2020 BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe Gets 301 HP, Four Doors, and All-Wheel Drive
After years of rumors and spy shots, BMW has finally revealed the 2020 2-Series Gran Coupe. Why call it a coupe if it has four doors? Well, BMW has a knack for doing that with its even-numbered sedans. Unlike the last-gen 2-Series, this one is based on a front-wheel drive architecture. The US is only getting two trims, both of which will come standard with all-wheel drive.
The more interesting of the two variants coming stateside is the M235i xDrive, which packs a transversely mounted 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four sending 301 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque to the wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Unsurprisingly, there's no manual option. The 0-60 sprint happens in 4.7 seconds, and top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph when equipped with optional performance tires. Option the M Performance Package, and the 0-60 time drops to 4.6 seconds.
Other highlights include a Torsen limited-slip differential for the front wheels, as well as launch control, brake-based torque vectoring, and what BMW calls Dynamic Traction Control, a system that allows some degree of slip before intervening, giving the driver some sense of freedom without having to turn the system all the way off. There's also M Sport brakes, a retuned suspension, 18-inch wheels, and a sport steering wheel.
The 228i xDrive uses a detuned version of that 2.0-liter, putting out 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, also through an eight-speed auto. The 60 mph barrier comes in a respectable 6.0 seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph, or 151 mph with optional summer tires. Optional on both trims are electronically adjustable shocks with two settings for comfort and spot.
As for looks, well, it's no M8 Gran Coupe. The fascia bears resemblance to the current Z4, but with stubbier proportions that resonate throughout the whole design.
The interior of the 2-Series Gran Coupe is standard BMW fare, with a 10.25-inch infotainment display mounted above the center console housing the latest version of the company's iDrive system. Options inside include a head-up display and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. As with any new BMW, there are a slew of active safety systems available in case you want to feel extra-safe behind the wheel.
Production for the 2-Series Gran Coupe will begin in November 2019. Pricing has yet to be announced, but considering this is more-or-less a competitor for the Mercedes A- and CLA-Class, expect starting MSRP to come in around the low-$30,000 range.
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