Baby BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe set for Spring 2020 launch

The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe may share a name with the existing two-door Coupe that’s already been on sale since 2014, but that’s about where the similarities end. For starters, it arrives a ‘generation’ ahead of the new two-door models, meaning an all-new interior, technology and exterior design.

It’s also got a new platform, the Gran Coupe being based on the same front-wheel drive underpinnings as the 1 Series Sports Hatch. This differs from the rear-wheel drive blueprint of the 2 Series Coupe and its likely successor. Diehard BMW fans may scoff, but the manufacturer reckons most buyers won’t mind (or even register) which wheels receive power from the engine, as long as the car is still unmistakably BMW.

The upside of the new platform is improved packaging and interior space, helping the 2 Series Gran Coupe compete with rivals such as the Mercedes-Benz CLA and Audi A3 Saloon.

Choice of three engines and gearboxes from launch

Unusually, the 2 Series Gran Coupe will be launched with as many engines as gearbox choices:

• 218i 1.5-litre three-cylinder – 140hp and 220Nm of torque

• 220d tried-and-tested 2.0-litre diesel – 190hp and 400Nm of torque and the performance

• M235i xDrive 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol with all-wheel drive – 306hp and 450Nm of torque

Gearbox options will consist of six-speed manual, seven-speed auto and eight-speed auto – the latter reserved for the performance M235i version. The 2 Series Gran Coupe will also get clever standard tech features (shared with the 1 Series) to improve how the car handles, including ARB wheel slip limitation and BMW Performance Control.

>> Read our BMW 1 Series Sports Hatch review

>> Lease a brand new BMW 1 Series Sports Hatch

The former originates from the BMW i3S electric car and works to improve traction and reduce power understeer (where the front wheels lose grip under power), while the latter can brake the inside wheel during hard cornering, in order to improve agility.

Larger dimensions than 2 Series Coupe means more space

The 2 Series Gran Coupe comes in with two extra doors over the regular coupe, as well as an extra 94mm in length and 26mm in width. That means there’s noticeably more cabin space on offer, although – thanks to the sloping roofline at the rear – you will struggle to comfortably fit two six-foot adults in the rear seats, let alone three.

As for luggage capacity, the boot measures up at 430 litres – 40 more than the coupe. You can even fold the seats individually in a flexible 40:20:40 split, something that larger, supposedly more practical cars (such as the Volvo S60) do not offer.

On sale now with three trim levels on offer

Available to order now, first deliveries for the 2 Series Gran Coupe will be March 2020. Trim level choices will be simple, with BMW offering either Sport, M-Sport or flagship M235i versions. Meanwhile, prices will start from around £25,000 for a 218i in Sport spec.

Keep this page bookmarked for news updates and early driving impressions of the new BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe