So the next-gen BMW 2 Series is gonna get a bit weird. There’s going to be two flavors of 2 Series, both Coupe and Gran Coupe, but they’re going to have different drivetrains. Which is a bit odd. So there’s going to be the 2 Series Coupe, which will be rear-wheel drive (and is internally known as the “Drift Machine”) and this, the 2 Series Gran Coupe, seen in these new spy photos. (We don’t own the photos but you can see them here)
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Despite its two-door sibling’s rear-drive nature, the 2 Series Gran Coupe will be front-wheel drive-based and will be built off of BMW’s upcoming FAAR architecture. Though, xDrive will likely be available and often optioned.
We know for certain that this new 2 Series GC will power its front wheels by default, as we’ve heard it from our sources. However, if you don’t wanna just take our word for it, just look at these photos.
In the pictures, you can clearly see the front brake calipers are in front of the axle center line. That’s indicative of front-wheel drive, as a front-drive setup requires the steering rack to be placed behind the axle. With the steering rack behind the axle, brake calipers must be placed ahead of the axle to fit. In a rear-wheel drive car, the steering rack is ahead of the axle (which is ideal for steering), thus the brake calipers are behind it. So with the 2 Series Gran Coupe’s brake calipers being ahead of the front axle, it proves that it’s front wheel drive.
Aside from that, there isn’t a whole lot we can learn from this 2er test mule. It looks a bit tall and has a swoopy roofline, which would indicate its Gran Coupe nature. We can also see a Hofmeister Kink through the camo, which is nice to see. The taillights also seem to be rather slim. However, that’s about all we can see, as it’s really heavily covered in camouflage.
We are interested to see what becomes of the 2 Series Gran Coupe, though. Many enthusiasts are going to be upset by its front-drive nature but we’ve driven a lot of very fun front-wheel drive cars, some BMW’s included, so we’re not worried.
[Source: Motor1]
I wonder where this mule was for the past – almost year, or so? I actually assumed they’ve canceled the project because of the small overlap between models. However, why not only build this one? More practical than an coupé, way more pretty than a sedan.
Because this one is FWD. If BMW were to get rid of the 2er coupe, it would be a middle finger to the enthusiasts. Its there only small vehicle left as its around the same size as the E36/46 and the best driving car they have at the moment, not to mention, its about to be the only non-M model to have a stick available on most trims.
If history repeats, multiple other manufacturers will start producing small rear wheel drives. As happened with original 3er, when the rest of the industry was moving to fwd.
This is going to be the FWD 4 door that will take on the Type R, GTi, Ford Focus RS, RS3, A35, etc!
The new Veloster is also getting rave reviews as a driver’s car.
You may need a different dose.
Yes, syphilis is not working for you, your brain is cheez.
BMWblog, since Disqus will not ban this troll, is there any other way of stopping him from filling my inbox like it’s a litterbox?
Disgusting hood line is back!
Audi releases FWD cars and keeps the hood line correctly, so it can be done right.
Pray tell, how exactly is a hood line “disgusting”?
Morally?
Ethically?
Aesthetically?
The # of typists on this site who think they know more about the design, engineering & manufacture of BMWs than does the century old German manufacturer who builds them never ceases to amaze me.
Audi are so correct & done right their CEO is in prison & VAG want to hire his replacement from BMW while partnering with Ford on tech. R&D to avoid any further multi-billion dollar debacles.
It’s very simple:
BMW (wrong)
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/fece36154ef45b748a90bcbb53753ac64bfaaeeedc8c2aa2785afc2b104c4dd1.jpg
Audi (right)
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/73e5786cb13d409d74245370329b625721e850a2d172cdbdc2c07e3508d08e1d.jpg
Finally, BMW, doing it right, so it can be done. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/ba0dafde02e138fe9314b5105bcd005b2ecfb9ba39f8ade768a02b80844e5f2d.jpg
Remember what the previous one had:
https://acs2.blob.core.windows.net/imgcatalogo/l/VA_8b48394b4e854800be56e153f7140be5.jpg
Still have absolutely no idea what you’re going on about.
Stuff Audi.
Keep it comprehensible.
It is, to anyone with an i.q., rather than just a keyboard.
Existing 1 & 2 Series have been fwd., rwd. & awd. for years, how is any of this “weird”? Since they are also multiple drivetrains & body styles, aren’t they just predictably BMW, in different sizes?
Can you not stick to apples rather than pickles?
We know where your pickle is.
The 2 series has grown on me looks wise (I know its basically a squashed 4 series), but this looks wrong, the front slopes too much and the rear looks like a GT the way it comes up!!
They ought to make this a hatch instead, to really differentiate it from the RWD 2er, and maximize space and practicality. I don’t think I could/would ever go back to an impractical trunk.