BMW Malaysia has given its most accessible sedan, the 218i Gran Coupe, a simple but significant change with the upgrade of the BMW Live Cockpit onboard infotainment system.
This is the second model after the BMW 320i Sport to get a full-featured BMW Live Cockpit Professional with the large screens during a model year update.
Similar to other models in the BMW Malaysia line-up (bar the ageing X1 SAV), the new BMW Live Cockpit Professional system has a 10.25-inch digital instrument display (that replaces the analogue meter cluster) and the touchscreen infotainment display also measuring 10.25 inches. The audio system still retains six speakers.
The larger screens and crisper graphics also unlock the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, a voice-activated command system that can be brought to life with a “Hey BMW!” or an assigned personalised word. The Intelligent Personal Assistant ensures drivers have convenient and complete control over vehicle settings, navigation and entertainment systems.
The singular upgrade in the interior is perhaps a direct response to Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s assault with the new A200 1.3L sedan with MBUX that sees a price revision to RM211k thanks to local-assembly.
On the exterior, the new BMW 218i Gran Coupe maintains key specifications such as LED lighting units, BMW M Aerodynamics package with gloss black window surrounds and M Sport 18-inch wheels suspended by M Sport suspension.
Inside, the new BMW 218i Gran Coupe continues to be fitted with sport seats wrapped with Dakota leather, full range of BMW M touchpoints including the steering wheel, foot pedals, door sill plates and paired with the black headlining, dual-zone automatic air-conditioning and ambient lighting.
Watch our VLog on why we like the front-wheel drive BMW 218i here!
Powering the BMW 218i Gran Coupe is the 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine with outputs of 140 hp and 220 Nm of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission driving the front wheels. The 218i takes 8.7 seconds to complete the century sprint, onward to a top speed of 213 km/h.
For those who crave for a more powerful BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, unfortunately, there is still no news of the BMW 220i Gran Coupe with a turbocharged 2.0-litre 192 hp engine that was recently made available in Thailand.
With the display upgrades, the locally-assembled BMW 218i Gran Coupe here in Malaysia is now priced starting from RM204,177, a RM5,000 increase from before. The price is inclusive of the SST exemptions and a standard two-year unlimited mileage warranty. With the optional five-year warranty and free service package, the price increases to RM216,367.
With the Balloon Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, the BMW 218i Gran Coupe can be owned with a monthly instalment plan starting from RM 2,268 (based on estimates of an 80% loan on a five-year tenure).
GALLERY
