BMW has posted the first official photos and detailed specs of its new ‘2 Series Gran Coupe’, a compact, four-door premium sedan.
Like anticipated, the model comes based on the same FWD chassis and multi-link rear suspension as the 1 Series. The wheelbase stays the same at 2,670 millimeters (8.76 feet), but the body is longer at 4,526 mm (14.85 ft.). This translates into more legroom for those sitting in the back (+33mm / +1.3in), as well as more trunk space (430 liters / 15.2 cubic feet). The rear sofa folds back 40:20:40. The outer width amounts to 1,800 mm (5.91 ft.) and the height to 1,420 mm (4.66 ft.).
Other than that, the car draws much of its design inspiration from the 8 Series Gran Coupe. This includes LED headlights (adaptive if you pay for it), frameless doors, 90mm exhaust pipes, and wheels up to 19 inches in diameter.
At first, there will be three powertrain options to choose from: 218i (1.5-liter, turbo 3-cyl., 140 hp / 104 kW), 220d (2.0-liter, turbo 4-cyl. diesel, 190 hp / 142 kW), and M235i xDrive (BMW’s strongest four-cylinder gas engine, 306 hp / 228 kW). The latter ships with a four-wheel drive system, a Torsen limited-slip differential, and some exterior eye candy.
The entry-level version ships with a six-speed manual transmission, while all else gets eight-speed automatic.
Like the 1 Series hatchback, the 2 Series Gran Coupe benefits from the patented anti-skid system originating from the BMW i3s and a torque vectoring system. The top-of-the-line trim adds sports steering and M Sport brakes.
Options include over-the-air software updates, smart satellite navigation, a multimedia system with gesture control support, the BMW Digital Cockpit, an NFC key, and a voice assistant.
Once it reaches the showrooms, the model will mainly have to look good against the Audi A3 and the Mercedes-Benz CLA. The live international debut has been set for LA Auto Show 2019, and the sales launch for March 2020.