BMW continues the development of the 2-Series Gran
Coupe, the Bavarian answer to the Mercedes CLA, with a camouflaged test car
spotted on the back of a transport truck. This time however Carscoops spies got
the chance to have a peek underneath, which confirmed that the new 2-Series
Gran Coupe will be front-driven, just like the new 1-Series hatchback. The rear
end of the upcoming BMW 2-Series GC carries no driveline, putting an official
end to older reports about it retaining a RWD architecture.
It certainly makes financial sense for BMW to use
the same platform for both the 1-Series and 2-Series models; more powerful
derivatives will get an xDrive AWD system, like the upcoming M235i which will
reportedly be powered by a turbocharged 302 hp four-cylinder petrol unit.
This will be the same 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo
engine that can be found in the X2 M35i, producing 302 hp and 450 Nm of torque, paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Despite the swirly wrap, the new
2-Series Gran Coupe can’t hide its almost completely different bodywork,
featuring a high shoulder line and model-specific front and rear fascias. The
rear end is set to get a cleaner design with characteristic LED lights while
the front is also getting a unique treatment.
BMW’s answer to the Mercedes CLA is going to share
most of the powertrains with the regular 1-Series, meaning a wide range of
petrol and diesel units with three and four-cylinders. Sadly there will be no
six-cylinder option but there will be plug-in hybrid options available.
The latest rumors also talk about BMW ditching their
plans to offer a full fat M version of the 2-Series Gran Coupe but knowing that
BMW M wants to expand its presence on the market, take it with the necessary
grain of salt. BMW will debut the new 2-Series Gran Coupe in the next few months,
with a market launch set for late 2019, so stay tuned.
