LA show: BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe teased
BY SPENCER LEECH | 22nd Mar 2019
BMW Group has teased its all-new 2 Series Gran Coupe ahead of its public unveiling at November’s Los Angeles Auto Show and worldwide market launch in 2020.
Little is known about the Gran Coupe, however it is confirmed to be underpinned by BMW’s new front-wheel-drive architecture, and share componentry with the upcoming 1 Series generational update that will be revealed at some point in 2019.
The German brand’s local wing has yet to confirm plans to launch either new model, however the current 1 Series hatchback is now in runout.
At this stage, one darkened image of the Gran Coupe is all there is to go off, giving a glimpse of the rear left quarter panel, tail-light signature, duck-tail spoiler and roof line.
It appears to retain the design language of the current 2 Series, with the primary difference being the addition of back doors to complete the four-door ‘coupe’ body style.
Most likely, the Gran Coupe will borrow its powerplants from the current 2 Series coupe and convertible range, which includes a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine tuned to 135kW/270Nm in the 220i or 185kW/350Nm in the 230i.
Meanwhile, BMW’s flagship 2 Series, the M2 Competition, is motivated by a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged six-pot tuned to the sound of 302kW and 550Nm.
While the hi-po 2 Series is a rear-drive-only prospect, it is possible that a range-topping Gran Coupe would instead run an all-paw driveline.
In tin-top form, the current 2 Series range is priced from $54,900 plus on-road costs for the entry-level 220i, up to $104,900 for the M2 Competition.
BMW sold 1361 examples of its 2 Series Coupe/Convertible range in 2018 for a 22.2 per cent drop year-to-year, while the 1 Series stayed in the green with 2532 overall sales for a 20.3 per cent rise.
