What's the news?
The next generation of the BMW 1 Series and its associated 2 Series spin-off models will all be front-wheel drive, sharing a platform with the MINI. And, not only have we got that sea-change for the most compact products in the BMW-badged portfolio, but we'll be getting a new derivative called the 2 Series Gran Coupe, from next year.
These glimpsed teaser shots of the next-gen 2 Series show a four-door model that builds on BMW's Gran Coupe formula, which has already been employed to good effect in both the 4 Series and 6 Series ranges. Presumably, BMW felt its hand was forced by the developments in the smallest A-Class family down the road at Mercedes, where an A-Class saloon and a CLA have already been confirmed; the 2 Series GC, by the way, will be more of a direct rival to the CLA.
BMW's CEO, Harald Krüger, announced the new model at the company's annual press conference in Munich, where he said the 2 Series GC was 'a particularly design-oriented model for modern, urban target groups'. He also confirmed that the four-door Two will share a 'multitude of technological developments' with the FWD 1 Series hatchback, that is due to be presented during 2019.
From the images, it's clear to see that some classic BMW design features are in play, like the Hofmeister kink in the C-pillar and compact, lithe proportions. Newer aesthetic signifiers, like the wide rear light clusters, tie it in with current models, although that makes us worry that it might also have colossal kidney grilles up front. We shall wait and see. Otherwise, a neat bootlip spoiler is also in evidence and it looks like a promising new addition to BMW's small cars-canon. There's also the intriguing possibility of the 2 Series Gran Coupe getting either M Performance or full-on M treatment, which would be nice, wouldn't it?
Anything else?
The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe will make its word debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November this year, with the worldwide market launch beginning in spring 2020.