Latest news with #BMWX6
The Citizen
24-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Brilliant BMW X6 xDrive30d M Sport ticks all the right boxes
Peach of a 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine makes coupe-styled SUV fast and frugal. It seems like just the other day that BMW started to offer X models, but it has literally been decades. By now X models represent the top sellers throughout the brand's vehicle offerings. This is for good reason, because they offer the best of both worlds. It provides road comfort and manners but with the ability to go off-road (mostly). One of these is the coupe-styled BMW X6 xDrive30d M Sport SUV that we recently spent a week cruising around in. You can see the new styling changes to the BMW X6. The slim headlight units with arrow-shaped daytime driving light elements, plus the BMW kidney Iconic Glow that is offered as an option for the six-cylinder models. M Sport package standard on BMW X6 And now for the first time on the BMW X6, you get the M Sport package as standard. Playing a key role here is the octagonal front-end signature below the BMW kidney grille, the generous use of black surfaces, M-specific side skirts, M High-gloss Shadowline trim, while the rear apron has an insert in Dark Shadow. The new exhaust tailpipe trims are trapezoidal in shape. ALSO READ: More powerful plug-in hybrid BMW X5 a true diesel alternative But what has changed under the skin? You have new systems for automated driving and parking and a fully digital iDrive control system with BMW Curved Display based on BMW Operating System 8. Perhaps even more important in the new electrification era, you now have 48V mild hybrid technology on the powertrains. The integration of BMW Operating System 8 and the latest generation of the iDrive control system herald the arrival of the BMW Curved Display in the BMW X6. It is made up of a 12.3-inch information display behind the steering wheel and a control display with a screen diagonal of 14.9 inches – both located behind a single glass surface. The coupe-styled slanting rear roof is a standout feature of the BMW X. Picture: Mark Jones Less physical switchgear The touch control functionality of the control display has brought about a significant reduction in the number of buttons and switches in favour of digital control for numerous functions. It takes a bit more time navigating your way around the cockpit. But an owner who will drive their BMW X6 everyday will adapt. And it will all become second nature to them. Comfort and safety in the BMW X6 are on another level with a significantly expanded selection of automated driving and parking systems. Updates include enhanced capabilities for the standard front-collision warning system, which can now also reduce the risk of a collision with cyclists, pedestrians or oncoming traffic when turning off a road. Among the options now available are automatic Speed Limit Assist, exit warning, route speed control, Emergency Stop Assistant, and Lane Change Assistant. As well as the Reversing Assist Camera and Reversing Assistant, the standard Parking Assistant now comprises the drive-off monitoring and Trailer Assistant functions. And the new, optional Parking Assistant Professional enables automated parking into and out of spaces and complete manoeuvres over up to 200 metres to be controlled from outside the BMW X6 using the My BMW App on an Apple iPhone. ALSO READ: Mild hybrid tech gives BMW X5 M60i sting in the tail Brilliant powertrain Getting out on the road is where the BMW X6 really shines though, especially in xDrive30d form. BMW's 3.0-litre turbodiesel has been the feather in their cap for as long as I can remember. They just keep refining this brilliant powertrain and it works. Eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission complete with gearshift paddles on the steering wheel sends the power and torque to the road via BMW's xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system. The Curved Display makes its debut in the BMW X6. Picture: Mark Jones All the drive units now feature 48V mild hybrid technology. An electric motor integrated into the transmission generates an output boost of up to 9kW of power and 200Nm of torque. And this in turn means that when combined with the combustion engine, the hybrid system can produce a maximum output of 219kW and a peak torque of 670Nm. ALSO READ: Finally priced: BMW puts stickers on all-new generation X3 BMW X6 ticks all the boxes The claim is a 0 to 100 km/h sprint time of 6.1 seconds and a top speed of 233km/h. That is more than enough urge for everyday use. Although I doubt this will trouble you too much if you are hauling out close on R2-million for a SUV, but the claimed fuel consumption number of 7.8 litres per 100km should make a difference to your monthly expenses. And The Citizen Motoring achieved the same number during our week of mixed urban and highway driving for what it is worth to you or your accountant. The BMW X6 xDrive30d M Sport did everything right. At R1 905 000 it is substantially cheaper than most of its other premium competitors. And it could almost represent great value for money if you move in these types of circles.
