TLX vs 2 Series Gran Coupe
Brand preference aside, the TLX and the 2 Series Gran Coupe are close competitors, both pitched at compact luxury car buyers. Scoring each area separately, the 2 Series Gran Coupe comes out on top 1 times out of 4. Its lead is sharpest in fuel economy & range.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Trade-off
- Fuel Economy & Range 2 Series Gran Coupe wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance6.8
- Fuel Economy & Range4.0
- Engine & Performance6.3
- Fuel Economy & Range8.7
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The 2 Series Gran Coupe has better fuel economy
The TLX lists 25 mpg; the 2 Series Gran Coupe comes in at 30 mpg. That’s not a rounding error. The 2 Series Gran Coupe uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
-
The TLX has 31 hp more power
The 2 Series Gran Coupe isn’t far behind at 241 hp, but the TLX’s 272 hp still comes out ahead. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
-
The 2 Series Gran Coupe has better highway fuel economy
At 38 mpg versus 31 mpg, this is a decisive lead for the 2 Series Gran Coupe, the kind of difference you notice without looking for it. Speed, wind and load affect highway use a lot, but the official rating is a fair comparison point.
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The 2 Series Gran Coupe has better city fuel economy
If fuel economy (city) is one of your priorities, this settles it: the 2 Series Gran Coupe leads clearly with 26 mpg to the TLX’s 22 mpg. In town, driving style has a big effect, but the 2 Series Gran Coupe starts from a better baseline.
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The 2 Series Gran Coupe has 15 lb-ft more torque
A narrow win for the 2 Series Gran Coupe. With 295 lb-ft to 280 lb-ft, it’s the kind of difference that adds up rather than stands out. The 2 Series Gran Coupe’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | TLX | 2 Series Gran Coupe |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 194.6 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 75.2 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 56.4 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 113 in | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
Trade-off
Both have a point in this area: 31 hp more power for the TLX, 15 lb-ft more torque for the 2 Series Gran Coupe. Which car wins on engine & performance depends on which of those strengths you’ll actually use.
Total system output
TLX: 272 hp 2 Series Gran Coupe: 241 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
TLX: 280 lb-ft 2 Series Gran Coupe: 295 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Fuel Economy & Range
2 Series Gran Coupe leads
The fuel economy & range numbers point firmly in one direction: toward the 2 Series Gran Coupe. The 2 Series Gran Coupe gives you better fuel economy. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold. That makes the 2 Series Gran Coupe the natural choice for buyers focused on fuel economy & range.
Fuel economy (combined)
TLX: 25 mpg 2 Series Gran Coupe: 30 mpg Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
Fuel economy (highway)
TLX: 31 mpg 2 Series Gran Coupe: 38 mpg The 2 Series Gran Coupe uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
Evenly matched is the fairest summary of the space & practicality section. The takeaway: space & practicality is not where these two differ.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
The differences on off-road & towing are small enough to ignore in daily use. Bottom line for off-road & towing: it’s a wash.
Safety & Tech
Nothing to tally in the safety & tech section, but plenty to read. The table lists what the TLX and the 2 Series Gran Coupe each use.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | TLX | 2 Series Gran Coupe |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.0L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 272 hp (winner) | 241 hp |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 7-speed dual-clutch |
| Drivetrain | FWD (SH-AWD available) | AWD (xDrive) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | TLX | 2 Series Gran Coupe |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 25 mpg | 30 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 22 mpg | 26 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 31 mpg | 38 mpg (winner) Best highway economy |
| Fuel tank | 15.9 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | TLX | 2 Series Gran Coupe |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 13.5 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | TLX | 2 Series Gran Coupe |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | TLX | 2 Series Gran Coupe |
|---|---|---|
| Driver-assist suite | AcuraWatch | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | TLX | 2 Series Gran Coupe |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 194.6 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 75.2 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 56.4 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 113 in | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | TLX | 2 Series Gran Coupe |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $45,400 | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the TLX if…
- you want more power (272 hp vs 241 hp)
- you prefer staying with Acura
Choose the 2 Series Gran Coupe if…
- you want better combined fuel economy (30 mpg vs 25 mpg)
- you cover long highway distances (38 mpg vs 31 mpg on the highway)
- you want better city fuel economy (26 mpg vs 22 mpg)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (295 lb-ft vs 280 lb-ft of torque)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the TLX or the 2 Series Gran Coupe?
The 2 Series Gran Coupe wins more of the areas we compared, so it’s the safer pick unless you specifically want 31 hp more power, where the TLX has the edge.
Executive Summary
Acura makes the TLX, BMW makes the 2 Series Gran Coupe, and both want the same spot on your shortlist. Here’s where I land. The 2 Series Gran Coupe earns my vote first and foremost with better fuel economy. Less flashy, but still real: the 2 Series Gran Coupe brings better city fuel economy. Still, if you care most about 31 hp more power, the TLX deserves a look.
The TLX is built for people who weigh performance heavily, and the 2 Series Gran Coupe for people who weigh fuel economy & range.
My pick: the 2 Series Gran Coupe, and I’d only look at the TLX if you’d trade the rest for 31 hp more power.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.