There are few better things to look forward to than driving a new car, and should you act quickly you could be one of the first to sample BMW’s all-new 2 Series Gran Coupé.
Sharing a platform with the 1 Series hatchback, the Gran Coupé is a more spacious alternative to the regular 2 Series, and with models arriving in showrooms at the start of March, now is a perfect time to sign up to test drive one.
Here’s five key reasons you should try the new model…
Experience the performance
We’re yet to get behind the wheel of the new 2 Series Gran Coupé, though if you’re looking to experience performance at an affordable price – the sporty M235i xDrive version looks set to deliver.
It’s the only all-wheel-drive 2 Series Gran Coupé available in the current line-up, and features a powerful 2.0-litre petrol engine producing 302bhp and 450Nm of torque – enabling a 0-60mph time of 4.7 seconds and a top speed limited to 155mph. While you’re not going to be able to experience speeds over 60mph, it’s worth seeing just how rapid this version of the 2 Series is.
Get to spend 24 hours behind the wheel
The new 2 Series Gran Coupé may not have landed in BMW showrooms just yet, though when it does next month you’ll be able to spend 24 hours behind the wheel of one thanks to the firm’s generous 24-hour test drive offer.
It’s an ideal opportunity to be able to see how the new model slots into your life, and is a far lengthier test drive than those typically offered from rival manufacturers. Please note that test drives will be offered at the dealer’s discretion and are subject to terms and conditions.
Try the advanced safety aids
Driver assistance features were previously only available on the top-of-the-line models, but they’re filtering down to more affordable models – including the 2 Series Gran Coupé.
It’s worth getting behind the wheel to put some of these features to the test. Highlights include the adaptive cruise control with the ‘Stop&Go’ function – meaning the safety aids can bring the car to a complete stop, before setting off again without the need to press any pedals.
Put the self-parking function through its paces
While some of us love to think that we’re amazing at parking, there are plenty of us that struggle – particularly if spaces are narrow and vision is limited. But offered on the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé is your own semi-autonomous ‘Park Assistant’, which also includes the ‘Reversing Assistant’. If you’ve never experienced a car parking itself, get behind the wheel of this new model to see how it works for yourself.
This BMW also packs another feature, which many other models don’t come with and that’s the ability to be able to reverse out of parking spaces. It works by storing the car’s steering movements for the past 50m, and then being able to reverse along the same line.
Sample BMW’s own Intelligent Personal Assistant
You’re more than likely used to using ‘Hey Siri’ (or similar) on your phone and Alexa in your home, and now you’re also able to use these voice assistants in your car.
Available on mid-spec M Sport 2 Series Gran Coupés and upwards is the larger 10.25-inch touchscreen with BMW’s own ‘Intelligent Personal Assistant’ that can answer a whole host of questions and commands. Say ‘Hey BMW, I’m cold’, and it will turn the heaters up, while you can also ask it about what the car’s oil level is, as well as questions such as ‘How does the high beam assistant work?’.
