For a long time, the Audi A3 only had one major competitor in the US market, the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class. The two went at it for a few years, both seeing surprising success on this side of the Atlantic. Now, though, a new German competitor is here to try and break up the party — the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe.
The new BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe has just been revealed and it’s the brand’s first ever entry into this segment. The new 2 Series Gran Coupe is built on the brand’s new FAAR architecture that underpins the new 1 Series hatchback as well. So for the first time, BMW’s compact competitor will be front-wheel drive based and it has its eyes set firmly on the Audi A3 Sedan.
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Because we haven’t driven the 2 Series, we can’t compare which is best to drive. We can, however, compare their styling. In this test, we actually take a look at the BMW M235i Gran Coupe — the top-of-the-line performance model — and the Audi S3 Sedan, which is the A3 variant that will take it on.
Up front, the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe wears the same new face as the new 1 Series, just with a minor tweak here and there. It looks aggressive and handsome enough, with no major issues. However, we think the Audi S3 is the better looking car. It’s sharper, cleaner and more handsome overall. That will only increase with the new A3/S3 next year, too.
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In profile, I think the Bimmer has a bit of an advantage. While neither car is particularly gorgeous from the side, the 2 Series has a bit more of a sporty, more seductive style. The way its roofline sweeps back to the C-pillar and how its overall profile is sleeker make it a bit more exciting than the S3. Still, the Audi S3 is a handsome car.
Out back, I have to give it to the Audi S3 again. The 2 Series Gran Coupe, again, isn’t bad looking but its taillights look unnaturally wide for the car and, while its little spoiler looks cool, the back end as a whole is a bit frumpy. However, the S3 is sharper and just looks sportier, thanks to its quad exhaust pipes.
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On the inside, it’s quite an interesting pairing. The new 2 Series Gran Coupe uses BMW’s latest design language, the same one shared with the 3 Series and 8 Series, but with some unique bits like the lighted trim pieces. It packs better tech than the Audi S3 overall as well. However, I still think the S3 has a great design that still looks fresh. Though, overall, I think the BMW has to take it here, as its cabin is just much newer and more high-tech.
It’s hard to choose one based on looks because they both seem to have pros and cons that cancel each others’ out. Personally, if it’s me, I’m taking the Audi S3 to put in my driveway. But I couldn’t argue with someone who wanted the Bimmer.
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[Source: QuattroDaily]
I feel like in Audi is work just one design team, but in bmw works 10 teams, is one design team did only 1series, second team do only 2 series, other team only responsible for 8 series and etc. because if team did beautiful 8 gran coupe, so how same design team can do that ugly 1st and 2 series :/
WOW, HIDEOUS!! Besides the long gone Hofmeister kink, look at the angle between the FRONT DOOR BOTTOM WINDOW TRIM, THE A PILLAR AND THE HOOD. Thehood is several inches higher. Now, look at EVERY OTHER BMW and realize that IT IS SAME LEVEL. What hideousness! they share this with a HONDA CIVIC! Did they hire Civic designers from Tochigi? even on the C class the delta is far far lower, I think maybe 1″ on the merc?
None of which you actually see while driving the vehicle. What hideousness?
Nor do you see Honda, Kia, Toyota or A/B Merc class aesthetics when you drive them. But, speaking seriously, Yes, in the M2, I felt the seat oriented outwards (a design flaw due to hasty spacing configuration), and the right knee, on the inside, feeling unnaturally pointing towards the gas pedal while my body faced quite a few degrees to the left. In this car, if you cannot see or feel that your eyesight from the window has a wide field of view, and then several degrees in front missing, then nothing will. Go find a civic, get in, look left, then in front. The dash being elevated and not even close to seeingin front (most aficionado drivers lower the seat as low as possible), then what else? Heck, in a plane (and I have piloted a bit), it is understandable that the field of view starts high, as you must glance and see instruments first, then eye level and higher FOV. When you land small A/C, the nose is down until flare. Large A/C, you see until close then one goes by altitude indicator and you look far above to the angle of the mid runway partitions. But in this car, it utterly makes no sense. Deformed ergonomics (in this case, Field of View) are best left for Mitsubishi, Hondas.
Are you interested in a hideous sub-premium car or a premium/luxury car? If so, check all the top brands, and see where the hood is. then check the crap, and you will understand.
Thinking this 2GC would look better with a hatch. That said, it’s much better looking than the Audi even though the actual compare to Audi A3 is BMW 1 series sedan and Mercedes A Class sedan. All three brands look poised to make lots of revenue from that segment though.
The A3/S3, though dated and more sedate in design, is incredibly more upscale looking. The window-profile of the BMW, in particular, feels very mainstream-maker. On the other hand, the strong upper body-line of the Audi feels very premium to me.
And you’re right that the next model will be a big step up for the Audi.