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The 2024 BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe starts at $38,400 for the 228-hp 228i sDrive, while the 302-hp M235i xDrive clocks 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds and starts at $48,300[1]. BMW’s entry-level sedan delivers quick acceleration, generous tech for the money, and three years of complimentary maintenance—but rides on a front-drive platform that doesn’t match the balanced feel of pricier BMWs[2].
Why the 2024 Gran Coupe Matters
BMW designed this car to pull buyers into the brand without a $50k+ commitment. No changes appeared for 2024—just a modest price bump from 2023[2]. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. The platform debuted in 2020 and remains competitive against the 2024 Audi A3 and Mercedes CLA.
Here’s what sets it apart from other 2-Series cars: the Gran Coupe shares its underpinnings with Mini, not traditional rear-drive BMWs[2]. That gives you four doors and a lower entry price, but different handling character than the 2024 BMW 2-Series Coupe or 3-Series sedan. For shoppers prioritizing the BMW badge and practical packaging over driving purity, the Gran Coupe fills that gap well.
2024 BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe Specifications
| Specification | 228i sDrive | 228i xDrive | M235i xDrive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L Turbo Inline-4 | 2.0L Turbo Inline-4 | 2.0L M Turbo Inline-4 |
| Horsepower | 228 hp @ 5,000 rpm | 228 hp @ 5,000 rpm | 302 hp @ 5,000 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1,450 rpm | 258 lb-ft @ 1,450 rpm | 332 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-Speed Automatic | 8-Speed Automatic | 8-Speed Automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD | AWD |
| 0-60 mph | 6.2 sec (Edmunds) | 5.1 sec (C/D) | 4.6 sec |
| EPA Combined MPG | 28 | 27 | 26 |
| Cargo Volume | 12 cu ft | 12 cu ft | 12 cu ft |
| Base MSRP | $38,400 | $40,400 | $48,300 |
Performance and Driving Experience
Edmunds tested the 228i at 6.2 seconds to 60 mph—comparable to the Audi A3 and Mercedes CLA[3]. Car and Driver pushed the 228i xDrive harder and saw 5.1 seconds[2]. Real-world? Expect something in between depending on conditions and how hard you’re willing to floor it off the line.
The M235i xDrive changes everything. BMW claims 4.6 seconds to 60 mph, and that’s conservative based on previous testing[1]. At 302 horsepower, it punches above its price class. The problem? You’re looking at $48,300 before options—deep into 3-Series territory.
That front-drive platform shows up in corners. Car and Driver calls the handling “playful” but notes it “lacks handling finesse of its larger stablemates”[2]. Translation: it’s fun, it’s nimble, but if you’ve driven a real rear-drive BMW, you’ll feel what’s missing. The car wants to push wide on hard turn-in instead of rotating neutrally. For daily commuting and occasional spirited runs, most buyers won’t care. For weekend canyon carving, look at the standard 2-Series Coupe instead.
The ride? Firm. Both Edmunds and Car and Driver flag the stiff suspension as a weak point[2][3]. On smooth pavement that translates to responsiveness. On pothole-ridden city streets, you’ll feel every crack.
Trim Levels and Pricing Breakdown
| Trim | 2024 MSRP | Key Standard Features |
|---|---|---|
| 228i sDrive | $38,400 | FWD, 228 hp, BMW Curved Display (10.25″ + 10.7″), wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, navigation |
| 228i xDrive | $40,400 | AWD, all 228i features |
| M235i xDrive | $48,300 | 302 hp, AWD, M Sport brakes, M Sport suspension, 18″ M wheels, leather |
Edmunds recommends the base 228i sDrive for most buyers—it packs strong standard equipment and respectable performance for the money[3]. Adding $2,000 for xDrive makes sense in snow states. But here’s the thing: you’ll want heated front seats, and those require the Premium Package.
Options stack up quickly. The Premium Package adds heated seats, lumbar support, and a panoramic sunroof. A wireless charging pad costs extra. So does the Harman Kardon stereo. Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go runs another $950[2]. Plan your build carefully—a loaded 228i can approach M235i pricing.
Interior and Technology
BMW’s curved display setup dominates the dashboard. A 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster pairs with a 10.7-inch central touchscreen angled toward the driver[1]. The iDrive 7 system runs both, and it’s intuitive once you get used to it. Navigation comes standard. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work without fuss[1].
What the spec sheet doesn’t tell you: the cabin feels more expensive than its price suggests. Ambient lighting runs through the dashboard and door panels. Material quality matches larger BMWs. Compared to the Audi A3, the BMW’s interior holds up well—Edmunds calls the A3’s interior “remarkable although it’s showing its age”[3].
The catch? Back seat headroom. That sloping Gran Coupe roofline looks good but eats into space for taller passengers[2][3]. Front occupants sit comfortably. Rear occupants over 5’10” will feel cramped on longer trips.
Cargo capacity is modest at 12 cubic feet[2]. Car and Driver fit five carry-on suitcases with the seats up and 14 with them folded[2]. That’s enough for grocery runs and weekend road trips but nothing more.
Fuel Economy
EPA estimates place the 228i sDrive at 24 mpg city, 34 highway, and 28 combined[1]. Adding xDrive drops those to 23/33/27. The M235i xDrive rates 24/33/26 despite its extra 74 horsepower[2].
Real-world results beat the window sticker. Car and Driver recorded 37 mpg from both the 228i xDrive and M235i xDrive on their 200-mile highway loop[2]. That’s roughly 480 miles of highway range from the tank—solid for a turbocharged luxury car. Premium fuel required.
