In 2013, BMW will launch a new family, the 2 Series. A spin-off from the new 1 Series, the 2 Series family will include the coupe and convertible variants.

Built on the F20 platform, the new 1 Series Coupe will move up in class and be sold under the 2 Series badge. The car will share some design cues with the 1 Series Hatchback, but overall, the 2 Series Coupe is expected to look and feel sportier than its brother.

According to CAR Magazine, the F23 2 Series will use more or less the same engines and transmissions as the 1 Series:

• 216i (2.0 petrol, 150bhp)
• 218i (2.0 petrol, 177bhp)
• 225i (2.0 petrol, 218bhp)
• 220d (2.0 turbodiesel, 214bhp)

As seen across new BMW models, the transmission of choice will be either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic, with the DCT option reserved for the high-end 235i model and M models.

Same magazine says that the new 2014 2-series range may be offered in xDrive guise to battle the Audi A3 Quattro and the Mercedes A-class 4Matic, but so far no final decisions have been made.

So why the name change? As we mentioned before, by positioning the new coupe and convertible as 2 Series products, BMW will be able to sell them at a premium price while including some of the options featured in higher-end models, like the 3 or 5 Series.