BMW recently introduced its first locally assembled four-door coupé in the compact premium segment in Malaysia (All photos: BMW/BMW Malaysia)
If you’ve walked past Pavilion KL for the past few days, chances are you’ve seen a gleaming BMW four-door coupé perched right outside its entrance. The car in metallic Snapper Rock Blue, which has coloured most billboards in town and magazine back covers recently, is unmissable.
Stopping shoppers and passers-by was the all-new Gran Coupé from BMW unveiled in the new variant of the BMW 218i Grand Coupé M Sport, alongside a fleet of camouflaged models in unique designs by local businesses, volunteer groups and NGOs such as Komuniti Tukang Jahit, Canggih Designs, INKAA and Kanoe.
03._bmw_malaysia_unveils_the_first-ever_bmw_218i_gran_coupe_m_sport.jpg
The groups helped create unique camouflage designs based on stories as seen on some of the BMW 218i Grand Coupé M Sport driving around Klang Valley in the lead up to the launch of annual watch event Time Kulture.
It’s safe to say that there’s nothing mild-mannered about the car’s new silhouette — the first locally assembled coupé arrives with a newly-designed three-dimensional mesh single-unit kidney grille that’s complemented by slim, slanted LED headlights and LED footlights. A sleek frameless front and rear doors ensures fluidity to further enhance the aerodynamic design.
08._first-ever_bmw_218i_gran_coupe_m_sport_in_camouflage_designed_by_kanoe.jpg
If you find the new Gran Coupé slightly more bulked-up, that’s because the car has been equipped with modern flared wheel arches, as well as 18-inch M light alloy wheels in double-spoke style 819 M Bicolour with runlet tyres.
There’s nothing meek about its 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine too, even though it’s more suited for daily use. The 218i Grand Coupé M Sport is the first-ever compact BMW to utilise a transverse engine placement, with a maximum output of 103 kW/140hp and a peak torque of 220Nm. Can this car rack up some miles? Watch it go at a top speed of 213km/h with a century sprint in 8.7 seconds.
The car’s class-leading driving dynamics also owes it to the BMW front-wheel drive (FWD), which provides excellent handling thanks to the ARB technology. The latter features a slip control system positioned directly in the engine control unit which results in shorter signal paths.
interior.jpg
Interior-wise, the cockpit echoes the sportiness and extravagance of its exterior. The cabin ambience has been enhanced with illuminated trim finishers in Illuminated Boston and LED light sources via the Lights Package. Comfort is well-assured when you sink into the sports seats with Leather Dakota upholstery behind the multifunction M leather steering wheel.
Not that you need any help or motivation driving this sporty beast, but smart assistance is offered to ensure an enjoyable and safe driving experience. Functions such as Driving Assistant (includes Lane Change Warning, Crossing Traffic Warning, etc), Parking Assistant and the Reversing Assistant are all equipped.
The BMW 218i Gran Coupé M Sport is available in Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Snapper Rock Blue, Storm Bay, and Melbourne Red. The car will be available at all authorised BMW dealerships nationwide now.
Customers can book the new Gran Coupé here at RM1,000.
