BMW Teases New 2-Series Gran Coupe

MUNICH, Germany – BMW issues a teaser image of the upcoming 2-Series Gran Coupe ahead of the 4-door sedan’s planned public debut at the 2019 Los Angeles auto show in November, followed by the start of North American sales in 2020.

Codenamed F44, the new BMW has been conceived to rival the Audi A3 sedan and Mercedes-Benz CLA with a coupe-inspired silhouette, shallow glasshouse and notchback-style rear end –all aimed at providing it with a more sporting profile than the 1-Series sedan currently sold exclusively in China.

In a press release accompanying the teaser image, BMW confirms the 2-Series Gran Coupe is based on its FAAR platform and uses a transverse engine. The automaker plans to offer a choice of front- or all-wheel drive and a range of 4-cyl. gasoline and diesel engines, as well as a newly developed gasoline-electric plug-in hybrid drivetrain BMW intends to unveil later this year.

Other BMW models to use the FAAR platform include the 2-Series Active Tourer, 2-Series Gran Tourer and second-generation X1.

BMW says the 2-Series Gran Coupe “sets new accents in individuality, aesthetics and emotion” and says it offers “ideal prerequisites to attract new target groups” to the German brand.

The automaker plans to build the new BMW at its Leipzig factory in Germany alongside the new 1-Series hatchback during second-half 2019.