BMW 216d Gran Coupé review: diesel entry point tested

In recent years, virtually every discussion about BMW seems to have centred on the size of its twin kidney grille. Yet when the 2 Series Gran Coupé arrived at the start of 2020, its entire design became a talking point.

BMW’s direct answer to the Mercedes-Benz CLA did not arrive with an XXL twin kidney grille, but it did introduce proportions never previously seen on a BMW. Like the 1 Series (F40), with which it shares so much, it also reinterpreted familiar brand styling cues in ways that did not escape criticism.

However, the debate over the 2 Series Gran Coupé’s looks risks drawing attention away from its other qualities, several of which outclass those of the CLA. That also applies to this tested BMW 216d Gran Coupé, one of the entry-level models in the range.

BMW 216d Gran Coupé: entry-level diesel

The 216d Gran Coupé sits at the bottom of the diesel engine line-up. I must admit that, based on my previous encounter with this 1.5-litre three-cylinder unit in the former 1 Series (F20), my expectations were not especially high. Although highly capable, it felt insufficiently refined in the old 116d, with excessive vibrations clearly revealing its three-cylinder character.

In this latest version, and with a different layout - it is now mounted transversely rather than longitudinally - it proved surprising. Vibrations are now far better controlled, making it more refined and even… smoother in everyday use. At the same time, its responsiveness and eagerness to climb through the rev range are noticeably improved - (seriously) it occasionally feels more like a petrol engine, showing real enthusiasm as it reaches 3,000 rpm and continuing to pull willingly beyond 4,000 rpm.

Only when you “wake up” the BMW 216d Gran Coupé’s engine does it stubbornly retain a more pronounced shudder.

If the engine was a pleasant surprise, its pairing with the dual-clutch gearbox - the only transmission offered - was equally impressive. I am an unapologetic manual gearbox fan, but I do not think that would have been the better choice here. It responds promptly, is consistently in the right gear, and is very rarely caught out - it almost seemed able to read my mind…

It also worked very well in manual mode - there are no paddles, so the gear selector must be used - and in Sport mode. It does not make needless downshifts or hold onto a gear at an unnecessarily high engine speed.

Right… This might make the 216d Gran Coupé sound like a rocket - it is not. With just 116 hp, its output is modest, but the engine’s liveliness and availability, combined with the superbly calibrated gearbox, make the 216d Gran Coupé as credible an option as the more powerful - and more expensive - 220d. The three-cylinder also proved frugal, recording between 3.6 l/100 km (at a steady 90 km/h) and 5.5 l/100 km (mixed driving, with plenty of urban use and some dual-carriageway driving).

Convincing driving experience and handling

Its strengths extend well beyond the powertrain. As I had already found with the more powerful 220d and M235i, the 216d Gran Coupé is entirely convincing dynamically. It is not the most entertaining car, but it is never dull either. As I noted during my first drive a little over a year ago, the 2 Series Gran Coupé is at its best at 80–90% of its limits, where it appears to flow smoothly along the road.

It stands out for the balance and cohesion of its controls - steering, which would benefit from a thinner-rimmed wheel, and pedals - and for the responses they deliver. They are better than those of its Stuttgart rival, resulting in a chassis that provides effective and progressive handling.

Even with the sports suspension fitted and the optional sports seats in place, ride comfort remains at a good level, although the damping can feel slightly firm. That said, it breathes more naturally over the road surface than the CLA 180 d I tested previously, including at motorway speeds. The CLA displayed a slight but constant restlessness, whereas this BMW demonstrates high levels of stability and cabin refinement, with effective sound insulation.

What else does the BMW 216d Gran Coupé offer?

Despite its four doors, the styling decisions made - particularly those relating to its coupé-like profile - bring compromises. Rearward visibility leaves something to be desired and, while access to the rear seats is reasonably good, headroom is limited once inside. Anyone measuring 1.80 m tall, or with a longer torso, will brush or touch the roof with their head. A CLA, or even the 1 Series with which it shares so much, is better in this respect.

Otherwise, as we have already seen in several 2 Series Gran Coupé models and in the 1 Series, the perceived solidity inside this BMW 216d Gran Coupé is at a high level and above that of its principal rival. Its cabin design may be more conventional, but it has a gentler learning curve and better ergonomics than other models that have also committed heavily to digital interfaces.

There are still physical controls for the most frequently used functions, meaning there is no need to interact with the infotainment system, even though it is one of the best in the industry - although fewer submenus would improve it further. There is still room for improvement, including the digital instrument display, which can occasionally be confusing to read, and I would happily do without the “backwards” rev counter.

Is it the right car for you?

Its appearance remains open to debate, but fortunately the 2 Series Gran Coupé’s strengths do not begin and end with its styling. Mechanically and dynamically, it is more convincing than the equivalent CLA, as is its perceived interior quality.

It is certainly not the most affordable option, though. The 216d Gran Coupé is priced in line with the CLA 180 d, starting at €39,000, but our test car added a further €10,000 in optional equipment. Do you need all of it? Of course not, but some items are “essential” and should arguably be standard, such as the Connectivity Pack. Among other features, it includes mobile-device connectivity, Bluetooth and USB, with wireless charging, and adds €2,700 to the price.

Our M Sport version is also rather expensive, but - returning to the subject of its appearance, which is impossible to escape completely - it almost feels necessary to choose it if you want the 2 Series Gran Coupé to have a little more appeal. These mistakenly labelled four-door “coupés” rely above all on their more polished image, so the M “add-ons” make a major difference in that department. It is no coincidence that styling remains one of the CLA’s greatest advantages over the 2 Series Gran Coupé.