The BMW 2 series has been one of the confusing model ranges in the BMW lineup. On one hand, there is the Active Tourer variant of the 2-series that looks like a mini MPV, and on the other hand, there is the rear wheel drive sports coupé 2-series variant. And somewhere in the middle, sits the variant that we’ll be testing this time round, the 218i Gran Coupé. What makes the Gran Coupé even more confusing is that it’s a 4 door coupé, but it comes with a front wheel drive layout.
Since it was launched, I’ve always thought the 218i Gran Coupé is quite a handsome looking little car. The front of the car looks sleek, while the signature BMW kidney grille blends in well with the overall design. In order to reduce the aerodynamic drag, the front grille has the ability to be closed off so it creates a smooth surface for the air to flow across the front of the car. 
In terms of exterior lighting, both the headlights and taillights use LED technology to provide illumination. Even though BMW tries to stretch the taillights to make the rear of the car look wider, it’s hard to hide the fact that the rear actually looks a little bulbous in my opinion. My favorite thing about the 218i Gran Coupé is that it comes with frameless doors, which is a cool feature that is available on the entry level BMW. 
For the 2022 BMW 218i Gran Coupé, BMW has given it some minor updates on the interior. The 218i now comes with a larger 10.25 inch infotainment screen and instrument cluster, which is now powered by the BMW Operating System 7 that is similar to the higher level BMW. It now comes with features such as reverse assistant, while the graphics has been updated to match the current BMW iDrive look. Sadly, Android Auto and Apple Carplay is not made available for the 218i at the current moment. 
For the instrument cluster, it has also been updated with a sportier looking instrument cluster, but somehow, it looks smaller on the 218i. Other than that, the dashboard design of the 218i is that timeless BMW design, which is a familiar place for BMW owners. The materials used around the cabin are top notch, and it does come with a classy looking ambient lighting. But there are only 6 different colors for the driver to choose from for the ambient lighting. 
Since the 218i has been fitted with the M-performance kit, it adds on M-performance side step, M steering wheel, and sportier seats. The M steering wheel feels good in the hand, and it has quite a thick steering wheel rim to hold on to. Both the driver and front passenger get electrically operated sport seats, but the driver side of the seat has the ability to increase the size of the side bolster in order to keep the driver in place while driving. On the front passenger seat, there are now ISOFIX anchor points for vehicle owners to fit an additional child seat up front when needed. This means that the 218i comes with 3 ISOFIX anchor points when you include the 2 ISOFIX anchor points at the rear. 
The 218i may be one of the smallest BMW models, the front wheel drive layout does open up a sufficient amount of legroom and headroom space for rear passengers to get comfortable. The only struggle that I encounter with the rear seats is that getting in and out of it is a little clumsy as I find the rear doors are rather small. As for the boot space, the 218i comes with a deep 420L of boot space which can be further increased by folding down the rear seats. Under the boot floor, there are also additional storage compartments to store items since the 218i didn’t have any spare wheel available. 
Under the hood, the same 1.5L 3 cylinder turbocharged engine and the 7 speed dual clutch transmission found on the X1 is also powering the 218i. The 1.5L turbocharged engine has the ability to push 138bhp at 4,600 rpm, and a peak torque of 220 Nm at 1,480 rpm. The 218i can hit the century mark in 8.7 seconds, and to a top speed of 213 km/h. 
Performance wise, this engine has sufficient power to bring the 218i up to speed. Due to the enhanced capability of the 218i chassis, it does feel like the car can handle more power than what the 1.5L can produce. As for your day to day use, the engine has strong low end torque to keep up with traffic while still returning good fuel economy. As for the transmission, the 7 speed dual clutch transmission is smooth and precise as ever when shifting gears.
One thing that BMW has done right for the 218i is to enhance its handling capabilities by giving it the M-sport tune suspension. The suspension may be on the stiffer side, but it still rides over bumps and uneven roads satisfyingly. The suspension also works well with the 18 inch low profile tyres to provide maximum grip to keep the car planted in the corners. The handling characteristic on the 218i is so predictable, it gives the driver extra confidence to take corners at a much higher speed. 
For the braking performance, the brakes on the 218i are definitely up to the task to handle all the abuse that the driver is going to put the brakes through. In terms of safety, the 218i is equipped with a fairly decent amount of driver assistance systems. For the safety systems, the 218i is equipped with 6 airbags, ABS and Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Near-Actuator Wheel Slip Limitation (ARB) Technology, Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), Start-Off Assistant, Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC), and Performance Control. As for the advanced driver assistance systems, it includes Attentiveness Assistant, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Warning and Front Collision Warning with Brake Intervention, Crossing Traffic Warning Rear, Rear Collision Prevention, and Speed Limit Info.
At a price of RM 213,690.00, the 218i Gran Coupe is a car that scores top points in the styling department. The 218i Gran Coupe may not be a rear wheel drive BMW, but I think it’s still an easy and fun car to drive for those who want to experience the BMW brand at a lower price point. Personally, I think the 2-series needs more power to make an even more appealing car.
Check out full photo album here.
