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You are forgiven if you think I have mistaken a Kia for BMW. Honestly, this new Gran Coupé is one of the better looking BMW in recent years. The 3 Series had been the entry-level BMW sedan for decades before the 2 Series Gran Coupe arrived in 2019. The luxury brand was criticized for cheapening out by introducing a compact sedan on a front-wheel-drive platform. Despite the controversy, the formula must’ve worked commercially. At the end of the business day, that’s all that really matters. As such, the “F44” gets a direct successor. Meet the new “F74.” The not-so-compact model now measures 4,546 mm (+20 mm) in length, 1,800 mm in width, and 1,445 mm (+25 mm) in height. It carries over the wheelbase of its predecessor, so the distance between the axles remains at 2,670 mm. While the exterior is more of a facelift aka Life Cycle Impulse, the cabin has been overhauled. The 2 Series Gran Coupe was one of the few remaining models with the old iDrive setup and plenty of physical buttons. Its replacement embraces minimalism with a dual-screen layout and limited switchgear. Much like in the 1 Series, X1, X2, and 2 Series Active Tourer, the rotary knob is sadly gone. The simplified dashboard accommodates a 10.25-inch driver’s display and a 10.7-inch touchscreen. If the interior looks instantly familiar, it’s because the latest 1 Series is almost identical on the inside. Just like many recent BMWs and MINIs, the cabin completely does away with leather. This Veganza upholstery can be combined with Alcantara if you go for the M Sport Package or the hot M235. The base model in Europe has a three-cylinder, 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with 154 HP (115 KW) and 240 Nm of torque. Because it employs a mild-hybrid setup, total output is slightly higher, at 168 HP (125 KW) and 280 Nm. The 2025 BMW 220 Gran Coupe takes 7.9 seconds to reach 100 km/h and tops out at 230 km/h. (but unlikely we will get it here). For Americans, they will get a 228 xDrive that sends 241 HP and 400 Nm to both axles. It’s enough muscle for a 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) run in 5.8 seconds and a maximum speed of 209 km/h. With performance tires, the top speed increases to 250 km/h. The M235 has a larger four-cylinder engine on both sides of the pond. However, the 2.0-liter unit is downgraded in Europe, therefore echoing the other M Performance compact cars. On the Old Continent, you’ll have to make do with 296 HP (221 KW) whereas Americans get 312 HP (233 KW). Both flavors of the sporty sedan have 400 Nm on tap. In European guise, the M235 needs 4.9 seconds to reach 100 km/h. Its American cousin takes 4.7 seconds to hit the same speed. Both max out at 250 km/h (electronically controlled). Regardless of engine and continent, all variants of the 2 Series Gran Coupe are exclusively available with a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission. The “F74” marks the end of the six-speed manual, which BMW had offered in Europe on the lesser-powered versions. Consequently, yet another model with a stick shift bites the dust. Although it debuts in the same week as the 2024 Paris Motor Show, the new 2 Gran Coupe isn’t in France’s capital these days. Deliveries to buyers won’t kick off until March 2025, after production starts in Leipzig. BMW estimates the US, Germany, the UK, Japan, and Australia will be the largest markets. For China, there are plans to launch a long-wheelbase model early next year as the “F78.” The newcomer will replace the 1 Series Sedan (“F52”) discontinued last year.