BMW has surely taken its time in developing and
fine-tuning the first-ever 2-Series Gran Coupe. We first saw it testing in the
fourth quarter of 2017, and more than a year and a half later, the wraps still
haven’t come off.
Obviously, the Bavarian automaker won’t leave
anything to chance in their attempt to go after the likes of the new
Mercedes-Benz CLA. As for this prototype, which was spotted testing at the
Nurburgring, it has trapezoidal exhaust tips, large wheels and what seem to be
sporty bumpers, so we’re probably looking at the M240i M Performance model.
It does seem rather quick, too, though that’s no
surprise given that it’s using the X2 M35i’s engine. The 2.0-liter turbo-four
develops 306 PS and 450 Nm of torque in the small
SUV, where it’s coupled to an eight-speed auto that channels the output to both
axles, allowing it to hit 100 km/h in 5.0 seconds and a 250 km/h electronically limited top speed.
If this is indeed the M240i Gran Coupe, then it will
take on the Mercedes-AMG CLA 35. Affalterbach’s premium subcompact sporty
saloon covers the 0-100 km/h acceleration in 4.9 seconds and also
tops out at 250 km/h. Its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder
produces 306 PS and 400 Nm of torque. Like its
BMW competitor, the CLA 35 sits on a FWD platform, although it has been fitted
with all-wheel drive, something the M240i is expected to feature, too.
The 2-Series Gran Coupe will make its official
premiere this November, at the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show, with sales to
commence next spring.
