German automakers seem to be in a scuttle over entry-level luxury sedans. Mercedes-Benz recently came out with the A-Class, leaving BMW without a direct competitor. Well, that changes with the 2020 BMW Gran Coupe, which was just revealed ahead of the Los Angeles Auto Show.
Despite sharing badges and the name as the 2-Series coupe and convertible, the 2-Series Gran Coupe is all-new, sharing little with its namesakes. For one, the swanky four-door utilizes a front-wheel-drive platform that’s shared with the X1 and X2 crossovers – don’t worry, both Gran Coupe trims that will be offered in the U.S. will have all-wheel drive. The coupe and convertible body styles have rear-wheel-drive platforms.
Because of the front-wheel-drive chassis and four-door design, the baby Gran Coupe measures in at 178.5 inches long, 81.9 inches wide, and 55.9 inches tall. That makes it a direct competitor to the A-Class, Audi A3, and the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class.
BMW will offer the 2-Series Gran Coupe in two trims: the 228i xDrive and the M235i xDrive. Anyone familiar with BMW’s nomenclature will know that the 228i is the base trim, while the M235i is the performance-oriented version. The 228i xDrive will come with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four that makes 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The sportier M235i xDrive is equipped with a more powerful version of the engine that generates 301 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. Both engines use an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. BMW claims a 0-to-60 mph time of six seconds for the 228i and 4.7 seconds for the M235i.
An available M Sport Package brings more performance components to the 228i xDrive, like 19-inch wheels, M Sport steering, M Sport suspension, and a sportier body kit. Opt for the M Sport Package on the M235i xDrive and you’ll get an overboost function for the turbocharger, which should provide even more power for a few seconds. Another package, called the Dynamic Handling Package, brings M Sport brakes, adaptive dampers, and larger wheels. It may be a baby BMW, but the German brand’s serious about its performance prowess.
The 2-Series Gran Coupe trims will be well equipped when they go on sale. The base 228i xDrive will come with things like parking sensors, LED headlights, an 8.8-inch display, a full suite of driver-assist features that are packed under BMW’s Active Driving Assistant, and sport front seats. The M235i xDrive will add a number of M Sport components, a body kit, a limited-slip differential, keyless entry, and more.
Numerous features are being offered as optional, including BMW’s Live Cockpit Pro, which brings two 10.25-inch screens, adaptive cruise control, wirelress charging, a panoramic moonroof, and a high-performance Harman-Kardon audio system.
The all-new 2-Series Gran Coupe is an interesting proposition for BMW. The German automaker has always put performance first with rear-wheel-drive offerings for its sedans and coupes – and even Gran Coupes. But the four-door 2-Series trims not only help BMW have competitors for Mercedes-Benz and Audi, but it expands on the brand’s most affordable model, giving buyers on a budget more options. Since the 2-Series Gran Coupe has four doors and the other 2-Series models are coupes and convertibles, we don’t expect BMW to pull the plug on two-door variants yet, nor have we heard anything to that extent.
BMW hasn’t announced pricing for the 2-Series Gran Coupe trims yet, but if it wants to be competitive with the other German, pint-sized luxury vehicles on the market, it will have to start around $33,000. The sedan will make its official debut at the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show before going on sale next spring.