Luxury Car Launch Wrap: BMW 2 Series GranCoupe And Range Rover Velar Autobiography Launched
In a week packed with premium unveilings, two very different but equally aspirational luxury cars made their debut. BMW pulled the wraps off its updated 2 Series GranCoupe, while Land Rover introduced the top-spec Autobiography trim of the Range Rover Velar. Both launches mark strategic moves from their respective brands to offer refreshed styling and enhanced features in segments that demand a fine balance of prestige and performance.
BMW’s Stylish Compact Sedan Gets Sharper
Priced at ₹46.90 lakh (ex-showroom), the 2025 BMW 2 Series GranCoupe has arrived with a mid-life refresh. The changes are subtle but effective, aimed at keeping the entry-level four-door coupe fresh in a segment that values aesthetics as much as badge appeal. The signature kidney grille has been slightly tweaked, the LED headlamps get a crisper design, and the overall styling looks more athletic with revised bumpers and new alloy wheels.
Inside, BMW has given it the brand’s latest Curved Display layout, combining a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster with a 10.7-inch infotainment screen. It runs the Operating System 9 software, bringing more personalisation, better voice recognition, and cleaner menus. The cabin itself continues to impress with quality materials, although space at the rear remains tight, especially for taller passengers.
The powertrain is perhaps the weakest packaging in the equation - a 1.5-litre-3 cylinder turbo-petrol engine making 154 Bhp and 230 Nm, paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. While it’s not blisteringly quick, the car delivers peppy performance in the city and enough confidence for highway sprints. 0-100 Kph is claimed at 8.6 seconds, with a top speed of 230 Kph. With paddle shifters, launch control, and sport mode, there’s enough on tap for an enjoyable weekend drive.
This model is significant for BMW, as the 2 Series often serves as the first luxury car for many new customers. With this update, BMW hopes to keep younger buyers interested with its sporty looks, new-age cabin tech, and familiar driving dynamics.
Range Rover Velar Goes Full Luxe
On the other end of the price spectrum, Land Rover launched the new Autobiography variant of the Range Rover Velar at ₹89.90 lakh (ex-showroom). This is now the most premium Velar you can buy and is positioned as a luxury-first offering with a more exclusive feature set and cosmetic upgrades. A more affordable Dynamic SE trim is also on offer, and is priced at Rs. 84.9 lakh.
The Autobiography tag is usually reserved for top-of-the-line Range Rovers, so its inclusion here signals Land Rover’s intent to push the Velar further upmarket. The exterior gets a stealthy treatment with blacked-out elements, a panoramic sliding sunroof, and 20-inch wheels. The inside is where most of the differentiation lies. It offers a full Windsor leather interior, massage front seats with heating and cooling, a Meridian 3D surround sound system, and active road noise cancellation.
Under the hood are two engine options, both 4 cylinder units - a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 247 hp and 365 Nm, and a 2 liter turbo diesel with 201 Bhp and,430 Nm on tap. Both engines are mated to 8-speed automatic transmissions.
All-wheel drive and air suspension are standard, which helps the Velar glide over rough patches while retaining its composed manners on high-speed stretches. The performance isn’t sporty, but it’s smooth, refined, and exactly what you’d expect in a vehicle that’s more about cruising in comfort than attacking corners.
What makes this Velar Autobiography notable is how it positions itself just below the full-size Range Rover Sport, offering many of the same luxuries in a sleeker and more compact form. It may not have the road presence of its bigger siblings, but it nails the brief for buyers who want exclusivity and tech without stepping into full-size SUV territory.
A Snapshot of Market Strategy
Both these launches show how luxury brands are navigating customer expectations in 2025. BMW has doubled down on tech-savvy sportiness in a compact form, keeping its focus on urban luxury seekers. Land Rover, meanwhile, is leaning into its strength of plush interiors and all-terrain comfort, now wrapped in a more boutique SUV package.
Even though these two cars cater to very different audiences, they underscore the same trend: buyers are increasingly looking for standout design, tech-rich cabins, and distinctive trim-levels that elevate everyday luxury. Whether one is looking at a sporty entry point into the BMW world or aiming for the pinnacle of the Velar experience, these two launches have something new to offer to the premium car shopper.