The 2-Series Gran Coupe redefines the affordable premium sedan

When the 2-Series Gran Coupe debuted in 2020, some critics viewed it as a BMW-lite given its front-wheel drive architecture, tight back seat, and watered-down performance, but it found success as a more affordable Bimmer that provided a degree of sportiness and a handsome, high-tech cabin. Its $39,600 starting price seriously undercuts the 3-Series sedan’s $45,950 MSRP and even the X1 SUV’s $41,350 MSRP. To keep costs low, the car shares a platform with MINI, resulting in a front-wheel drive architecture with all wheel drive available on the lower trim and standard on the higher trim. The two models available, the 228i and the M235i, are powered by turbocharged four-cylinder engines that deliver 228 horsepower and 301 horsepower, respectively, through an eight-speed automatic transmission.

BMW’s first front-wheel drive car for America

It used to be the case that Bimmers focused on rear-wheel drive dynamics, something they’ve been famous for and have adhered to. All-wheel drive debuted on the 1985 E30 325iX, and is now available on multiple BMW models, a huge benefit for those wet and snowy climates. The 2020 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe 228i sDrive marked the brand’s first front-wheel drive model, something nobody really saw coming, but it allowed BMW to deliver a much cheaper model for customers who might not have the brand on their radar for budgetary reasons.

2024 BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe lease deal for May

BMW wants to draw in more customers to the regular 2-Series Gran Coupe and is doing so by way of a $399 per month lease deal for 39 months/32,500 miles for the 228i Gran Coupe with front-wheel drive. There’s a $2,975 down payment and a $925 acquisition fee, but a $0 security deposit. The total due at signing is $4,299, which includes the first month’s $399 lease payment. There’s no price difference wherever you live, so the lease deal remains the same across the nation. The lease offer is good through June 02, 2025.

2024 BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe xDrive deals for May

If you need all-wheel drive, there are still some solid lease deals for these higher-priced versions. The 2024 228i xDrive Gran Coupe is available for lease at $419 per month for 39 months/32,500 miles. There’s a $3,195 down payment along with a $925 acquisition fee, but with a $0 security deposit. Total due at signing is $4,539, including the first month’s lease payment. The more powerful 2024 M235i xDrive Gran Coupe leases for $519 a month for 39 months/32,500 miles. There’s a $3,355 down payment and a $925 acquisition fee, but still no security deposit. The total amount due at signing is $4,799, including the first month’s lease payment. These lease deals apply at BMW dealerships across the nation, so the prices remain consistent. 

What the 2-Series Gran Coupe offers

Because the 2-Series Gran Coupe is front-wheel drive biased, it feels dynamically different from the 3-Series sedan, which is to say it’s less rewarding to toss or hit apexes with. 0-60 mph arrives in about 5.1 seconds. If it’s more oomph you desire, then opt for the M235i xDrive, which rockets to 60 mph in a hair over four seconds. In terms of fuel economy, the 228i xDrive Gran Coupe is EPA-rated at 23 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined. The more powerful M235i is rated at 23 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined.

The Gran Coupe’s cabin aligns with the 3-series sedan. It’s refined, driver-focused, and modern, with a 10.3-inch digital instrument panel and a matching 10.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. It retains some good physical controls on the instrument panel and center console, making operation less distracting. It also has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, and ambient interior lighting. Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring with rear-cross-traffic alert, and lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist.

The 2-Series Gran Coupe provides 34.4 inches of rear legroom, which can be tight for tall passengers. It’s about an inch less than the 3-Series sedan. Trunk space measures 15.2 cubic feet, a bit less than the 3-Series sedan’s 17 cubic feet. Unlike the 4-Series Gran Coupe, the 2-Series Gran Coupe is not a hatchback-style four-door but a sedan with a separate trunk.

BMW recently refreshed the Gran Coupe for the 2025 model year with small visual and power tweaks, but the 2024 2-Series Gran Coupe still provides a solid point of entry into the world of BMW. The 2024 model is still available to lease, and BMW’s current lease offer is seriously attractive.  

Final thoughts

You don’t have to break the bank to get a German sedan, and this 2-Series Gran Coupe lease deal at a mere $399 a month undercuts many mainstream carmakers’ leases. If you want all-wheel drive or a more powerful engine than the 228 horsepower 228i Gran Coupe offers, the prices are a bit higher. The good news is that lease prices aren’t variable based on the region you live in, and are good through June 2, 2025.

While the 2-Series Gran Coupe isn’t as rewarding to drive as rear-wheel drive biased BMWs, it still provides a fun and premium driving experience with aesthetics that will turn heads. Fuel economy figures are equally as impressive for all 2-Series Gran Coupe models. Contact your local dealer for all lease details, read the fine print before signing, and make sure to consider the monthly payment cost, taxes, and fees in your budget.

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