Europe is taken into account the final bastion for diesel engines, however the oil-burner is dying even there. The latest numbers from the European Car Producers’ Affiliation (ACEA) spotlight the powertrain’s downfall. Within the first two months of 2025, new automobiles with diesel engines had an 8.8% share in complete deliveries, a 3% lower in comparison with the identical interval final yr. Within the 2010s, diesel had a market share amongst new automobiles that exceeded 50%. One of many foremost causes for the gradual demise is stricter emissions laws, that are forcing automakers to retire diesels.
Nonetheless, BMW isn’t prepared to surrender simply but. From the 1 Sequence and X1 to the 7 Sequence and X7, Bavaria nonetheless presents loads of four- and six-cylinder diesels. A related instance is the brand new 2 Sequence Gran Coupe (codenamed F74), seen right here in a 220d taste. The automaker’s Slovenian department reveals off a high-end model of the compact sedan painted in an Particular person Colour. Frozen Portimao Blue Metallic is one in every of a number of matte finishes accessible from the Bavarian luxurious model.
Press automobiles are usually loaded with non-compulsory goodies; certain sufficient, this 220d Gran Coupe isn’t any exception. BMW is displaying off its smallest sedan using on the bigger 19-inch wheels. The 976 M design has a Y-spoke format and a two-tone end. The M Sport Bundle can be onboard, however there aren’t any seen exhausts. They’re now solely reserved for M Efficiency and M fashions. On the lesser fashions, the exhaust tip is tucked away beneath the rear bumper.
Previously, blue accents within the headlights denoted laser expertise. Nonetheless, that’s not the case. BMW is step by step switching to a glare-free matrix LED high-beam and utilizing the blue inside accents for automobiles geared up with adaptive lighting tech. The non-compulsory headlights on the two Sequence Gran Coupe characteristic a cornering gentle operate. Elsewhere, a “2” motif is now embedded into the Hofmeister kink, echoing latest fashions.
The two GC appears extra upmarket exterior than its predecessor, however we’re undecided we are able to say the identical concerning the cabin. I choose the outdated “F44” dashboard format with extra bodily buttons and the iDrive rotary controller. Nonetheless, the youthful crowd usually prefers to depend on touchscreens to entry a automotive’s capabilities. In case you assume the standard of the supplies is lower than snuff, that is nonetheless BMW’s entry-level sedan. The fancier 3 Sequence is fancier, offered it suits the price range.
BMW now has two flavors of the two Sequence Gran Coupe. Whereas this standard-wheelbase model is offered globally, China additionally will get a stretched by-product because the F78.
Images: BMW Slovenia / Samuel Zaťko
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