First Look: 2025 BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe Gets an Appealing Makeover

More power, more technology and an updated design. What’s not to like? At least that’s what the Bavarian automaker is betting potential buyers will discover about the 2025 BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe. Here’s a first look.

As the smallest BMW offering in the U.S. market, the 2-Series is the heir to the Bavarian automaker’s legendary 2002 line, offering a sporty option for a reasonably affordable price tag. The Gran Coupe package offers the benefit of four doors – though the design of the original package was controversial, to say the least.

With the launch of the second-generation 2-Series Gran Coupe BMW is hoping to enhance the car’s appeal and buck the U.S. market’s massive shift from sedans and coupes to SUVs and CUVs.

While we’ll have to wait a while to get behind the wheel of the 2025 BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe these first images and specs suggest there should be a lot to like.

2-Series v 2-Series Gran Coupe

BMW’s peculiar nomenclature can get confusing, so, here’s a primer. The automaker’s odd model designations are supposed to refer to four-door models, even numbers used for coupes and convertibles. Except it’s not always that simple. Gran Coupe models get an extra set of doors, as we see here.

Meanwhile, the 2-Series Gran Coupe isn’t a four-door version of the latest-generation 2-Series. That would be too easy. The true coupe was redesigned around a rear-wheel-drive platform. The 2025 2-Series Gran Coupe sticks with a front-wheel-drive architecture, just like the original model.

There have been some updates. The gen-2 package is nearly an inch longer overall, though it sticks with a 105.1-inch wheelbase. Meanwhile, its roofline is lowered by about an inch. The overall look is a bit leaner and more athletic.

Powertrain

The Gran Coupe’s drivetrain is, essentially, a carryover from the original model – though BMW did make some useful upgrades to the 2.0-liter inline turbo-four to boost from 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet to 241 hp and 295 lb-ft. On the all-wheel-drive xDrive package that delivers a factory-rated 0-60 launch of 5.8 seconds, about 0.2 seconds quicker than before.

Unlike the 2-door, rear-drive 2-Series, the Gran Coupe doesn’t offer a true M model. We get the somewhat downgraded M235. But there’s still plenty to like. Horsepower jumps to 312 – though torque actually dips a bit from the previous 332 lb-ft rating to 295. Nonetheless, the 2025 model still manages to cut launch times by 0.1 seconds to 4.7, BMW claims.

Both packages see the turbo-four engine paired with a new 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. It replaces the 2024 model’s 8-speed automatic.

At launch, all versions of the 2025 BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe will deliver power to all four wheels. A front-drive model is in the works for next year.

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Updated design, inside and out

The 2025 BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe’s revised dimensions are wrapped in new sheet metal. The overall look won’t surprise those already familiar with the compact model but should help assuage critics who felt the original package was rather awkward in design.

The exterior updates include a fresh take on the iconic BMW double-kidney grille – which avoids the controversial approach the automaker took with the latest 4-Series. There are larger air intakes and the rear adopts new, LED taillights – perhaps the feature likely to generate the most debate. A “2” on the requisite BMW Hoffmeister kink clearly identifies what you’re looking at. Buyers, meanwhile, will have a choice of 18- and 19-inch alloy wheels shod with either all-season, summer or performance rubber.

Inside, meanwhile, the Gran Coupe gets a number of welcome updates. That includes new seats – including the sportier buckets used for the M235. The automaker has largely replaced leather with sustainable fabrics, something it expects to appeal to the younger buyers the 2-Series Gran Coupe is targeting. There’s also a new steering wheel and a single-glass display panel that covers a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster and 10.7-inch infotainment screen.

Technology

BMW has long been an advocate of digital technology but the steering wheel now features hard controls for various vehicle functions. And there is a dedicated strip of virtual buttons on the button of the touchscreen for climate controls.

The screen, the de rigueur iDrive controller on the center console, and voice controls all can be used to interact with BMW’s latest OS 9 operating system.

There’s now Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the ability to integrate with the Apple Watch and BMW’s Digital key. All are standard, as are a wireless charging pad and the BMW Live Cockpit Plus. The Professional system, with its cloud-based mapping, is optional.

Improved driving dynamics

The 2025 BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe includes an extensive list of advanced driver assistance systems, such as forward collision warning, blind-spot detection, speed limit recognition, and lane keeping assistance. Surprisingly, active cruise control remains an option, as is Traffic Jam Assist.

Some critics found the original Gran Coupe short on the sort o driving dynamics that normally define the BMW brand. The automaker claims to have taken steps to upgrade the ride with the gen-2 model.

For one thing, the BMW M Adaptive Suspension come standard with the 2025 4-door. Drivers can use the mode control to adjust damper settings.

The new model also has a more rigid chassis and upgraded suspension components, BMW promises.

Pricing and availability

Look for the first of the 2025 BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe models to arrive in U.S. showrooms by next March. The all-wheel-drive models will come first, the front-drive package expected to follow late in the year.

Pricing will start at $42,775 – including destination fees – for the 228 xDrive, and $50,675 for the M235 xDrive. The front-drive package, when available, should come in at $40,775.