Toronto Star
13-05-2025
- Toronto Star
Man arrested in TTC bus crash that injured 9 last year now facing charges in string of GTA home invasions, police say
The man accused of crashing a stolen vehicle into a TTC bus last autumn is now facing charges related to a string of 'violent' home invasions that occurred days before the collision. Toronto police responded to a collision between a white, stolen BMW X6 and the transit bus near Bathurst Street and Wilson Avenue shortly before 2 a.m. on Nov. 18. A total of nine people were sent to hospital, with two suffering life-threatening injuries. WATCH EXCLUSIVE VIDEO Video captures moment of impact as stolen BMW hits TTC bus, injuring five people Estella Ren, Andy Takagi Several days before, on Nov. 13, five people with their faces covered went to a home in Mississauga near Dundas Street West and Mississauga Road around 2:40 a.m., police said. They allegedly broke into the home through the front door, stole the victim's vehicle keys and drove off in their vehicle. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Later that morning around 3:45 a.m., the thieves allegedly broke into another home near Countryside Drive and Goreway Drive in Brampton. With their faces still covered, they allegedly stole several items from the home while the victims were asleep. Man in stolen BMW involved in TTC bus crash has history of car theft Approximately two hours later around 6 a.m., the home invaders broke into a home near Major William Sharpe Drive and Flowertown Avenue in Brampton through the front door, police continued. They confronted the victims on the home's second floor and allegedly demanded their vehicle keys at gunpoint before fleeing in the victim's vehicle, Peel police wrote in a media release. A 32-year-old man from Pickering has been charged with nine criminal offences related to the break-and-enters while he was already in custody in connection to the TTC bus collision. He was one of four people charged following the crash, including two 19-year-olds and a 33-year-old. In a post on X following the crash, the Toronto Police Association said that two of the four people in the stolen BMW were on bail at the time of the crash, including one for a violent robbery. News Fourth suspect arrested in connection to carjacking and stolen BMW that crashed into TTC bus Anastasia Blosser Security footage released by Qunubu Cannabis, a business in the area, showed the dramatic moment of impact in the early hours of Nov. 18 that caused the TTC bus to careen 180 degrees after it was hit while passing through the intersection, slamming its rear end into a guardrail. Heavy smoke could be seen rising from the rear of the car after the collision. Photos taken at the scene show the BMW destroyed from the impact — including a totalled hood, damaged rear and all four doors torn off — while the bus appeared severely damaged before it was towed away. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW The BMW was allegedly stolen at gunpoint on Nov. 1 near Sandalwood Parkway East and Conestoga Drive. A stolen BMW was totalled and two people were sent to hospital with life-threatening injuries following a crash with a TTC bus early Monday morning. The crash occurred near Bathurst Street and Wilson Avenue around 1:50 a.m. Read the full story: Investigators said a victim was travelling in their white BMW X6 when a black sedan cut them off. Two people, including one with a handgun, got out of the sedan and approached the victim demanding they hand over the vehicle, police said. The two then drove off in the BMW X6 with the black sedan travelling in tandem. On the same day as the three break-and-enters, the stolen BMW was driven to a home near Bathurst Street and Brooke Avenue where five people got out of the car and used a rock to smash the front glass door. Police said they were unable to enter the home because the door was reinforced with security film. The stolen BMW sustained substantial damage as a result of the collision. Michelle Mengsu Chang/ Toronto Star About half an hour later, police responded to another break-in at a residence near Bayview Avenue and York Mills. The five suspects allegedly forced open the front door, entered the home and took some personal items before fleeing the area in the same BMW X6. The man from Pickering was subject to a judicial release order related to similar criminal offences. He was held for a bail hearing and appeared before the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton, where he was remanded into custody pending a future bail hearing. Peel police said the investigation is ongoing and they anticipate more charges will be laid. With files from Andy Takagi and Estella Ren
India.com
13-05-2025
- Business
- India.com
Meet owner of Micromax, who faced Rs 12000 crore fall, now built Rs 6,200 crore company, married to actress Asin, his name is...