Safety Ratings
The 2024 BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe earned “Good” ratings in all six IIHS crash tests: frontal impact, side impact, roof strength, and head restraint performance[4]. Both the standard and optional collision prevention systems received “Superior” ratings for crash avoidance[4].
Pedestrian detection works well in testing. IIHS showed the car avoided collisions at 12 mph and significantly reduced impact speed at 25 mph in both crossing and parallel adult scenarios[4]. But here’s the kicker: no Top Safety Pick designation. The headlights received “Marginal” and “Poor” ratings depending on configuration, which disqualifies the car from IIHS’s top awards[4].
Standard safety features include automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist[2].
Competitor Comparison
| Spec | 2024 BMW 228i | 2024 Audi A3 | 2024 Mercedes CLA 250 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base MSRP | $38,400 | ~$36,000 | ~$44,350 |
| Horsepower | 228 hp | 201 hp | 221 hp |
| 0-60 mph (tested) | 6.2 sec | ~6.3 sec | ~6.3 sec |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD opt.) | FWD (AWD opt.) | FWD (AWD opt.) |
| Cargo Volume | 12 cu ft | 10 cu ft | 11 cu ft |
| Free Maintenance | 3 years | 1 year | None |
Edmunds notes the Audi A3’s ride is more livable than the Gran Coupe’s[3]. The Mercedes CLA shares a similar front-drive architecture but costs nearly $6,000 more at base[3]. Where BMW separates itself: three years of complimentary scheduled maintenance versus Audi’s one year and Mercedes’s zero[2]. That’s oil changes, brake fluid flushes, and inspections covered for 36,000 miles—real money saved.
Ownership and Reliability
BMW backs the Gran Coupe with a four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, four years of roadside assistance, and three years or 36,000 miles of scheduled maintenance[2][3]. Edmunds owners rate the 2024 model 4.3 out of 5 stars, praising acceleration and styling while flagging the firm ride[3].
Common BMW four-cylinder platform issues around 60,000-80,000 miles include oil filter housing gaskets, VANOS solenoids, and water pump replacements[5]. These aren’t cheap fixes at dealerships but are manageable at independent shops. The B48 engine shares architecture with Toyota products and has proven durable over time. For more context on BMW longevity, see what mileage BMWs start to break down.
Pros and Cons
What Works
- M235i xDrive delivers 302 hp and 4.6-second 0-60 times for under $50k—faster than many competitors costing thousands more[1]
- Three years of complimentary maintenance saves $1,500+ versus Audi and Mercedes, which cover less or nothing[2]
- BMW Curved Display brings tech from $60k+ models into a $38k package with standard wireless CarPlay and navigation[1]
- Real-world fuel economy hit 37 mpg highway in testing—480 miles of range per tank beats EPA estimates by a solid margin[2]
What Doesn’t
- Front-wheel-drive platform sacrifices handling balance and the “Ultimate Driving Machine” feel BMW built its reputation on[2][3]
- Rear headroom is tight for taller passengers—anyone over 5’10” will feel cramped on longer trips thanks to the sloping roofline[3]
- Firm suspension transmits road imperfections directly into the cabin, making the ride harsher than Audi A3 on rough surfaces[2][3]
- Headlights received only “Marginal” ratings from IIHS, blocking Top Safety Pick status that competitors can achieve[4]
FAQs
Is the 2024 BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe worth buying?
For buyers wanting the BMW badge without $50k+ commitment, yes. The Gran Coupe delivers strong acceleration, premium interior quality, and three years of free maintenance[2]. But if driving dynamics matter most, consider the rear-drive 2-Series Coupe or stretch to the 3-Series. The front-drive platform here feels different than traditional BMWs.
Should I buy the 228i or M235i xDrive?
Pick the 228i if you want value—it’s quick enough for daily driving and costs $10,000 less than the M235i. Choose the M235i xDrive if acceleration matters. That 302 hp and 4.6-second 0-60 time transforms the driving experience[1]. Both share the same interior and tech; the M235i adds leather, M Sport suspension, and bigger brakes.
How does the 2024 BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe compare to the Audi A3?
The BMW delivers 228 hp versus the A3’s 201 hp, which translates to quicker acceleration in real-world driving[2]. BMW’s three-year complimentary maintenance beats Audi’s one year. The Audi rides smoother and costs slightly less, but its interior is starting to show its age[3]. Both are solid choices—pick based on which interior layout and driving character appeals more.
Is the 2024 BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe reliable?
Early data suggests solid reliability. The B48 engine shares components with Toyota and has proven durable. Edmunds owners rate the car 4.3/5 stars[3]. Common BMW platform issues—oil filter housing gaskets, VANOS solenoids, water pumps—typically appear around 60,000-80,000 miles[5]. Budget for those repairs, and the car should serve well long-term.
References
- BMW of Mountain View. (2024). 2024 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe Specs & Features. https://www.bmwofmountainview.com/research/2024-bmw-2-series-gran-coupe.htm
- Car and Driver. (2024). 2024 BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe Review, Pricing, and Specs. https://www.caranddriver.com/bmw/2-series-gran-coupe-2024
- Edmunds. (2024). 2024 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe Prices, Reviews, and Pictures. https://www.edmunds.com/bmw/2-series-gran-coupe/2024/
- IIHS. (2024). 2024 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe 4-door sedan. https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/bmw/2-series-gran-coupe-4-door-sedan/2024
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Reddit r/whatcarshouldIbuy. (2022). BMW M235i Reliability.
BMW M235i Reliability
byu/25DannyBoy25 inwhatcarshouldIbuy
I am a senior automotive analyst at Autvex. Expert vehicle evaluations, in-depth reviews, and objective analysis helping readers make informed automotive decisions with years of industry experience.
