BMW has officially made a significant change. For the first time ever, a new sedan is about to go on sale that's not built on a rear-wheel-drive platform. The 2020 2 Series Gran Coupe shares its basic underpinnings with the also new and overseas-only 1 Series hatchback and is part of the German automaker's effort to attract younger buyers. BMW has just announced that 2 Series Gran Coupe production has officially gotten underway at its Leipzig, Germany manufacturing facility, alongside its 1 Series corporate cousin. The 2 Series Gran Coupe is the ninth vehicle to be produced at the Leipzig plant.
"We are proud to produce the new four-door coupe at the Leipzig plant for the entire world market. This new vehicle leads to a significant increase in volume," said plant manager Hans-Peter Kemser. "At the same time, the plant is realizing a 300 million euro investment program every day with around 1,000 vehicles in full production."
The plant has not only received an extensive paint shop expansion, but also an expanded press shop, body construction, vehicle assembly, and logistic structures. Leipzig also builds the RWD 2 Series coupe and convertible, M2 Competition and also new M2 CS, and overseas-only 2 Series Active Tourer. The i8 Coupe and i8 Roadster and i3 also call Leipzig home. The official market launch of the 2 Series Gran Coupe is not scheduled to take place until this spring.
America will receive two trim options: 228i xDrive and M235i xDrive. Despite being a FWD architecture, both trims are all-wheel drive. Only engine will be available, a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder rated at 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, or 301 hp and 332 lb-ft. An 8-speed automatic is the sole transmission.
The 2 Series Gran Coupe will be BMW's entry-level model, competing directly against the likes of the Audi A3 Sedan and Mercedes-Benz CLA- and A-Class sedans. Official pricing has yet to be announced, but we estimate a base MSRP of around $33,500 for the lower trim 228i xDrive. Don't be surprised to see a fully-loaded M235i xDrive hit the $45,000 mark.