As the world of luxury sedans dwindles with recent discontinuations like the Inifniti Q50, Volvo S60, and Jaguar XF, small and reasonably affordable four-door luxury cars still have some life left. Case in point: the 2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe is getting a redesign to stay competitive with its remaining competitors, which includes the Cadillac CT4.
Now in its second generation, the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe continues with its front-wheel-drive architecture and 4-door, 5-seater configuration. As was the case previously, the 2 Series Gran Coupe rides on a different platform than the 2-door, rear-drive, 2 Series Coupe. Despite both bearing the 2 Series name, they have little in common mechanically.
The aesthetic refresh for the 2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe puts it more in line with the bigger and more expensive sedans in the BMW lineup, and the M Sport appearance comes standard. This is especially true in what BMW calls its “tech-forward” interior with the BMW Curved Display that’s becoming ubiquitous in new Bimmers.
In typical BMW fashion, a higher number in the model name indicates more power, and the letter “M” means “fast.” Every 2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe relies on a turbocharged 2.0L I4 under the hood, but models with 228 in the name have 241 horsepower while the M235 produces 312 hp. Both produce 295 pound-feet of torque. Naturally, the M235 also has upgraded brakes and suspension over the base trim.
Let’s compare those specs to the powertrain options in the 2025 Cadillac CT4 and CT4-V. The base 2.0L I4 LSY in the CT4 produces 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the 2.7L I4 L3B optional in the Premium Luxury trim is rated at 310 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. The CT4-V is competitive with the M235 and uses a unique tuning of the L3B engine to produce 325 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. As for the 472-hp CT4-V Blackwing, there’s nothing in the 2 Series Gran Coupe lineup quite like it.
Notably, BMW’s Assisted Driving Plus hands-free driving feature is not part of the 2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe’s redesign. That means the Cadillac CT4 is still the only car in its class with a hands-free driving option via Super Cruise.
The AWD-equipped 228 xDrive and M235 xDrive models are set to launch in March 2025, while the front-wheel-drive 228 sDrive Gran Coupe will join the lineup mid-year. Pricing starts at $40,775 for the 228 sDrive, $42,775 for the 228 xDrive, and $50,675 for the M235 xDrive. For reference, the 2025 Cadillac CT4 starts at $36,390, and the CT4-V begins at $48,690.
Comments
I’m honestly struggling to see anything about this car that screams (or even whispers) “BMW”. If the BMW roundels were removed, it would be difficult for most people, including car enthusiasts, to differentiate it from some of the garden variety sedans built in Asia.
Real question. Is this car built on a Kia platform? These proportions are giving me serious Kia Forte vibes…Ugh!!
All I can see is Kia.
Looks so much better than the generic CT.
Maintenance for the 2 series will be expensive, even if QC is better….let us not forget that cheap versions of these 10 years from now will be ticking time bombs if not taken care of….
The “generic” CT will win on that front (even with its problems).
The GC 2 series is built on the FWD BMW X1 platform the Mini Cooper Countryman shares. While the coupe remains RWD, comparable with the discontinued Camaro.
The huge door handle openings (1990s) are enough to turn my engine off.