BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe review - MPG, CO2 and running costs

With economical diesel engines, relatively low insurance costs and great residual values, the 2 Series Gran Coupe should be an affordable car to run.

Overall Auto Express Rating

3.5 out of 5

MPG, CO2 and running costs Rating

3.7 out of 5

Price
£32,650 to £46,250
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The 2 Series Gran Coupe range is small, but perfectly formed, including a single petrol version, two diesel options and a top-of-the-range performance model. The entry-level 134bhp 218i petrol variant returns a maximum 49.6mpg on the combined cycle, which means trips to the fuel station shouldn’t be a regular chore.

For those covering higher mileages, diesel power will be a more economical choice. BMW claims the 148bhp 218d delivers up to 60.1mpg, with competitive CO2 emissions from 123g/km. The 187bhp 220d offers more power, but isn’t too far behind in the efficiency stakes, managing 57.6mpg and emitting 129g/km of CO2.

Customers opting for the performance M235i version probably won’t see fuel economy as a major sticking point, although there isn’t too much to worry about as it’s capable of up to 39.8mpg with CO2 emissions of 162g/km.

Insurance groups

Insurance premiums shouldn’t be too expensive for 2 Series Gran Coupe owners. The entry-level petrol 218i Sport version is in group 22, although the more powerful diesel variants only climb to group 24 for the 218d, or group 28 for the 220d.

The 302bhp M235i xDrive model sits in group 34, which looks good value when compared to the group 42 rating for its Mercedes CLA 35 4MATIC rival.

Depreciation

The 2 Series Gran Coupe should hold onto a decent chunk of its value over an average ownership period of three years and 36,000 miles. Data suggests that, over this time, it should retain an average of 54% of its original list price.

There aren’t any huge variations across the model range in terms of residual values, although the entry-level 218i petrol cars perform slightly better, with an average of 56% retained over three years. In comparison, the Mercedes CLA lags quite a way behind with around 47%.

Which Is Best

Cheapest

  • Name
    218i Sport 4dr
  • Gearbox type
    Manual
  • Price
    £25,290

Most Economical

  • Name
    218d Sport 4dr [Live Cockpit Prof]
  • Gearbox type
    Manual
  • Price
    £31,490

Fastest

  • Name
    M235i xDrive 4dr Step Auto [Plus Pack]
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • Price
    £38,040

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