Many would be lying if they said they liked the 2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe design at first. With its stubby trunk and the addition of two extra doors grafted onto a coupe-like body, it initially seemed like an awkward blend of sporty coupe and sedan elements. However, much like the kidney grille, which initially faced criticism for its size, the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe design began to win over buyers. According to Car and Driver, it makes a good impression of a scaled-down luxury sedan, though it falls short of delivering the quintessential BMW driving experience. But that's just a general description of all 2 Series Gran Coupes. How does the 2021 BMW 228i Gran Coupe Base feel to drive?
228 horsepower and 258 lb.ft is what you get from the 2021 BMW 228i Gran Coupe's 2.0-liter -twin-turbocharged four-cylinder engine. But as little as it might seem, it's enough to make daily commutes feel sprightly. However, due to the weight difference compared to the 228i coupe, roughly 3200 pounds compared to the 3,800 pounds, the 2021 228i Gran Coupe feels more planted. Power is sent to the rear wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission, which, with its quick shifts, enables the car to do 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds, accelerating to an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. As with most BMWs, you get Driving Dynamics Control with Eco Pro, Comfort, and Sport modes, which allow you to tailor the drive to your preferences. Let's skip explaining what each mode does for now.
Being a gran coupe, the 2021 BMW 228i Gran Coupe's cabin blends a sporting character and luxury. The dashboard is as ergonomic as it gets, and upon closer inspection, you'll notice that it's slightly angled towards the driver. BMW didn't offer leather seats as standard in the base model, but the leatherette is good enough and is complemented by soft-touch plastics, making the cabin feel more premium. Fortunately, the 10.3-inch infotainment display included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The cabin is not as spacious as a full-size sedan, but it offers decent headroom and legroom in the second row. Cargo space is slightly compromised due to the sloping roofline, but it's still more than usable.
Its body proportions might seem odd compared to the 2 Series coupe, but the 2021 BMW 228i Gran Coupe is also quite appealing if you give it some time. Thanks to the signature BMW elements, it retains a certain degree of athleticism and sporting character. The most distinguishing feature is the roofline that slopes aggressively towards the rear, blurring the lines between a traditional coupe and a four-door sedan. To enhance its sporty aesthetic, BMW gave the 228i frameless windows on all four doors that add elegance.
As a recent addition to the BMW lineup, the 2021 228i Gran Coupe features some of the latest in tech features. In addition to the infotainment display, you get a digital information display as your instrument cluster and a heads-up display on some models, depending on the original buyer's configuration. Still in the cabin, you get automatic climate control and heated front seats which were standard equipment. For safety, you get multistage airbags for the first and second row, ABS, electronic stability control, traction control, tire pressure monitoring, and more. In addition to the head-up display, you might get adaptive cruise control and parking assist as part of the driver assists suite.
When new, a 2021 BMW 228i Gran Coupe would set you back around $40,000. Today, you can find one for about $10,000 less, with most models priced between $25,000 and $30,000. This rapid depreciation is typical for high-end brands like BMW, where the initial cost reflects the prestige associated with ownership. Despite this, the 228i Gran Coupe remains an excellent car. At Exotic Car Trader, you might find the perfect one for you among our BMW listings.
The 2021 BMW 228i Gran Coupe Base may have been an unconventional addition to the BMW lineup, but it has proven to be an intriguing blend of sporty coupe and practical sedan. Sure, it's not pure BMW, but it's very much worth it. The only thing it lacks is that BMW driving experience you'd get, say, in a BMW 2 Series coupe. Exotic Car Trader creates an exclusive and safe way of buying and selling cars, eliminating the daunting experiences of private selling for buyers and sellers. Every vehicle listed on Exotic Car Trader goes through a private seller verification process, ensuring legitimacy for our buyers. Also, Exotic Car Trader's car buying process is well outlined, with all fees and packages providing our buyers with a seamless and inclusive experience. We can handle the escrow of funds at no additional cost to the buyer and seller, and we also provide trade-in and financing options for buyers. For transaction safety, our Transactions Team is world-class and equipped with industry fraud detection tools to ensure a safe and secure transaction. These are just some of the benefits you enjoy when buying or selling on Exotic Car Trader. Contact us for listing services or to buy a car on Exotic Car Trader today! Is the 2021 BMW 228i Gran Coupe worth buying? It could be the perfect buy if you're looking for a car that balances practicality with a touch of boldness.
Exotic Car Trader is the fastest growing marketplace built specifically for automotive enthusiasts. Click below to learn how you can sell your car with us.
LEARN MORE