2014 BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe

BMW targets the smaller end of the luxury scale with its latest Gran Coupe sedan.

BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi are about to launch a wide range of new vehicles aimed directly at the smaller side of the luxury car market. With the impending arrival of the Mercedes CLA sedan, along with a new Audi A3 sedan, which is set to replace the previous sport-wagon sold stateside, it was obvious BMW would offer more variations of the updated 1-Series lineup. The 2-Series Gran Coupe featured here in these artist illustrations is expected to offer BMW levels of luxury and driving dynamics in a more compact package. In fact, the German automaker has opted to create special model designations for coupe and convertible variants based on sedan platforms. This is why the latest 3-Series sedan is set to become the 4-Series when it makes the transformation to coupe and convertible.

The 2-Series Gran Coupe, and Possible M2 

Okay, you might be wondering why a BMW sedan based on the next 1-Series would wear the 2-Series (i.e. coupe/convertible) designation. Good question. For starters, remember that the 1-Series in 5-door hatchback format is not going to be sold in the U.S. market. Yet the next coupe and convertible based on this new platform (known internally as the F20) most definitely will. And since the Gran Coupe version is supposed to possess coupe-like lines on a sedan body, it makes sense for the model to stick with the 2-Series name. We hope that all makes sense. More important to most BMW fans is that the 2-Series Gran Coupe is going to offer a range of engines that include turbocharged inline-4s and silky-smooth inline-6s. Power will be routed to the rear wheels, and transmission choices are likely to include a 6-speed manual and 8-speed automatic transmission. However, it’s possible the Gran Coupe might only offer an automatic gearbox, with the manual reserved for the coupe and convertible.

We’re hoping BMW sees fit to offer an M2 Gran Coupe model, especially since the lifespan of the last M1 Coupe sold in the U.S. was so brief. If it returns, and we think it will, BMW is likely to slot a turbocharged inline-6 with upwards of 350-hp under the pert hood. The entire 2-Series range will break cover next year, during the 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show. Source: roadandtrack.com/make/bmw