BMW Unveils the 216i Gran Coupe in Singapore
In a city famed for its precision and flair, BMW has rolled out the 216i Gran Coupe, a sleek package that proves the automaker’s ambition to slot a car into every imaginable niche. Whether you’re cruising the Marina Bay skyline or squeezing into a crowded courtyard, this model claims it can fit the bill.
What Makes the 216i a “Niche‑Ninja”?
- Powerful yet approachable – under the hood, a turbo‑charged four‑stroke engine delivers brisk city performance with a whisper of excitement.
- Style that’s both sleek & practical – a coupe silhouette that still offers generous cargo space for those spontaneous weekend getaways.
- Tech‑savvy interior – a modern infotainment hub, voice‑controlled navigation, and haptic feedback to keep drivers and passengers entertained.
Why Singapore Loves It
From the city’s bustling traffic to its penchant for hybrid solutions, the 216i Aligns perfectly with local preferences. Its low emissions profile mixed with a dash of BMW’s signature performance puts the city’s commuters in a delightful compromise between style and sustainability.
Ready to see a car that says, “I’m in the right market, no matter how wiggly it gets?” The 216i Gran Coupe is waiting at dealerships across Singapore, ready to whisper: “Here’s the niche‑queen you never knew you needed.”
It’s essentially the same car as the 218i Gran Coupe that arrived in early 2020, but now with an even smaller engine.
Why? The answer is all in the pricing.
The 216i’s 1.5-litre, three-cylinder turbo engine, with just 109 horsepower, puts the car into the Category A COE bracket.
More interestingly, the 216i’s CO2 emissions qualify it for the A2 band in the Vehicle Emissions Scheme, which grants it an immediate $15,000 rebate, which translates into a big discount for the customer right off the showroom floor. 
As it stands right now, the price difference between a 218i Gran Coupe and 216i Gran Coupe is a pretty big one, with $30,000 separating the two and just a 27 horsepower difference between them. 
To keep the 216i’s entry price as low as possible, it comes only in Sport trim, with the fancy M Sport edition nowhere in sight. This means the car has no fancy protruding bodykits hanging off the lower edge, and the interior is upholstered in a synthetic leather-like material that BMW calls Sensatec.
It’s really fancy PVC, but the plus side is that it’s been proven to be extremely durable, and if you’re not a leather connoisseur it matters very little because it certainly feels close enough to leather. 
The three-cylinder petrol engine might be small, but it’s a versatile powerplant that can also be found in the BMW 116i hatchback, as well as the Mini One.
Interestingly, the 218i Gran Coupe uses the same three-cylinder engine block, which leads us to conclude that the 216i is really just a detuned 218i released specifically for Singapore.
The end result is quite interesting.
It’s not a fast car in a straight line, but if you’re coming into it from a Kia Cerato, Hyundai Avante, or even a Mazda 3 you’ll probably be very satisfied with the driving experience and overall turn of pace. However the Skoda Octavia will blow the 216i Gran Coupe away in a drag race.
It does feel very much like a detuned 218i, because the chassis is as capable as any other BMW. The Two Series cars are all front-wheel drive and the 216i’s dynamic balance is different from that of a rear-wheel drive 318i, but it still has ability in spades.
Going in and out of corners quickly is a matter of maintaining momentum, because the car is capable of tracking the line you trace with the wheel with great accuracy but the engine has to wheeze hard to match the chassis’ ability.
The less speed you scrub off in a corner, the less the engine has to work to get back up to speed again. 
Yet the fact remains that the Two Series Gran Coupe is a small car. Thanks to its swoopy ‘coupe’ styling, the rear seats are really only good for two people, and headroom is tight. A One Series hatchback is arguably more spacious, and would suit a small family better.
BMW’s Next‑Gen SUV: Space, Style, and a Dash of Wizardry
Bootroom Magic
The rear seats fold neatly forward, turning the boot into a sprawling cargo zone—no more awkward last‑minute packing.
Elegant Touch‑Ups
Every panel, hinge, and trim piece exudes a subtle splash of designer expertise. BMW proved they didn’t shorten corners where it mattered; the feel is as luxurious as the price tag.
