The current 2 Series Gran Coupe isn't our favorite BMW, so the new one can't come soon enough.
Even though the first-generation BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe was only launched as recently as 2020, it appears that the German manufacturer is speeding ahead with the development of its successor judging from the spy shots that have just landed in our inbox.
Codenamed F74, the second-generation 2 Series Gran Coupe is rumored to be based on an evolution of the UKL2 platform. This means that the next Gran Coupe will likely still come with front-wheel drive as standard and all-wheel drive as an option, sharing components with the next 1 Series hatchback that also rides on a front-driven platform. These spy shots also put to bed earlier rumors that the 2 Series Gran Coupe would be killed off since the size of the UKL platform makes electrification a challenge.
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We do hope that BMW spends more time tuning the next Gran Coupe's chassis to make it feel more like a BMW should. We drove the current M235i Gran Coupe, the sportiest variant in the range, which we found to have vague steering and the sense that it was a larger and less agile car than its size suggested. And, although it was quite quick, the M235i also didn't sound all that good.
We also hope that BMW improves the styling of the next 2 Series Gran Coupe, as the current model has been widely lambasted for its awkward appearance, especially from behind. The new one has restyled headlights that have shades of the 4 Series about them and what appear to be smaller grilles, although this could be an illusion created by the camo wrap.
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18-inch wheels can be seen on this model, but larger wheels are likely to be available and should do a better job of filling out those wheel arches. This spied example also has a similar roofline that flows into the trunk area, leading into an integrated spoiler on the trunk lid. The taillights don't seem to stretch as broadly over the body as the current car.
Gas-powered four-cylinder engines will likely still do duty in the next 2 Series Gran Coupe. A likely powertrain would be the 241-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo-four from the new X1, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. An M235i could come with the 312-hp four-pot from the latest X1 M35i. While no pictures were seen of the interior, we can expect the latest version of iDrive 9 as well as the BMW Curved Display, while the rotary controller will probably be discontinued as it has been on the new X1.
The new 2 Series Gran Coupe is expected to go into production late in 2024 as a 2025 model.
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Keyword: Spied: Next BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe Has Some Mediocre Shoes To Fill