Two different versions of the compact four-door are available for the U.S.
BMW invited me to test drive two prototypes of the 2 Series Gran Coupe earlier in the year. We were mostly impressed. The camouflage is now gone. BMW today unveils the 2 Series Gran Coupe (or GC) production model. This compact, premium four-door fills the gap between the 1 Series & 3 Series in style.
Update:
In the U.S., BMW will offer two versions of the 2 Series GC: the 228i xDrive or the M235i xDrive. The turbocharged 2.0-liter four cylinder produces 228 horsepower (170 Kilowatts) as well as 258 pound-feet (351 Newton-meters). It can reach 60 mph (96 km/h) in just 6.0 seconds. The turbocharged M Sport model produces 301 horsepower (224 kW) as well as 332 lbft (450 Nm) to propel it to 60 in just 4.75 seconds. The same eight-speed automatic gearbox is used in both trims.
The 2 Series GC American models come standard with all-wheel drive. However, European buyers will soon be able to choose front-drive. BMW claims that this is not a regular xDrive system. The 2 Series takes traction technology from the i3 hybrid, especially the near-actuator wheel slip limitation. To manage slip, it applies light braking to the inner wheel and works with the standard xDrive allwheel-drive system to increase grip.
Naturally, the M235i is the more sporty of the two models. The M235i has additional bracing and a standard suspension system that lowers the ride height by 0.4% (10 millimeters). There is also an optional dynamic damper control system, with two settings: Comfort or Sport. M235i comes with sharper M Sport steering, grippier 235/35R 19 inch performance tires wrapped around multi-spoke wheel. Standard on the 228i model is a set of 17-inch wheels, 18 inches on the M235i.
The 2 Series GC is a four-door coupe. It features styling elements such as flared haunches at the rear, a sloping roofline and frameless windows. It’s all elegant inside. Optional BMW Live Cockpit is also available. It features a 10.3 inch touchscreen and a matching 10.3 inch digital instrument cluster. Active safety features include lane-keep assistance and adaptive cruise control. An optional 9.2-inch head up display is also available.
The production of the BMW 2 Series GC is expected to begin next month, before the car goes on the market. It’s likely that the car will go on sale in 2020. Pricing details have not yet been released by BMW.