The idea of a three-cylinder car with front-wheel drive seemed unthinkable a few decades ago. But here we are in 2025 and BMW now offers several models with a formula that would never accept die -hard fans. The 2 -series -Gran Coupé is already in its second generation, which is based on basics that a purist could not have imagined in the 2000s, let alone in the past century. But the smallest limousine of Bavaria is not on traditionalists. It is a volume-oriented model that is aimed at customers who are looking for an entry-level luxury.
Once again, BMW built the 2 Series Gran Coupé with an M -Performance version. However, we are not here to talk about the spicy M235. New pictures from South Africa show a more modest 218, which is equipped with a small 1.5-liter petrol engine. The three -cylinder with turbocharging is the entry point to the BMW sedan, although some markets, including the United States, are not preserved this engine, which is also used in minis. In the USA, the “F74” is a strictly cylinder matter.
These press recordings show that you can also adapt a base -bmw sedan extensively. The compact four-door base shown in Fire Red has an M-sports package and a fully suspected kidney grid. It skipped the standard 17-inch wheels in favor of an 18-inch set, although buyers can choose even larger ones. This Mercedes Cla -Rival is essentially a limousine version of the latest 1 series slot and looks more far than its predecessor.
While the exterior is a clear improvement, we are less convinced of the cabin. Call us old -fashioned, but we will miss the iDrive controller and the physical buttons for climatic rollers. Analog dials are also an old pastime that we would like to have back. There is more plastic than we prefer in a luxury car, although we understand that the 2 Series Gran Coupé occupies the entry position in the BMW set-up.
For more premium interior, BMW offers no fewer than four larger limousines (3.5, 7 and 8 series), provided that your budget allows this. We could just as well say that five limousines, although the 4 Series Gran Coupé is technically a five -door buoyancy. The 8er dies. So if you want one, hurry when production ends in 2026.
With only 154 hp and an automatic transmission, this 218 GC does not use your pulse races. On the other hand, the limousine or Mercedes CLA versions of the lower level are also Audi A3. There are these cars to introduce younger buyers to the luxury segment. Car manufacturers want people to upgrade to higher models when their career and income grow. The 2 -series -Gran Coupé also plays a key role in maintaining its leadership in the Premium segment.
Photos: BMW South Africa
