(October 16, 2019) WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. — BMW has introduced the all-new compact 2 Series Gran Coupe, offering an extroverted, performance-oriented entry point into BMW ownership. The low, wide and sporty 228i xDrive Gran Coupe and M235i xDrive Gran Coupe models deliver the styling and design, everyday four-door usability and space, agility and handling, connectivity and technology combined with the latest driver assistance such as Blind Spot Detection, Frontal Collision Warning with City Collision Detection, Lane Departure warning, and safety systems that BMW customers have come to expect.

The new 2020 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe will be making it public debut at AutoMobility LA in November 2019 with production starting in November 2019. Market launch is planned for March 2020.

The BMW 228i xDrive model is powered by the 2.0-liter four-cylinder version of BMW’s “B” modular engine family, delivering an output of 228 hp @ 5,000 – 6,000 rpm and 258 lb-ft of torque @ 1,450 – 4,500 rpm.

Torque is transferred through the standard 8-speed Sport automatic transmission and BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive system to the wheels. The 228i xDrive Gran Coupe accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 6.0 seconds and reaches an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph when the vehicle is equipped with all-season tires and 151 mph when equipped with performance tires.

The BMW M235i xDrive Gran Coupe ups the performance quotient by delivering 301 hp @ 5,000 – 6,250 rpm and 332 lb-ft of torque @ 1,750 – 4,500 rpm from a tuned version of the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder modular engine. A reinforced crankshaft featuring larger diameter main bearings, new pistons and modified connecting rods allow the engine to handle the higher levels of power. A larger turbocharger featuring a built-in exhaust manifold and integral diverter valve increases engine output.

Modified fuel injectors are fitted to increase the flow volume. The capabilities of the cooling package is improved with an independent transmission oil cooler that is separated from the engine’s coolant circuit, an electric 850-watt fan, two remote coolant radiators in the wheel arches and an enlarged expansion tank, ensuring that the BMW M235i xDrive is able to display its performance capabilities even under the most demanding conditions.

A new dual-branch exhaust system with minimal back pressure assists with expelling the exhaust gasses. The M235i xDrive Gran Coupe accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds (4.6 seconds with the optional overboost function) and reaches a top speed of 155 mph when equipped with performance tires.

The new BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe adopts technology from the BMW i3 in the form of the near-actuator wheel slip limitation (ARB) system. This control system significantly improves traction when cornering or accelerating on wet or icy conditions, and allows wheel slip to be controlled, precisely and quickly.



ARB uses a slip controller positioned directly in the engine control unit rather than in the control unit for the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system. Reducing the signal path distance means that information is relayed three times quicker, while wheel spin is brought under control with muck quicker reaction times. Near-actuator wheel slip limitation also works closely with the DSC system to significantly reduce power understeer without the need for corrective DSC inputs.

The BMW M235i xDrive includes a newly developed standard mechanical Torsen limited-slip differential, which gives the car an even sharper dynamic edge by creating a locking effect between the front wheels. The differential is integrated into the 8-speed automatic transmission. The Launch Control function allows the full peak torque of 332 lb-ft to be available in first and second gear.

Intelligent connectivity enables the standard 8-speed Sport automatic transmission to adapt its shift strategy according to the planned route and driving situation. If the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe is equipped with the optional Active Cruise Control with Stop and Go function the transmission will factor in the data from both the navigation system and cruise control sensors to avoid unnecessary gear changes and always be in the correct gear for upcoming road conditions such as downshifting when approaching a turn or a slower vehicle ahead.

The coasting and Auto Start-Stop functions also take their cue from the data supplied by the navigation system, the front-mounted camera and the sensors for the driver assistance systems.

The coasting function, available with the Driving Experience Control switch set to COMFORT mode as well as in ECO Pro mode, will decouple the powertrain in situations where performance and comfort are not compromised. If the driver suddenly lifts off the accelerator, the powertrain stays connected so that engine braking can be used. Inefficient engine shutdown by the Auto Start Stop function when stopping briefly at intersections is also avoided.

The body of the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe makes intelligent use of aluminum for the hood and trunk and high-strength steel for other body components. This material mix keeps weight down at the same time as giving body structure with very high levels of torsional stiffness. Standard bracing in the vehicle’s engine compartment and rear suspension area contributes to the vehicle’s rigidity.

The positive dynamic impact of the torsional rigidity is even more pronounced in the BMW M235i xDrive with the addition of strut tower tie bar and bracing on the front axle subframe and in the tunnel area, plus an anti-roll bar mounting with high preload, which provides excellent support for the body. This all combines with the standard sports suspension and the M Sport steering which has a more direct ratio, sharper response and power assistance which varies according to vehicle speed and lateral acceleration, reducing the steering effort required – to produce a further noticeable increase in the car’s agility.

The standard suspension for the 228i xDrive Gran Coupe delivers excellent poise and dynamic capabilities. The M Sport suspension, standard on M235i xDrive and optional with the M Sport Package on the 228ix Drive GC, reduces vehicle ride height by 10 mm and increases the handling capabilities even further. Optional on both the 228i xDrive and M235i xDrive models is Dynamic Damper Control which lets the driver choose from two different shock settings.

The Driving Experience Control switch can be used to select either Comfort setting for better ride comfort or Sport setting for more sporty driving. All BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe models feature a multi-link rear suspension.

The interior of the first ever BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe combines a sporting focus, upscale materials and a use of space designed with supporting the driver on exhilarating drives while providing comfort and space for long-distance journeys.

Details such as standard backlit interior trim and grain effects on the steering wheel, instrument panel and doors and contrast seams on the dashboard add modern and premium quality touches to the four-door coupe. The typical BMW interior design has controls geared to the driver and grouped together in functional clusters for easy operability.

With the standard equipment, the driver is delivered information via the Info Display instrument cluster. The 8.8” high-resolution Control Display is mounted above the center console, touch-sensitive and angled towards the driver. When the optional BMW Live Cockpit Professional featuring iDrive 7 is selected, a 10.25” digital instrument cluster and 10.25” Control Display form a large display grouping which drivers can configure to their individual requirements. The full-color 9.2-inch BMW Head-Up Display (optional) supplies the driver with information without requiring them to take their eyes off the road.