Meet owner of Micromax, who faced Rs 12000 crore fall, now built Rs 6,200 crore company, married to actress Asin, his name is… Success Story: Rahul Sharma is a tech genius and an entrepreneur who dethroned Samsung in smartphone war in India. His life is like a rollercoaster ride, from building a billion-dollar business with Rs 3 lakh loan to turning down Rs 6,700 crore funding. In the early 2000s, Rahul Sharma founded Micromax Informatics with his friends Rajesh Aggarwal, Vikas Jain, and Sumeet Arora. In 2008, things changed when they launched their mobile phone, starting the era of budget-friendly mobiles in India. In 2014, Micromax actually shaken the budget-friendly phone market, decreasing Samsung's sales in India. Sharma didn't stop at India. He launched the brand in Russia, becoming the first Indian company to export phones in the country like Russia. Micromax Crashed, But He Didn't: How Asin's Husband Rahul Sharma Rebooted His Fortune with a Rs 6,200 Crore Manufacturing Empire When Engineer Meets Entrepreneur Rahul Sharma was born on September 14,1975. He completed his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University and a degree from Saskatchewan in Canada. How Akshay Kumar Played Cupid During the shoot of Houseful 2 in 2012, Akshay Kumar, who was Asin's co-star introduced her to Sharma. Their bonding blossomed and in 2016, the duo tied knot in a private ceremony. Akshay was the best man in the wedding. Rahul Sharma's Net Worth Rahul Sharma's net worth is estimated at Rs 1,300 crore. He owns several luxury cars such as a Bentley Supersport Limited Edition, BMW X6, Mercedes GL450, and a Rolls-Royce Ghost Series 2. He also owns a luxury farmhouse in the national capital. The Fall Of Micromax From 2010 to 2015, Micromax dominated the mobile market. There was a time when the company held a 50 percent market share. But when Chinese brands entered with cheap prices they cornered exclusive deals with suppliers. One Pivotal Moment In 2014, Sharma rejected USD 800 million funding from Alibaba. This decision was later regretted by him The Silent Comeback In 2017, Sharma launched Revolt Intellicorp – India's first AI-enabled electric bike. That not all, he silently repurposed Micromax's factories and built a manufacturing business. Today, his company Bhagwati Products Ltd (BPL) has a turnover of Rs 6,200 crore.
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- Yahoo
Five people flee two stolen vehicles following crash on I-95, leading to two arrests
Two stolen cars were recovered following a crash on Tuesday on Interstate 95 in Norwalk where several individuals fled the stolen vehicles, including two who were apprehended. Troopers responded to I-95 North in the area of Exit 16 at 7:14 a.m. on the report of a crash and learned while they were en route that multiple people dressed in all black and wearing ski masks had fled the scene, according to Connecticut State Police. State police notified the Norwalk and Westport Police Departments who helped establish a perimeter around the area. Two individuals were apprehended shortly thereafter who matched the description of those seen leaving the crash. According to state police, troopers found that the vehicle involved in the crash, a 2019 BMW X6, was reported stolen in Bridgewater. Troopers also found an abandoned 2021 Audi S5 on the Exit 17 off-ramp. The owner of the Audi, a Greenwich resident, was contacted by members of the Greenwich Police Department. State police said the owner only learned that their vehicle had been stolen when contacted by police. The two suspects who were apprehended were identified as 18-year-old Jeremiah Villacis of West Haven and a juvenile. They were both arrested on charges of larceny of a motor vehicle and interfering with police. The juvenile was released on a promise to appear and is expected to appear in New Haven Juvenile Court on Friday. Villacis was released on a $50,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in Stamford Superior Court on April 4. After their release from state police custody, both suspects were turned over to the Greenwich Police Department on separate charges. State police said they are still investigating the incident and that they believe a total of five individuals fled from the two stolen vehicles.
