BMW has expanded the 2-Series Gran Coupe range in the United States by adding a front-wheel drive version. This is the first FWD BMW sedan to be offered on this side of the Atlantic (the Bavarians also offer the FWD X1 sDrive SUV).
The new 228i sDrive Gran Coupe serves as the new entry-level model. It is positioned under the 228i xDrive Gran Coupe and, with a starting price of $35,700, it undercuts it by $2,000.
Like its all-wheel drive sibling, it’s powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 228 HP and 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) of torque. This engine is connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission, yet since it now directs the power to the front, instead of all four, wheels, the 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) sprint takes 6.3 seconds instead of 6.0.
Watch Also: 2020 BMW M235i Gran Coupe Isn’t Really The 2-Series You Think It Is
According to CarsDirect, which discovered the introduction of the new model via order guides, EPA-rated fuel economy has been improved by 1 mpg, from 27 to 28 mpg (8.7-8.4 l/100 km).
Sitting at the top of the 2-Series Gran Coupe range is the M235i xDrive, which can be had from $45,500. It also uses a 2.0-liter turbo-four, which in this case produces 301 HP and 332 lb-ft (450 Nm) and is paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission and xDrive AWD. It hits 60 mph (96 km/h) in 4.6 seconds and reaches a 155 mph (250 km/h) electronically limited top speed.
The most affordable member of BMW’s U.S. lineup is the X1 sDrive28i. It undercuts the new sDrive28i Gran Coupe by $300, as it starts at $35,400, and packs the same 228 HP 2.0-liter engine as the 228i Gran Coupe, hooked up to an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive.
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