BMW is lowering the entry price for the 2 Series Gran Coupe in Japan with the newly introduced BMW 220 Gran Coupe original. Priced from ¥4.98 million, the new model is the only version of the compact four-door to fall below the psychologically important ¥5 million mark, with sales already underway and customer deliveries scheduled to begin in September.
A More Affordable 2 Series Gran Coupe
Before the arrival of the BMW 220 Gran Coupe original, the least expensive version available in Japan was the BMW 220 Gran Coupe M Sport, which currently costs ¥5.36 million ($34,342).
The new original model reduces the entry price by ¥380,000 ($2,435), representing a little more than seven percent. It also sits well below the diesel-powered 220d Gran Coupe M Sport, which is priced at ¥5.56 million.
BMW says it achieved the lower price by “carefully selecting” the car’s standard equipment. However, the company has not provided a comprehensive list detailing exactly which features differ from the M Sport model.
Despite the reduced equipment, several key features remain standard, including navigation, Driving Assist, Digital Key Plus, and the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. The positioning makes the 220 Gran Coupe original a simplified version of the lineup rather than a dramatically stripped-down model.
The 48-Volt Hybrid Powertrain Remains
BMW has not reduced the powertrain to achieve the lower starting price. The 220 Gran Coupe original uses the same 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder B38 engine, seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, and 48-volt mild-hybrid system found in the M Sport version.
Together, the engine and electric motor produce 170 horsepower and 280 Nm (207 pound-feet) of torque. The electric motor is integrated into the transmission, where it can assist the gasoline engine during acceleration, recover energy during deceleration, and enable smoother engine restarts.
For buyers looking for significantly more performance, BMW Japan continues to offer the M235 xDrive Gran Coupe, which costs ¥7.44 million (around $47,680).
BMW Expands Its “Original” Strategy
The new model also expands BMW Japan’s use of the “original” designation. Rather than identifying a special edition, the name is used for a more affordable configuration that retains the vehicle’s core technology while reducing its standard equipment.
BMW has already used the same approach on other models, including the X2 sDrive20i Original introduced alongside the new Gran Coupe. Earlier this year, the company also introduced the 120 Original for the 1 Series.
BMW 220 Gran Coupe Original Pricing
- BMW 220 Gran Coupe original: ¥4.98 million
- BMW 220 Gran Coupe M Sport: ¥5.36 million ($34,342)
- BMW 220d Gran Coupe M Sport: ¥5.56 million
- BMW M235 xDrive Gran Coupe: ¥7.44 million (around $47,680)
With a ¥380,000 lower starting price, the BMW 220 Gran Coupe original brings the compact four-door below ¥5 million in Japan while retaining the same powertrain as the M Sport version and several key standard features. Sales have begun, with customer deliveries scheduled to start in September.
