2 Series Coupe

Make
BMW
Segment
Coupe

The front-wheel-drive-based BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, despite only being available with all-wheel-drive in the US market, has made some enthusiasts angry because it isn't based on a rear-wheel-drive platform. Luckily, the Gran Coupe is not a replacement for the RWD BMW 2 Series Coupe and the company has already confirmed that a next-generation model is in the works. We didn't know when the next-generation 2 Series would make its debut, but according to Car & Driver's sources, BMW is planning a 2021 launch as a 2022 model.

CarBuzz reached out to a BMW spokesperson directly who said they would "not be able to confirm or deny anything as we have not started any communications about a replacement for the current 2 Series Coupe or Convertible."

C&D's sources say the new 2 Series will be underpinned by a similar RWD architecture used on the 3 Series sedan and 4 Series Coupe. The car will obviously be redesigned and should look drastically different than the Gran Coupe, which is based on a platform shared with Mini.

The base model will likely continue to be called the 230i and will be powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Since the current 230i produces 248 horsepower, we expect the new model to be even more powerful. An M240i model will likely be available as well and should be powered by the same B58 engine producing around 382 hp, the same amount it produces in the M340i, Z4, and Toyota Supra. All-wheel-drive will continue to be offered along with rear-wheel-drive. Enthusiasts will be happy to hear that the M2 should get a successor as well, which will likely be powered by a de-tuned version of the S58 twin-turbocharged inline-six found in the X3 M and X4 M as well as the upcoming M3 and M4.

BMW continues to offer a manual transmission in the M240i and the M2 and it is expected that the next-generation will retain this option as well. As for the 2 Series Convertible, it will not be replaced as BMW will attempt to funnel sales to the more profitable 4 Series. Reducing the convertible lineup down to three models at a time when crossovers are dominating sales seems like the right decision.