BMW makes the most desirable cars among the German trio and Bimmer fans love that. From the lunatic M5 to the affordable 3 Series, all share one thing in common and that is Sheer Driving Pleasure. In India, it was the same story but then the 2-Series GC arrived. The 2-Series Gran Coupe is the car which broke BMW fanboys' conviction as it is a front-wheel driven Bimmer. Not having rear-wheel-drive in a BMW is like skimping on cheese for a full-size pizza. That's the main ingredient for a perfect BMW. On that note, should you really go with the 2-series Gran Coupe or get the already-popular 330i? We answer just that in the BMW 2-series GC Vs 3-Series spec comparison.
Before you ask, we know that the 2-Series GC is offered with a sole diesel engine and hence, should be compared to the 320d, right? But the fact is if you just want a sedan, you need comfort and that the 2-series delivers. If you are annoyed with the 2-Series, that's only because you want the BMW thrill and that can be only attained with the petrol 330i. Without exaggeration, the 330i is just a couple of thousand Rupees expensive than the 220d. Now makes sense? Let's get ahead then.
BMW 2-Series GC Vs 3-Series - Exteriors and Design
The 2-Series Gran Coupe created a lot of controversies when it was launched globally. Not because of the absurd grille this time as that is fine, but because of the uncanny resemblance with the 8-series. As it has hit our shores, critics seem to like the design in flesh and that isn't the issue anymore. As there is 'Coupe' in the name, we have got a tapering-off roofline and frameless doors. The front gets LED headlights with a kink whereas the rear gets inverted LED taillights and dual exhaust tips. Overall, the 2-Series will appeal to a larger audience base with not many people having complaints.
The 3-Series is a perfect-looking sedan. The grille is of regular size, the LED headlights have a kink which is reminiscent of older 3-Series, the side profile gets prominent shoulder line and the rear gets slim 3D-shaped LED taillights. No one can call the 3-Series odd-looking but that may change in future. As we are talking about the 330i Sport here, we do miss out on M-sport kit including 18-inch alloy wheels. The M-Sport trim of the 3-Series looks much better than the Sport thanks to the sporty bumpers and 18-inch M-Sport alloy wheels.
BMW 2-Series GC Vs 3-Series - Interiors and Features
The BMW 2-Series GC is as premium it can get. The layout is similar to the 3-Series with exact similar parts and equipment used. The centre console of the 2-Series GC is tilted towards the driver and a 10.25-inch touchscreen sits on the top of the dash. Unlike the 3-Series, the 2-Series Gran Coupe gets standard equipment in both its trims which include virtual cockpit and BMW iDrive touchscreen.
Talking about the features of the 2-Series GC, we get digital driver's display, multifunction steering wheel with paddle shifters, cruise control, ambient lighting, iDrive with touchscreen and wireless Apple Car Play, 2-zone climate control, powered seats, BMW gesture control, electric sunroof, launch control, Dynamic Traction Control, Electrical Differential Lock Control (EDLC) and a lot more.
Also read: Audi Q2 Vs BMW X1 - Which German Crossover is Worth Your Money?
The 3-Series comes with a ton of features even in the Sport trim and doesn't lack big features. The layout is similar to the M-Sport but you loose on front sports seats and digital instrument cluster. What we get is a small screen flanked with two conventional dials whereas the infotainment measures 8.8-inches rather than 10.25-inch.
Talking about features, the 330i Sport comes with an 8.8-inch touchscreen system, part-digital instrument cluster, multifunction steering wheel, cruise control, powered seats, paddle shifters, electric sunroof, 3-zone climate control and a lot more. However, we miss out on front sports seats, ambient lighting, wireless charging, Apple Car Play and more.
BMW 2-Series GC Vs 3-Series - Engine and Performance
The 2-Series Gran Coupe is available with a sole 2.0-litre diesel engine whereas turbo petrol will be launched later. The 2.0-litre diesel produces 190hp and 400 Nm of torque and it comes mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. The power is channelled to the front wheels and the 2GC touches 100 km/h mark in 7.5 seconds. BMW has kept the understeer in check with techs like DTC, DSC, CBC and electrically lockable differential.
Moving to the 3-Series, BMW offers two engine options - 2.0-litre diesel and 2.0-litre turbo petrol. The diesel engine of the 3-Series is the same we get in the 2GC, but we have taken the turbo petrol for this comparison. The 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine churns out 258hp and 400 Nm of torque, mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. The power is channelled to the rear wheels and it does 0-100 km/h in just 5.8 seconds.
BMW 2-Series GC Vs 3-Series - Price and Verdict
One thing is for sure - whichever car you pick, BMW is winning. But your deciding factor lies on what do you want from your new ride - performance and handling or efficiency and value-for-money. The 2-Series GC may not live up to the enthusiast's expectations but one can not deny the fact that it's a well-rounded package. On the other hand, the 330i is known for its athletic handling and corner-craving nature.
| Price | BMW 2-Series GC | BMW 3-Series |
| Ex-showroom | Rs 39.30 - 41.40 lakh | Rs 41.70 - 48.50 lakh |
So if you want comfort and convenience, the 2GC makes good sense and also comes with a frugal diesel engine and great features. But if you are the aforementioned enthusiast, the 3-Series is the right pick even though you miss out on some features but your money will be well spent! Share your thoughts on this and be a part of interesting automotive discussions, join our Whatsapp group here
