BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe interior, tech and comfort

2020 onwards (change model)

Comfort rating: 3.4 out of 53.4

Written by James Taylor Published: 28 April 2023

Very similar to 1-Series
Clever infotainment technology
High-quality finish

How is the quality and layout?

The BMW 2-series Gran Coupe’s interior is very similar to that of the 1-Series in the front, with only minimal changes. Cars in M Sport trim have spangly aluminium-effect trim, with a choice of multiple colours for ambient lighting across the panel. The design resembles a fashionable vodka bar when driving in the evening. M Sport cars are also fitted with a comedically fat ‘sports’ steering wheel.

The driver’s seat can be positioned relatively low by mainstream car standards, in-keeping with BMW’s sportier-than-average ethos. Despite this, you still get a good view ahead thanks to a relatively low dashboard.

All the trim feels suitably high quality and the leather upholstery is deep and soft. The switchgear is solid, too, and we’re pleased to report that BMW has retained some physical buttons for the climate control panel. They’re much easier to operate than the touch panel system found in the the latest Volkswagen Group cars.

Infotainment and tech

Every BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe comes as standard with a 10.25-inch infotainment screen and a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster. Both are easy to use but, just in case you don’t like the menu design, the central screen offers standard support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

You can control the infotainment system with touch commands, voice control (which we’ve found hit-and-miss on test, and laggy to respond when it does understand a request), or via BMW’s excellent iDrive rotary controller.

The digital gauge cluster fulfils the same functions as Audi’s Virtual Cockpit. It’s not as customisable here, but the 2 Series Gran Coupe has a slight advantage over the larger models in the BMW range – such as the 3 Series – by having a smaller screen.

BMW 2-series Gran Coupe digital instrument screen 2020 — The 2 Series Gran Coupe’s gauge cluster is smaller and therefore easier to read than on larger BMWs.

The smaller screen works in the 2 Series Gran Coupe’s favour, as it’s easier to see the outer edges of the screen within your peripheral vision where all the important information is placed, such as the speedometer and rev counter. Bigger BMWs and their larger screens usually result in the dials being obscured by the steering wheel.

You can also option a head-up display on all models. While it’s clear and bright enough to see, it can also be annoying in sunlight, where a portion of the housing reflects up onto the windscreen. It almost looks like a patch of sticky tape has been left on there. Whatever the reason, it gets in the way of your vision.

Comfort

M Sport cars have harsh suspension
Excellent seats up front
Avoid the largest alloys

There is plenty of adjustment for front passengers, who’ll enjoy the supportive seats. M Sport cars go further by having heated front seats as standard and leather upholstery. Optionally available for Sports models is the Comfort Pack, which adds heated seats in the front and further interior lighting. A heated steering wheel is an option on all models.

BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe M Sport steering wheel 2020 — M Sport cars have comically chubby steering wheels. But how good is the placement of the heated wheel button?

M Sport cars also have lower, firmer suspension and 18-inch wheels in place of the Sport trim’s 17s (19-inch wheels are available as an option if you hate your spine). During our time with an M Sport-spec 220d, we found the ride uncompromisingly firm. We strongly recommend you test drive the car first to ensure you feel comfortable if you live near rough roads.

Adaptive suspension is optional on the M235i and does improve ride comfort, but is only available with the standard 18-inch wheels. We tested a model on standard suspension with the optional 19-inch wheels and found the ride quality to be jittery at low speeds. It improves the faster you go, and there is enough suspension travel to soak up most of the bumps at higher speeds, but you’d be wise to spend your money on the adaptive suspension, rather than the wheels.

BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe 18-inch M Sport wheel — M Sport cars have unforgiving suspension. The problem gets worse if you opt for larger wheels.

Those large and very low-profile tyres push quite a lot of road noise into the cabin as well. Despite this, refinement is good elsewhere, with little in the way of engine and wind noise on the motorway, plus an absence of vibration coming through into the cabin and controls.

The M235i’s sportier exhaust system might be loud on the outside but it’s not at the detriment of cabin refinement. Surprisingly, there’s very little drone heard inside at motorways speeds. However, it is a little dark in the cabin due to all the black trim – but BMW’s optional Magma Red leather upholstery adds a welcome dash of colour.

The M235i also has a dedicated set of sports seats, trimmed in grippy Alcantara and fabric. They hold you in place very well but, because they have a single-piece backrest, there is no adjustable headrest. Lumbar support and electric adjustment for the front seats can also be found on the options list for all models.