BMW 2-Series gets stretched for China

BMW has presented yet another version of its 2-Series Gran Coupe in China, which features a longer wheelbase and is set to enter production at the local BMW-Brilliance factory soon.

The new model benefits from a switch to a new platform called UKL. This gives it 117 mm of extra body length and 110 mm of wheelbase. As such, it is 4,663 mm (182.1 inches) long and 1,457 mm (57 inches) tall with 2,780 mm (108.6 inches) between the axles. The automaker says the extra space goes into larger rear door frames and more legroom in the second seat row.

Unlike its European counterpart (see video), the Chinese 2-Series Gran Coupe features distinctly stamped side panels and flush door handles, resulting in a more upmarket look. The buyers can choose between 18-inch and 19-inch wheels.

The panoramic roof has been redesigned as well. Where Europeans get a two-part roof with a built-in hatch, the Chinese get a cool-looking solid-pane glass roof.

There are three powertrain options: a 1.5-liter turbo three-pot rated at 156 PS (154 hp / 115 kW), a larger 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder with 204 PS (201 hp / 150 kW), and a different version of the latter engine boosted to 300 PS (296 hp / 221 kW). All three work in conjunction with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and drive the front wheels with an option for AWD. The range-topping M235L xDrive Gran Coupe needs five seconds flat to reach 100 km/h (62 mph) from standstill. In its usual fashion, BMW caps the acceleration at 250 km/h (155 mph).

The production at the Brilliance factory will start before the end of the year, but the actual sales won’t begin until 2025. Rumor has it the locally made 2-Series will be much more affordable than when it was imported from Germany. Those cars started from 273,000 Yuan, or $37,670.