By Muhammed Hashim 
- The 2025 BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe gets more powerful engines and grows in height and length.
- North American models get M Sport styling as standard, as well as Adaptive M Suspension.
- A 7-speed dual-clutch transmission replaces the 8-speed auto as the only transmission option.
BMW recently announced a shakeup of its design team — that means that this, the all-new 2025 BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe, could be the last in its line of polarizing designs. If you can get past the Kia-a-like looks, and the new 2025MY 2 Series promises more power, more tech, and quite a few more options as standard.
We say all-new, but in reality, the 2025 BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe is a heavily revised version of the outgoing model — much like its European-bound 1-Series hatchback cousin. Under the skin, much stays the same, with the car retaining its predecessor’s underpinnings. But with bigger dimensions, a new interior, a standard dual-clutch transmission, and more reliance on making BMW M parts the defacto option, there’s still much to unpack here.
No More ‘i’ But More Power
The base 228—which drops the “i” that has been present on petrol BMWs since time immemorial—now gets a slightly more potent offering. 241 hp (244 PS / 180 kW) is offered as standard versus the 228 hp (231 PS / 170 kW) available on the outgoing car. The 228 will be available in both xDrive all-wheel drive and sDrive front-wheel drive configurations, the latter coming a little later in mid-2025.
Those who want more power can opt for the M235 xDrive, which features a 312hp engine. Both the 228 and the M235 offer identical torque figures, with peak torque of 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) available between 2,000 and 4,500 rpm. That’s an increase of 14 percent over the outgoing 228i, but an 11 percent drop from the 332 lb-ft of torque offered in the 2024 M325i xDrive.
Related: The New BMW 1-Series Looks Like A Kia That Wants To Be A BMW
The 2025 BMW 228 and M235 models feature essentially the same engine in two different states of tune—a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo lump codenamed the B48A20O2. The new engine is a development of a familiar one from the BMW stable, now with a revised combustion system, direct and port injection, and a Miller combustion cycle. It’s also the same powerplant that serves in the 2025 Mini John Cooper Works Countryman.
7 Speed Dual Clutch Replaces 8 Speed Auto
Another big change is the ditching of the venerable eight-speed torque converter auto. Power is now handled by a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission across the board. The new transmission promises quicker shifts, while M-Sport-equipped vehicles get a “Sport Boost” function, which primes the powertrain and chassis settings for maximum attack when you pull and hold the left shift paddle.
The 2025 BMW 228 Gran Coupe xDrive will cover the 0-60 mph sprint in 5.8 seconds — half a second quicker than the outgoing model. The M235 xDrive drops that down to 4.7 seconds, which is 0.1 seconds slower than the outgoing car. Both models are limited to a top speed of 130 mph, or 155 mph if optioned with performance tires.
Continuing with the sporty theme, Adaptive M Suspension is now standard across the range. However, if you’re not out to set lap times and would prefer something about pliant for everyday use, you can specify “conventional” suspension at no added cost.
The Styling
Ah, yes, the styling. Well, when the 1-Series was revealed earlier this year, we knew the 2-Series Gran Coupe would follow in its Kia-a-like footsteps. The addition of a boot to the design doesn’t really play down the problems.
If we had to pick a positive, then it would be that the Hoffmeister Kink is present and correct — a little BMW design detail had been threatening to exit stage left as it’s been pared down in recent models. The grille? Well, BMW would like you to know that it’ll be available in illuminated “Iconic” form as an option for this generation. Oh, goody.
Read: BMW’s Future Cars Will Break Free From Cookie-Cutter Designs
All 2025 2-Series Gran Coupes will feature M Tech styling as standard in the US, which includes the more aggressive front and rear bumpers. The M235 can be distinguished by quad tailpipes. There are plenty of colors on offer, including two “BMW Individual” frozen finishes, while some colors can be optioned with a contrasting black roof.
Although M Sport styling is now standard, keen to get you to tick those option boxes, the new 2 Series Gran Coupe can be optioned with the “M Sport Package,” which adds M Shadowline Lights (think darkened lights), a rear spoiler, and extended Shadowline trim. Eighteen-inch alloys come as standard, while other designs and an upgrade to 19-inch rims are optional — as are all-season, summer, and high-performance tire choices.
The compact sedan has grown slightly for 2025. The wheelbase (105.1 inches) and width (70.9 inches) stay the same, but the car’s overall length is now up by 0.7 inches to 179.2 inches, while the height has been increased by one inch to 56.9.
New Interior With More Tech
BMW says the base 228 will now get more tech, with a 12-speaker Harmon/Kardon premium sound system, cloud-based live navigation, keyless entry, wireless device charging, and auto-dimming interior and exterior mirrors all coming standard. You’ll also be able to unlock all variants of the 2025 2 Series Gran Coupe with your Apple or Android phone or Apple watch. The new BMW Curved Display grants more tech via a 10.25-inch screen in front of the driver and a 10.7-inch panel connected. It runs on iDrive 9 with QuickSelect and can be upgraded over the air.
The rest of the interior is now leather-free as standard—if you want cowhide, you’ll have to option in the leather-wrapped M Sport steering wheel. The seats are “sports seats” (but not M Sport seats, those are extra) as standard, while for the first time on the 2-Series, you can get massage and lumbar functions.
How Much Will it Cost?
The 2025 BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe will start at $39,600, plus a $1,175 destination and handling fee—for the two-wheel-drive 228i sDrive. Oh, and you’ll have to wait until the middle of 2025 to get your hands on it.
If you’re impatient—or prefer all-wheel drive—then the 228i xDrive will hit showrooms a few months earlier in March 2025, starting at $41,600 plus a $1,175 destination and handling fee. Move up to the 312-hp M235i xDrive Gran Coupe, and you’re looking at $49,500 plus the same $1,175 destination fee, also available in March. In both cases, prices are up $1,200 compared to the outgoing 2024 model.