BMW Malaysia recently unveiled the First-Ever BMW 218i Gran Coupé M Sport over at the Pavillion in Kuala Lumpur. This is the brand's first locally assembled four-door coupé in the compact premium segment here and it is actually quite a good buy. Priced at RM218,800 or now RM211,467 until the end of the year due to government rebates it could be the best premium sports sedan (yes, 4 doors you know and being quite a trad kinda guy, it is a sports sedan) out there at the priced offered. I would be tempted in procuring one if I was in the market for a new car right now.
The all-new BMW 218i Gran Coupé M Sport was unveiled alongside a fleet of camouflaged models in unique designs by local businesses, volunteer groups and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) Komuniti Tukang Jahit, Changgih Designs, INKAA and Kanoe. The groups had helped to create unique camouflage designs based on amazing stories as seen on some of the BMW 218i Gran Coupé M Sport driving around Klang Valley in the lead up to the launch at Time Kulture.
All were unveiled and displayed at the Time Kulture timepiece exhibition by Swiss Watch Gallery at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur.
Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia said, “We are pleased to be introducing our first locally assembled four-door coupe here at Time Kulture as a way to celebrate these precious yet fleeting moments in time, particularly in this era of uncertainty. Therefore, we want to celebrate the dynamic independent spirit of these emerging local businesses who, despite the change in times, rose above adversity with sheer determination, resilience and innovation. This is a view we share with TimeKulture that upholds the new urbanite lifestyle that is always pushing boundaries and seizing every challenge that presents itself.”
“The successful history of the BMW Group is written with small, sporty and dynamic premium vehicles which redefined the world’s premium automotive industry. Dating back to the 1960s with the ‘Neue Klasse’, no other premium automaker has such an extensive portfolio and experience in developing premium compact vehicles. The All-New BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé bring this expertise into an all new decade in the 21 st Century with modern styling, emotional driving dynamics and generation-leading innovation,” said Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia.
Hoelzl added that while BMW Malaysia is looking into the future with its vehicles in the premium compact segment, the automaker is also paying tribute to homegrown businesses, volunteer groups and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) establishments who have been dynamic and resilient in supporting the local communities throughout these challenging times.
The new Gran Coupe comes with a 1.5liter turbocharged 3 cylinder engine which makes 140Hp and 220 Nm torque. The small, efficient and very 2020 in terms of engine downsizing still allows the 218i to hit 100kmh from a standstill in 8.7 seconds and have a top speed of 213kmh. Decent numbers and more than enough actually. Personally, it could be more on the handling than all out speed that would bring a smile to my face. Having over 200Nm torque usually makes most compact cars an effortless drive actually.
The First-Ever BMW 218i Gran Coupé M Sport is definitely an exciting addition to BMW’s premium compact class. The car looks good on the outside, and has quite a nice looking interior too. The size is just right for commuting in traffic packed cities. It is closer in size to the classic E46 3 Series rather than what the current 3 Series is. Size is also important in terms of how sporty a car is and this could be the one that purists would want - something like a E30 may be impossible with current safety regulations so something that harks back to the size of a E36 or E46 3Series could be the answer. This, is my opinion of course!
So aside from that, being a M Sport variant, it looks its part and elegant interior, coupled with generous cabin and luggage space for travel versatility with its 4 doors and a boot. Complementing the Gran Coupé are also new digital services and advanced driver assistance systems that are equipped with the most innovative technology to support drivers in any situation. As usual, more equipment in new cars these days.
I have to say that it is darn good for Malaysian customers that BMW Malaysia has chosen to locally assemble such a good looking car which would enable us to benefit from the lower locally assembled taxes. Now add the BMW 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service Programme and the 218i Gran Coupe is a very, very good proposition indeed.
Kudos to BMW Malaysia.
The 2020 BMW 218i Gran Coupe Official Product Summary (more photos down below)
The First-Ever BMW 218i Gran Coupé M Sport arrives with a newly-designed three-
dimensional mesh single-unit kidney grille that is complemented by slim, slanted LED
headlights and LED foglights. The aerodynamic design also features a lower centre of
gravity for an extraordinarily dynamic presence, while the sleek frameless front and rear
doors accentuate its fluid design.
