurance) and because it is assembled locally, there is full exemption of the 10% sales tax till the end of the year.
The 218i Gran Coupe M Sport has a newly-designed 3-dimensional mesh single-unit kidney grille that is complemented by slim, slanted LED headlights and LED foglights. Its sits low to the road with flared wheelarches and 18-inch M light alloy wheels in double-spoke style 819 M Bicolour within them.
At the rear end are slim wraparound LED taillights connected by a high-gloss black band. The new Gran Coupe also comes equipped with the M Aerodynamics package as a standard, along with the BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line.
1.5-litre 3-cylinder engine
Under the bonnet is a transversely-mounted 1.5-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine produces 140 bhp/220 Nm. Its small displacement offers the best of both worlds – a claimed 8.7-second acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h and a top speed of 213 km/h, with fuel consumption said to be up to almost 17 kms per litre. A 7-speed Steptronic double-clutch transmission is standard, delivering power to the front wheels.
Drawing on its decades of expertise in driving dynamics, the BMW engineers have ensured that the Gran Coupe offers the sort of performance expected of BMWs. A key contributor 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.
Modern sporty cockpit
In keeping with the exterior appearance, the cockpit is sportily themed and appointed. There’s a multifunction M leather-wrapped steering wheel, sport seats with Leather Dakota upholstery, and two-zone automatic air conditioning system. Illuminated trim finishers in Illuminated Boston and LED light sources via the Lights Package enhance cabin ambience.
BMW Live Cockpit Plus is composed of an analogue speedometer and tachometer which provides the driver with clear and immediate awareness of road speed and engine speed. The other operating information is displayed on a 5.1-inch, 4:3 portrait-format screen which displays information such as the status of the driver assistance systems and navigation instructions. This is complemented by an 8.8-inch touchscreen control display which can also be managed by the iDrive controller.
The compact dimensions of the Gran Coupe limit boot volume and a maximum of 430 litres is available (but 40 litres more than the 2-Series Coupe). Long items can be stowed if the rear backrests are folded down.
BMW Driving Assistants
The Gran Coupe has three assistance systems – 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 standard, along with the Active Park Distance Control and a lateral parking aid.
There are five colour choices – Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Snapper Rock Blue, Storm Bay, and Melbourne Red – but the interior is only available in black Leather Dakota upholstery with blue and black highlights.
As with other new BMWs sold through authorised dealers, the 218i Gran Coupe M Sport comes with BMW Group Malaysia’s Premium Ownership benefits such as a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty with Free Scheduled Service Programme, Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline, Loyalty+ Mobile App – BMW Privileges Card and BMW Service Online.
