Once upon a time in Mzansi, “driving” a 2 series meant that you didn’t have a car and you were a “journey walker”. Today, driving a 2 series means that you could be driving one of the finest cars in the market – the BMW 218i M Sport Gran Coupe.
But first, let’s talk about how 218i Gran Coupe looks
From the outside, the first thing that catches your attention immediately when you look at the BMW 218i Gran Coupe is the Misano Blue metallic. The colour is so unique and distinct. It is impossible not to notice the car.
From the front, the M Sport model puts its command for attention on another level. The day-time running LED headlights and fog lights just tells you that this is a modern-day car. The aerodynamics package with front apron, side skirts coupled with the BMW kidney grille gives the car a sportier look. It is fitted with 18″ M light double-spoke bicolour wheels.
The dynamic frameless doors complete the sporty profile.
In terms of the rear of the 218i Gran Coupe borrowed some of its looks from the 8 series. The long tail lights as they extend to the centre. In my view, the rear does not look as sexy as the front. It doesn’t have that thing.
Let’s get inside the BMW 218i Gran Coupe…
When you step inside the car, it’s like you are entering a whole new world, it looks like a mini spaceship, with a technologically advanced cockpit. You are also greeted by the large screen infotainment system and digital speedometer. The interior is exquitely designed, it has sport seats for driver and front passenger in cloth ‘Trigon’ Sensatec. At night, it’s got ambient lighting on the doors.
One of my favorite features in the car in the Harman Kardon sound system. It one of the best sound systems I have experienced in a car. Whether you are jamming to Amapiano or hip hop it delivers quality sound.
Over your head, you’ve got a panoramic sunroof that stretches all the way to the back. It is however optional.
The tech
If there is one word to describe the technology in the car, that word is impressive. The 218i Gran Coupe really boasts some cool technology features including the parking assistant, which is helpful for drivers who find parallel and perperndicular parking challenging. It also has a reverse assistant feature which stores the steering movements for any section the car has just driven forward along at no more than 36 km/h. The system is then able to steer the vehicle in reverse – for distances of up to 50 metres at a maximum 9 km/h – along exactly the same line it took when moving forward.
I also found the voice command, which is triggered by uttering the words “Hey BMW” very easy to use. It also has AppleCar Play, which automatically connects without a cable.
Check out my instagram reels on these cool features.
So how does the 218i Gran Coupe drive?
BMW has really delivered on its promise of Sheer Driving Pleasure with the 218 Gran Coupe. It is an absolute joy being behind the wheel of the 218i Gran Coupe. It equipped with a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine (103kW/ 220Nm), mated to a six-speed dual-clutch auto gearbox.
Acceleration = 8.7 seconds 0-100km/h.
Most die-hard BMW fans will be a bit disappointed to find out that the 218i is a front wheeler, however, if you have deeper pockets you may opt for the 235i or the 220d which are all-wheel drives. Nonetheless, it is a fun car to drive.
Is it spacious?
If you seating in the front seats there is enough leg-room. I found the rear seats not having sufficient space and I am not the tallest person. The sloping coupe roofline compromises headroom when the rear seats are occupied.
The 430-litre boot capacity is expandable, courtesy of 40:20:40 split flat-fold rear seats. There are a number of storage compartments for things like your phone, cup holders and side. I must say the storage is not that generous. Everything is just compact.
So how much does it costs?
The starting price for the BMW 218i Gran Coupe M Sport is R589 500. Book a test drive here.
Does it get a Pat or a Slap?
I thoroughly enjoyed testing the BMW 218i M Sport Gran Coupe and it gets Pat from. What do you think? Leave a comment down below.
Please check out my previous car reviews