BMW teases sizzling new 2 Series Gran Coupe

The future of BMW design has arrived in the shape of the all-new 2 Series Gran Coupe.

It’s still over a year away, but BMW has flicked its marketing switch to 'tease' mode in preparation for a complete renewal of its smallest model family.

A single tantalising hint of the 2 Series Gran Coupe emerged from the stylemeisters at BMW, ahead of the car’s official unveiling in November at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Of course, the Gran Coupe concept is not new to BMW, which seems to be plotting for an 8 Series Gran Coupe to join the mix.

“We currently have the 4 Series and 6 Series Gran Coupes,” BMW Australia’s product spokesman Adam Davis tells Australian Business Traveller, who hints that an 8 Series could be on the way. “It’s fair to say it will probably be 2, 4, 6 and 8,” he says.

The 2 Series Gran Coupe will sit at the top of the line as a design-driven four-door coupe, going up against the new Mercedes-Benz GLA Coupe.

BMW describes the Gran Coupe as an “innovative vehicle concept for the premium compact segment” and CEO Harald Kruger is eager to sell its advances.

“The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe has been conceived as a global offering that constitutes an attractive enrichment, especially for markets in which car buyers show a strong affinity for notchbacks,” BMW says.

“As an exclusive alternative to the classic saloon, the four-door coupe addresses all target groups that prefer a sophisticated design and a self-assured look in the compact segment as well.”

BMW says the 2 Series Gran Coupe "will be based on the platform of the next-generation 1 Series, which is set for a total overhaul (and) coming later this year,” according to Davis.

That 1 Series will move to front-wheel drive, from the traditional rear-wheel drive which has been a long-term hit with buyers.

"It will have all sorts of newness, from updated engines to improved safety, but the switch to front-wheel drive is fundamental."

Paul Gover

As Motoring Editor for Executive Traveller, Paul Gover spends less time at his Gold Coast home than he does on the road (literally) test-driving the best of the four-wheel world.