Think of it as a posh take on China’s 1 Series Sedan
By now, those of you who are BMW fans already know the next-generation 1 Series and 2 Series will be based on a front-wheel-drive platform.
Just like the current 2 Series Active Tourer/Gran Tourer MPVs and the China-exclusive 1 Series Sedan, the next-generation of BMW's compact family will switch to front-wheel drive/all-wheel drive. While that may be bad news for hardcore driving enthusiasts, they may take consolation in the fact that BMW will add a new body style — the 2 Series Gran Coupé.
Seen here through the eyes of our rendering artist Christian Schulte, the 2 Series GC will abuse the term "coupé" thanks to a sloping roofline design. It looks very much like a sedan in our eyes if these two illustrations are anything to go by.
If you like, the 2 Series Gran Coupé will be the 1 Series Sedan Europe will not get. Since it will wear the 2 Series moniker, it will be more expensive than the China-exclusive model and less of a threat to the 3 Series Sedan as far as market cannibalization goes.
The 2 Series Gran Coupe is not expected to arrive earlier than 2019, and when it does, it will go up against the next-generation Mercedes-Benz CLA and Audi A3 Sedan.
Expect a similar powertrain lineup as on the 1 Series Sedan, including a 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbocharged gasoline unit and two 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder gasoline engines. Unlike its Chinese counterpart, the 2 Series GC is also expected to feature diesel units.