Modern flared wheel arches and 18-inch M light alloy wheels in double-spoke style 819
M Bicolour with runflat tyres lend a muscular appearance to the new Gran Coupé as
well. Towards the rear are slim wrap-around LED taillights connected by a high-gloss
black band. The new Gran Coupé also comes equipped with the M Aerodynamics
package as a standard, along with the BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line.
Powerfully efficient driving dynamics.
The new Gran Coupé is powered by the 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine that is
efficient for daily use yet remains powerful in nature. The BMW 218i Gran Coupe M
Sport is the first-ever compact BMW coupé to utilise a transverse engine placement.
This engine also complies with the EU6d-TEMP standard. With a maximum output of
103 kW/140 hp and a peak torque of 220 Nm, the new Gran Coupé can make the
century sprint in 8.7 seconds. The top speed for the sporty car is 213km/h. Its combined
fuel consumption records 5.9 litres per 100km of travel, with 135g of carbon emissions
per kilometre of travel.
Power is transmitted via a Seven-speed Steptronic double-clutch transmission. Similar
to the new BMW 1 Series, the First-Ever BMW 218i Gran Coupé M Sport is also
designed with the BMW front-wheel drive (FWD) architecture – combining class-leading
driving dynamics with a significantly increased amount of cabin space. Suspension,
damping and steering have also been tuned for sportier performance in the new Gran
Coupé.
A key contributor to the exceptional FWD handling of the new Gran Coupé is the ARB
technology (near-actuator wheel slip limitation) which allows significantly faster and
more sensitive control interventions, while minimising understeer usually experienced
with FWD vehicles. The ARB technology features a slip control system positioned
directly in the engine control unit which results in shorter signal paths, with reduced
engine output as soon as there is a threat of wheel slip on the front wheels.
Modern cockpit, sophisticated furnishing.
The cockpit of the First-Ever BMW 218i Gran Coupé M Sport impresses with a wealth of
sophistication, as it echoes the sportiness and extravagance of its exterior within. The
new Gran Coupé features illuminated trim finishers in Illuminated Boston and LED light
sources via the Lights Package to enhance cabin ambience. The multifunction M leather
steering wheel, sport seats with Leather Dakota upholstery, and two-zone automatic air
conditioning system provide a comfortable driving experience.
The new Gran Coupé features the BMW Live Cockpit Plus which stars an analogue
speedometer and rev counter and a 5.1-inch, 4:3 portrait-format screen which displays
information such as the car’s speed, the status of the driver assistance systems and
navigation instruction. This is complemented by an 8.8-inch touchscreen control display.
The new Gran Coupé is fitted with a centre console that includes the gear selector,
iDrive controller, driving dynamics controls as well as the push start button. Positioned in
front of it are cup holders and a storage tray for convenient charging via the Telephony
feature with wireless charging.
The lower central tunnel design of the vehicle offers more comfort and space for rear
passengers, compared to standard two-door coupés in this segment. A 430-litre luggage
compartment is 40 litres wider than the BMW 2 Series Coupe, ensuring everyday
usability and providing ample space, especially when the rear seats are folded in a
40/20/40 split. Comfort Access 2.0 is also available to the new Gran Coupé, along with
the BMW Digital Key for added convenience.
Best-in-class driving assistance systems.
Assistance is offered to the First-Ever BMW 218i Gran Coupé M Sport via the Driving
Assistant, Parking Assistant and the Reversing Assistant. The Driving Assistant includes
Lane Change Warning, Crossing Traffic Warning at the rear, Rear Collision Warning,
and Speed Limit Assist. It also includes Lane Departure Warning with active steering
intervention, as well as the Forward Collision Warning with brake intervention function.
The Parking Assistant and Reversing Assistant are also available as standard, along
with the Active Park Distance Control and a lateral parking aid.
The First-Ever BMW 218i Gran Coupé M Sport is available in Alpine White, Black
Sapphire, Snapper Rock Blue, Storm Bay, and Melbourne Red. The interior will feature
black Leather Dakota upholstery with blue and black highlights.
The First-Ever BMW 218i Gran Coupé M Sport will be available at all authorised BMW
dealerships nationwide starting 8 th October 2020. Customers can also book the new
Gran Coupé on http://www.shop.bmw.com.my/ at RM1,000.
Complete premium ownership experience.
Owners of the First-Ever BMW 218i Gran Coupé M Sport will receive the complete BMW
Group Malaysia Premium Ownership experience which includes:
BMW 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service Programme
BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline
The BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App - BMW Privileges Card
BMW Service Online
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