Global launch of the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe

Although the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe made its ASEAN premiere at this year's Singapore Motor Show, crowds were busy hovering around the BMW M8 Competition Coupe instead, which is completely understandable given the different levels of desirability.

What many do not know, though, is the fact that while the 2 Series Gran Coupe is now BMW's entry level four-door coupe, there is nothing entry level about it.

It boasts the same high quality materials as the 3 Series Sedan, with buttons and knobs operating with the sort of tactility that will satisfy even the most demanding critic.

The 2 Series Gran Coupe also gets the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant first seen in the BMW 3 Series - a system that has the ability to respond to the driver in a number of different ways through voice control.

In the looks department, the new BMW model manages to seamlessly transfer the tasteful aesthetic often found in its larger siblings into a premium compact form.

Up front, there is a strong sense of aggression, with its bold lines and angular curves that are headlined by the exclusive contoured kidney grille bars.

The 2 Series Gran Coupe also gets new taillights, which almost stretch into the centre of the rear, as well as newly formed audacious lines and a black band that run across the back - allowing the car to possess a powerfully planted stance.

Just as powerful is BMW's 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that can be found in the M235i xDrive. A total output of 302bhp and 450Nm of twisting force is sent to all four corners of the car via an eight-speed Steptronic Sport autobox, allowing it to hit the 100km/h mark from nought in just 4.9 seconds.

For those who do not need the go but are still charmed by the 2 Series Gran Coupe's show, a less powerful 138bhp BMW 218i - with its 1.5-litre three-cylinder powerplant - will also be making its way to Singapore and it should be right up your alley.

Unlike the juicier M235i, this front-wheel driven variant is equipped with a seven-speed Steptronic dual-clutch automatic transmission and will finish the century sprint in 8.7 seconds.

The BMW218i is expected to arrive on our shores sometime in April this year. The BMW M235i xDrive, on the other hand, is expected to follow suit several months later in July.