BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé: F44 generation, engines and trims
BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé — a four-door, coupé-styled compact car built on a front-wheel-drive platform. We review the F44 generation, popular engines, trim levels, and what to look out for when buying a used model.
Gran Coupé at a glance
The Gran Coupé is BMW's answer to the growing demand for compact sedans with a coupé silhouette. It's a four-door model featuring a lower roofline, which introduced front-wheel drive to the BMW compact class for the very first time.
This model targets buyers who prioritize styling and BMW driving dynamics without needing a full-sized sedan. Rear-seat legroom and boot space are tighter than in a BMW 3 Series, but it's well-suited for urban driving and small families.
Which version to buy
Currently, only a single generation is available on the used market — the F44, launched around the turn of 2019–2020. The majority of cars on the market date from 2020–2023, with later refreshed versions benefiting from updated styling and tech.
If value and fuel economy are your top priorities, look out for the 216d, 218i or 218d in Sport Line or Luxury Line specs. If you prefer a sportier drive, the M235i xDrive packs a punch with a more powerful engine and all-wheel drive.
Trim levels and standard equipment vary significantly by market, so always verify the exact spec sheet of the specific car you're looking at.
Engines and transmissions
The most common engines are the 216d, 218d, and 220d diesels, along with the 218i and 220i petrols. Entry-level petrols are three-cylinder units, while the more powerful versions are turbocharged four-cylinders.
The sportiest version is the M235i xDrive with a 2.0 l four-cylinder turbo engine producing around 300 hp and all-wheel drive.
Gearboxes include manual or automatic. Some versions use a dual-clutch transmission, while others feature the traditional hydromechanical Steptronic automatic.
What to check when buying a used Gran Coupé
Test the automatic transmission: shifts should be smooth, without jerking or hesitation. Dual-clutch transmissions can behave a bit differently at low speeds compared to a traditional automatic, so an urban test drive is also recommended.
Check that all electronic features work—the iDrive system, cameras, parking sensors. This is a relatively new car, so it's important to verify that all manufacturer recalls have been carried out.
Inspect the alloy wheels and tyres: some versions feature low-profile tyres which tend to wear out faster.
Trim levels
Names and equipment vary by market and year; we list the trims most commonly found in Europe.
Advantage
F44Base trim with essential equipment.
- Alloy wheels
- Often features automatic climate control
- Often features LED headlights
Sport Line
F44Sportier exterior look and interior details.
- Special sporty styling details
- Sports seats
- Often — black trim details
Luxury Line
F44A more elegant, comfort-focused version.
- Chrome trim and special alloy wheels
- Often — leather or high-quality interior
- Often — additional comfort systems
M Sport
F44M Sport package with a more aggressive look.
- M aerodynamic package
- M sports steering wheel and seats
- Often — sportier suspension
M235i xDrive
F44The sportiest version, with a powerful engine.
- Powerful 2.0 l turbo engine, around 300 hp
- xDrive all-wheel drive
- Special M Performance details
Trim comparison
| Sport Line | Luxury Line | M Sport | M235i xDrive | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Who it suits | For a sporty look | For comfort and looks | For dynamic driving | For enthusiasts |
| Wheels (usually) | 17–18 col. | 17–18 col. | 18–19 col. | 19 col. |
| Engine | 1.5–2.0, diesel or petrol | 1.5–2.0, diesel or petrol | 2.0, petrol or diesel | 2.0 turbo, around 300 AG |
| Used-market price (relative) | €€ | €€ | €€ | €€€ |
Most buyers will be well-served by the Sport Line or Luxury Line with the 218i or 218d engine. Choose M Sport for the looks, or the M235i xDrive if you're looking for a truly fast and dynamic car.
Pros
- Striking coupé styling
- Engaging handling and a robust chassis
- High-quality, well-appointed interior
- Extensive choice of engines and trim levels
Cons
- Rear seats and boot space are tighter than in the 3 Series
- Front-wheel drive isn't to every BMW fan's taste
- Commands a higher price on the used market than standard compact saloons
Frequently asked questions
Does the Gran Coupé have front- or rear-wheel drive?
Most versions are front-wheel drive, while more powerful variants, such as the M235i, are offered with xDrive all-wheel drive. This model does not feature traditional rear-wheel drive.
Is the Gran Coupé a good family car?
For one or two children, yes, but the rear roofline is lower than the sedan's, so taller adults will find it cramped. Families with greater space requirements should look at the 3 Series or Active Tourer.
How does the Gran Coupé differ from the 2 Series Coupé?
The Gran Coupé is a four-door, front-wheel-drive model that shares its platform with the 1 Series, whereas the 2 Series Coupé is a two-door, predominantly rear-wheel-drive car.
Updated 2026-10-17 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically





























