BMW Malaysia have launched the first ever 218i Gran Coupé for RM211,367 at an event in Kuala Lumpur today. It is available at all BMW showrooms nationwide or can be booked online for RM1,000.
The 2 Gran Coupé is the 2nd model in the renewed 2 Series family. The first generation of 2 Series products consisted of the 2 Series Coupé, Convertible in rear-wheel drive setups along with the 2 Series Active Tourer and 2 Series Gran Tourer in front-wheel drive setups. This new family of 2 Series products are built on the BMW UKL2 platform, which is front-wheel drive in its base configuration. This allows for better interior packaging, resulting in 430L of boot space. Here are some other vehicles that share its bones:
- Mini Clubman (F54) (2016–present)
- BMW 2 Series Active Tourer (F45) (2014–present)
- BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer (F46) (2015–present)
- BMW X1 (F48) (2015–present)
- BMW X2 (F39) (2017–present)
- Zinoro 60H (F48) (2017–present) – China
- Mini Countryman (F60) (2017–present)
- BMW 1 Series Sedan (F52) (2017–present) – China
- BMW 1 Series (F40) (2019–present)
The 2 Series Gran Coupé goes up against the yet-to-be-launched 2nd-generation Mercedes-Benz CLA. The 218i Gran Coupé is configured with a 3-cylinder B38 petrol engine that sends power to the front wheels via a 7-speed dual clutch automatic. The motor produces 140 horsepower and 220Nm of torque and gives the 218i GC a 0-100km/h sprint time of 8.7 seconds.
To counter the ‘understeer’ encountered in front-wheel drive setups, BMW have ARB technology (near-actuator wheel slip limitation). The ARB technology features a slip control system positioned directly in the engine control unit which results in shorter signal paths, with reduced engine output as soon as there is a threat of wheel slip on the front wheels.
In Malaysia it comes with the following features:
- M Sport bodykit
- M Sport Leather Seats
- Leather Dakota Upholstery
- M Sport steering wheel
- M Sport carpets
- M Sport door sills
- M Sport suspension
- 18” M Light Alloy Wheels in double-spoke style 819 M Bicolour
- M Aerodynamics package as standard
- BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line package
- Hands-free powered boot
- 2-zone auto climate control
- BMW Live Cockpit Plus with analogue dials and 5.1” display
- 8.8” infotainment unit
- Wireless charging
- BMW Digital Key
The 218i Gran Coupé also gets a host of Advanced Driver Assist Systems. These include:
Driving Assistant
- Lane Change Warning
- Crossing Traffic Warning (rear)
- Rear Collision Warning
- Speed Limit Assist
- Lane Departure Warning with active steering intervention
- Forward Collision Warning with brake intervention function
Parking Assistant
- Active Park Distance Control
- Lateral Parking Aid
Reversing Assistant
It is available in the following colours:
- Alpine White
- Black Sapphire
- Snapper Rock Blue
- Storm Bay
- Melbourne Red
All exterior colours are paired with Leather Dakota upholstery with black and blue highlights.
What do you think of the 218i Gran Coupé? Is really the most beautiful car of 2020 or would you rather be seen in a 3 Series?