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe
There's an air of inevitability that seems to surround the new BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé's arrival into the BMW family. And curiously, if not totally unsurprisingly, this stems from the existence of a car of vastly greater proportions than this week's road test subject, too. The launch of the original BMW X6 in 2008 was an interesting moment in BMW history. To say it was a curiously styled beast would be to put things very kindly indeed, but for those brand traditionalists still struggling with the idea of BMW making any SUVs at all, Munich's third X model proved a particularly difficult pill to swallow. Nevertheless, as provocative as its existence might have been at the time, the truth of the matter was that it drove well and went on to sell very strongly indeed. In fact, its success helped BMW to forge something of a reputation for itself as a firm with a sharp eye for identifying new, left-field niches within the car market. Niches that were, to put it somewhat simplistically, largely defined by a dramatically sloping coupé-style roofline. Admittedly, Mercedes had helped to popularise the idea of the four-door coupé with the launch of the CLS in 2004, but BMW's success with the more outlandish SUV coupé surely solidified its confidence in the logic of applying the design formula across its entire model portfolio – regardless of bodystyle or whether it might be considered tasteful. So we eventually wound up with the likes of the BMW X4 and BMW X2, but we got the strikingly handsome 6 Series and 4 Series Gran Coupé models, too. It's also how we wound up here, with the 2 Series Gran Coupé, a car those of a more unscrupulous disposition might be inclined to label a 1 Series in a party frock. Whether or not this new compact four-door coupé will be a hit with the fashion-conscious audience it's intended for remains to be seen. Right now, we're going to find out if this new rival to the Mercedes-Benz CLA has what it takes to stand on its own two feet. Three flavours of 2 Series Gran Coupé are currently available here in the UK. The three-cylinder 218i tested here represents the entry-level engine offering; the 220d is the sole diesel option; and the considerably more powerful M235i xDrive M Performance model crowns the range as the driver's choice. M Performance cars aside, just two trim levels are currently on offer: Sport and M Sport. The latter introduces more aggressive styling, extra equipment and uprated, firmer suspension, which may or may not be to everyone's tastes. Price £27,240 Power 138bhp Torque 162lb ft 0-60mph 8.8sec 30-70mph in fourth 12.1sec Fuel economy 42.0mpg CO2 emissions 114g/km 70-0mph 45.7m With a healthy amount of the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé's appeal expected to emanate from its looks, it's disappointing to see it head into play from a compromised position. Next to the elegant Mercedes-Benz CLA, the BMW's comparatively bulbous proportions leave it looking awkwardly chunky and inflated, compromising its ability to convincingly pass as a sleek four-door coupé. Its fussy, almost cartoonish front end lacks any real sense of memorable elegance and its pinched rear is seemingly doing its best to imitate the BMW X4 and BMW X6 SUVs – both of which are widely perceived to represent low points in contemporary BMW design. Although BMW has confirmed that the future versions of the 2 Series Coupé and Convertible will retain a rear-driven platform, this new Gran Coupé sits on the same natively front-driven UKL2 architecture that underpins the latest BMW 1 Series. A selection of transversely mounted three- and four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines are available at launch, with our 218i test car being the entry-level offering. It features the same 1.5-litre three-pot that appears in the base 1 Series and various Mini models, here making 138bhp and 162lb ft. This is deployed to the road via an optional dual-clutch automatic gearbox, as opposed to the standard-fit six-speed manual. With 187bhp and 295lb ft on tap, the diesel 220d develops considerably more grunt than our 218i, but it's the range-topping M235i M Performance model that will most likely get the hearts of keen drivers pumping. Its 302bhp, 332lb ft motor is BMW's most powerful series-production four-pot yet and, unlike the 218i and 220d, it employs a clutch-based part-time four-wheel drive system that can direct as much as 50% of the engine's torque to the rear axle. A 400bhp-plus version of that engine is reportedly in the works, too, which suggests that a full-fat M2 Gran Coupé variant could emerge further down the line to take on Mercedes-AMG's madcap CLA 45. All 2 Series Gran Coupé models have BMW's near-actuator wheel slip limitation (ARB) system that first appeared on the BMW i3, too. This can gently brake the inside front wheel during cornering to help prevent understeer. Suspension is by way of MacPherson struts up front and multiple links at the rear, although configurations vary between trim levels. Our test car employed lowered M Sport springs and passive dampers and it rode on optional 18in alloy wheels. Although the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé's interior decor doesn't quite match its Mercedes rival for outright visual panache, it isn't exactly lacking in upmarket appeal. Material quality is, for the most part, very much up to the standard you'd expect from a high-end compact saloon. Inevitably, there are a few areas in the lower reaches of the cabin