This Is The New (Hopefully RWD) BMW 2-Series
With the arrival of the predominantly front-wheel drive 2-series Gran Coupe, you might be worried about what that means for the non-Gran version. There’s no need to fret, however - the word is that BMW will underpin the next-gen two-door 2er with the Cluster Architecture (CLAR) platform also used for the 3-series, which means it’ll have a longitudinally-mounted engine powering the rear wheels. Happy days.
We have already seen leaked images showing the front and rear of the 2-series coupe, but now, a full set of spy shots have landed in our inbox giving us a good idea of the car’s silhouette.
Much like the current model, the front and rear overhangs are short, giving a nicely compact look. The front and rear arches already look to be fairly wide - these will be blistered further once the M Division use the car as a basis for the next M2. We’re not especially keen on the trapezoidal exhaust trims, but overall, it’s looking promising.
The engine line-up shouldn’t diverge much from the ‘F22’ 2er. This means we’ll probably be getting an entry-level 1.5-litre triple-powered 218i at the bottom of the range, inline-four petrol-powered 220i and 230i models, and a diesel inline-four propelling the 218d and 220d.
At the top of the range, there are two possible directions BMW might take. We could get another M240i, powered by a B58 inline-six, or the M235i GC’s 302bhp inline-four might be dropped in instead.
If it ends up being the latter, anyone hankering for six-cylinder 2-series kicks will need to go for the M2, which looks set to use a detuned version of the next M3’s S58 engine.
The 2-series range will debut at some point in 2021, with the M2 likely following the year after.
Growing up on a diet of World Rally Championship highlights and lengthy Gran Turismo 2 sessions, a life in cars was as good as inevitable for Matt.
Comments
Was thinking about the 125i BTCC the other day. I miss the breadvan 1 series already, but good to see the 2 is still traditional-wheel-drive
This could turn out to be the last good BMW, before regulations and SUVs kill small rwd coupés for good. I’m excited for it, hopefully it won’t be as ugly as the 4!
The shape doesn’t remind me of a 2 series.
Am I the only one??
Is this the Gran Coupe or the coupe 2 series? if it’s the coupe then it’s ugly as hell.
Remember when 🎺🎺thank mr skeltal said: “This sort of article I find super interesting! Way better content than the millionth compact crossover reveal or BMW M3 spy shot every week.” about Porsche 3d printed piston? Here’s another BMW spy shot!
So much bias towards BMW on CT.
headlights are getting smaller as grilles get bigger.
I do not like this. but i am never going to buy a new bmw so my opinion doesnt matter