Live Cockpit Professional – All the Tech, Zero Grown‑Ups
- The car ships with the BMW Live Cockpit Professional infotainment package, a full‑blown dashboard experience.
- Powered by the latest BMW Operating System Seven, you get two large 10.25‑inch displays—think of it as a cockpit, not a dashboard.
- All the OS features—navigation, media, climate controls—blend at the master touch, so you can manage your ride without aisle‑wide frustration.
Bottom line? BMW’s new SUV roams forward, invites your groceries, and keeps your tech chuckling in the passenger seat. It’s a serious contender for those who want a car that’s part performance machine and part stylish store.
How a Smart Roof Keeps Your Car Cool
Imagine a car that actually talks to its own cooling system—no, it’s not a sci‑fi gimmick. The front of this vehicle is equipped with a clever, active aerodynamic layer that lets the car adjust the airflow around it on the fly, so it stays efficient and comfy.
What’s Happening Under the Surface?
- Hidden doorways tuck behind the front air intakes.
- When the engine reaches its sweet spot, those doors slide shut—a smoother passage for the air, reducing drag.
- If the engine needs more cooling, the doors kick back open, sending a rush of cool air straight to the radiators.
Why It Matters
This tiny tweak means the car can gather the right amount of airflow without pushing extra engine power into cooling—leading to lower fuel consumption and a more comfortable ride. Plus, it’s one of those subtle, tech‑savvy touches that whispers, “I know what you’re doing, buddy.”
Bottom Line
Thanks to this smart, sliding door system, the car stays cooler, runs smoother, and keeps your fuel tank a little fuller. Who knew that a tiny bit of airflow could feel like a big win?
BMW’s Fuel‑Efficiency Promise: What Lies Beneath the Numbers
Crunching the Numbers
BMW’s grand promise—5.5 liters every 100 kilometers—sounds pretty sweet, right? In theory, it’s the kind of economy that would let you buy a coffee at every stop. Reality says a bit more modest: 6.8 L/100 km when you actually drive with a light right foot. That’s the kind of fuel savings you can brag about when your friends ask how “eco‑friendly” your car really is.
Why the Bigger Car Can Be a Bigger Gas Guzzler
If you’re used to revving a high‑powered BMW, the 216i can feel a little slippery. You’ll find yourself tapping the accelerator a lot deeper—like a toddler who thinks they’re a Ferrari—especially in city traffic. That extra power appetite can sting your fuel tank, sneaking up on those numbers even if you’re as careful as a cross‑stitcher.
The 218i Gran Coupe—A Better Option if You Want Power
Think about your needs: Do you want a small, affordable slice of the Two Series line‑up, or do you crave the extra grunt of the 218i? Check out the full video review of the 218i Gran Coupe and decide. (You can’t miss it: <a href="https://youtu.be/ifHcntNRX4″>https://youtu.be/ifHcntNRX4).
Bottom Line: 216i Saves Money, But Might Bite in the Fuel Economy Department
For the entry‑level luxury crowd, price is a massive selling point. The 216i snaps up the savings over the 218i while still giving you a “small BMW” that’s surprisingly fun. Just keep your throttle loose and enjoy the ride—your wallet will thank you.
This is one of the very few small luxury cars that sits in the Category A COE bracket, and that does help with its competitive price. A Mercedes-Benz A 180 or CLA 180 may prove to be its strongest alternative, along with the possibility of an Audi A3 should one ever be released with a smaller engine.
Still, while the Mercedes-Benz cars trade on their razzle-dazzle tech and very nice (read: distracting) graphical displays, the BMW is a better car to drive dynamically overall.
BMW 216i Gran Coupe
Drivetrain type
Petrol engine
Engine
1,499cc, inline four, turbocharged
Power
109hp at 4300 – 6500rpm
Torque
190Nm at 1380 – 3800rpm
Gearbox
Seven-speed dual clutch
0-100km/h
10.8 seconds
Top Speed
200km/h
Fuel Efficiency
5.5 L/100km
VES Band
A2 / -$15,000
Agent
Performance Motors
Price
$203,888 with COE and VES
Availability
Now
Verdict
A good entry-level BMW if you value street style over practicality
ALSO READ: 2022 Mini John Cooper Works Clubman review: Party in ‘da club
This article was first published in CarBuyer.
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