where harder, scratchier plastics are employed, but these are generally pretty innocuous. Our test car's Oyster Grey leather upholstery contrasted nicely with the polished piano black and chrome trim elements while simultaneously lending the interior a pleasantly light and airy ambience. As with its BMW 1 Series sibling, the 2 Series Gran Coupé's transverse engine layout works wonders for interior packaging – at least in the front row. With no transmission tunnel to impede front-row space, there's a comfortable amount of distance between the driver and passenger. Unfortunately, this sense of space doesn't translate to the second row all that convincingly – and the Gran Coupé's sloping roofline is undoubtedly the culprit. According to our tape measure, rear head room stands at 870mm, which is 40mm less than you'll find in the standard 1 Series. That said, the Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 we road tested last year had even less, at 860mm. As for typical rear leg room, the Gran Coupé's measures 670mm – a figure that's equal to the rear leg room in the Mercedes but some 40mm shy of that in the standard 1 Series. As a result, it's somewhat unlikely that adult passengers would find the back row a particularly comfortable place to spend extended periods of time – although, of course, children should fit just fine. The BMW doesn't exactly knock things out of the park for boot space, either. With no hatchback opening to call upon, the aperture is relatively compact and provides access to a capacity of only 430 litres, although the rear seats can be collapsed to make loading particularly long items a bit easier. By comparison, the CLA offers up 460 litres of storage. Entry-level Sport models have BMW's 8.8in Live Cockpit Plus infotainment system but M Sport variants are upgraded to the larger, 10.25in suite as standard. The display is impressively crisp and the graphics usefully fluid, while the operating system is easy to navigate and doesn't take long to learn. This is largely because BMW has retained its useful rotary control dial, which along with dedicated physical shortcut buttons makes the system that much easier to operate while on the move. It comes with a comprehensive roster of features as standard, including satellite navigation, DAB radio and Bluetooth, although frustratingly our test car didn't have Apple CarPlay connectivity. However, BMW has said that this will arrive as a standard feature shortly. The £1500 Technology pack fitted to our car brought with it a head-up display, wi-fi preparation and a useful wireless smartphone charging pad. Look beyond the coupé silhouette – and the aggressive M Sport bodywork addenda – and it soon becomes apparent that anybody who wants their 2 Series Gran Coupé to move with much intent would do well to avoid the entry-level 218i's engine. As we'll shortly discover, BMW's B38 three-cylinder turbo unit, which is shared with the Mini, has some commendable strengths but performance is not one of them, despite our car's reasonably light test weight of 1420kg with a full tank of fuel. At Millbrook, the sprint to 60mph took 8.8sec, the car moving limply off the line with the front tyres never in any danger of losing traction. Were the lowliest 2 Series Gran Coupé merely slow, it wouldn't matter so much, but in this application, the B38 engine lacks the energy and the more rev-hungry spirit it summons in the Mini. Character, in other words. While smooth, mild-mannered and impressively linear, it always feels restrained, which is demonstrated by the time the car takes to complete our usual 30-70mph-in-fourth-gear measure of flexibility. Twelve seconds is somewhat un-BMW, even in this new era of rakish bodystyles hiding a front-drive powertrain. If the 218i Gran Coupé lacks fizz under the bonnet, it performs with more conviction under braking. Servo assistance feels modest and there's good progression in the brake pedal, which is rare nowadays, even with the products from manufacturers that have historically put the driver front and centre. Reaching a standstill from 70mph in 45.7m is no longer exceptional, but the set-up here is one that gives the driver quiet confidence, with a veneer of polish missing in some of the other controls. BMW's Steptronic dual-clutch gearbox also deserves praise. With seven ratios, it does more to mitigate the engine's lack of firepower than the standard-fit six-speed manual and it shifts quickly but without the unnecessary brusqueness of some dual-clutch transmissions, especially at low speeds. Because of the engine's shortage of torque at lower revs, it's also required to drop down a couple of gears fairly often, which it does without trouble. Finally, a long top gear allows sub-2000rpm motorway cruising, usefully reducing noise and fuel consumption. None of which makes up for the fact that the 218i Gran Coupé has an engine that fails to live up to the expectations of one residing in a car with sporting, dynamic pretensions. You may pine for the 2 Series Gran Coupé that might have been, had BMW only continued to build its small cars on a rear-drive platform. The notion of a fine-handling but compact four-door coupé with a short wheelbase, no front driveshafts and a reasonably low kerb weight holds considerable appeal, but the truth is that even the old, tail-driven 1 Series, despite its fine, longitudinal straight-six engine for the hotter models, never drove as sweetly, playfully or predictably as it should have. As it is, the front-driven approach we have here, although capable, is hardly the last word in dynamic finesse and, for the enthusiast, does little to disguise the humdrum driveline orientation. It's not all bad, though. The 2 Series Gran Coupé is slightly softer than the new-generation 1 Series, as befits its more cruiser-oriented brief, but this example's M Sport springs dial the firmness back up a touch. The result is a car that steers pleasingly well in everyday driving and one that contains roll neatly and is easy to place on the road. The steering doesn't possess the same darting response as that of the larger 3 Series and is lighter still, but it's accurate and linear and there's some ebb and flow to the weighting. In combination with a truly excellent driving position, the car is pleasurable enough to flow down a B-road. However, problems arise when you really want to drive the thing. BMW's adaptive suspension, which is available on the M235i Gran Coupé only, may make a better fist of controlling the fairly tall body, but our car's passive set-up isn't supportive enough during committed cornering and it prompts the chassis to fall back on its nose-led balance. Vertical control is also more lax than expected and overall the 218i Gran Coupé feels out of its comfort zone at just the moment when a BMW should rise to the occasion. In the end, it's just a bit ordinary. Limit handling is something the average 218i Gran Coupé owner is unlikely to explore too often and perhaps that's just as well, because although the car didn't disgrace itself on the Hill Route at Millbrook, neither did it impress or entertain as we'd have hoped. It's true that this weak engine gives the driver few options to alter the attitude of the car, but the impression is that even more power wouldn't help matters much. The suspension simply doesn't have the precision to respond to subtle inputs and its softness allows the weight distribution of the car all too often to entirely dictate the handling characteristics. True, the Gran Coupé rarely descends into terminal understeer, but it is certainly inclined to push on whenever the opportunity presents itself. There is very little ordinary about the way the 218i Gran Coupé moves when you simply want to get from A to B. The driving position is excellent, being low slung, supportive in all the correct places and with plenty of adjustability in the steering column. Even with pillarless doors and the faintly bulbous face, the cabin is also well isolated from wind noise and road roar, and the engine has only a distant presence. At idle, its three-cylinder hum is barely audible, while at motorway speeds the 2 Series Gran Coupé does a passable impression of a 5 Series, loping along in a bumble of its own tranquillity. For a compact model, it's an unusually relaxing long-distance companion, with good forward visibility only improving matters. Our test car's 18in wheels are of an optional style but are the smallest size. (Any smaller would undermine the sense of 'sophistication' a four-door coupé needs.) The Bridgestone tyres are also fairly generously provisioned with sidewall, so the car's tendency to fidget on anything less than a perfectly smooth road is likely to be down to the M Sport springs. This isn't to say the car is irksome on the move. In general, its rolling road manners are very good, but the standard springs would be likely to improve matters further, albeit with a handling penalty on B-roads. On the basis that most people will buy the 218i for its looks, that seems a sensible trade. As far as list prices are concerned, the 2 Series Gran Coupé comes out on top of its Mercedes rival. In M Sport guise, our 218i test car is nearly £3000 cheaper than the equivalent CLA 180 AMG Line, and no matter how you look at it, that's a fairly hefty sum. The good news continues when you examine forecasted residual values, too, although the difference isn't quite as marked. Over a three-year, 36,000-mile period, our experts expect the Mercedes to hold on to 51% of its original asking price, with the BMW retaining 53%. Equipment levels are strong, with BMW's 10.25in infotainment suite, leather upholstery, heated front seats and more all included as standard. There are, of course, a number of options packs to choose from, but most of them are sensibly priced. The £1500 Technology pack – with its wi-fi hotspot, phone charging pad and head-up display – is particularly enticing. Real-world fuel economy is respectable, with our test car averaging 42mpg. It isn't difficult to understand why BMW elected to build the 2 Series Gran Coupé. A substantial portion of the buying public prioritises aesthetics above dynamics, so a premium-badged four-door coupé that can be built relatively inexpensively on a front-wheel-drive platform ought to sell well. And, in fairness, this 2 Series does deserve credit in some important respects. It is unusually refined at a cruise, comfortable over long distances and economical with fuel. This new model is also pleasurable enough to steer at sedate speeds, with well-positioned controls, and BMW's current cabin architecture continues to lead the way for usability. Why, then, only three stars? Because we expect so much more from BMW in certain areas. Whether or not you find the 2 Series Gran Coupé visually attractive is an individual matter, but we find its styling contrived and awkward. The 218i is also short of performance and enthusiasm, and these attributes are married to the lax body control that fails to deliver the precision or finesse for which BMW coupés are known. The 2 Series Gran Coupé may sell well, but it's a disappointing BMW. ]]>
