BMW 2 Series GranCoupe spied testing

While we have seen the second-generation Mercedes CLA several times testing in Scandinavia’s snowy winter, this is the first time we caught the next-gen BMW 2 Series GranCoupe on icy roads near the Arctic Circle.

Unlike Mercedes-Benz, which is expected to offer both the 2019 A-Class Sedan and the 2020 CLA in Europe and possibly other markets, BMW has decided to keep the 1 Series sedan as a China-only affair. Nevertheless, the new 2 Series will see the Bavarian automaker's more traditional markets being offered with the GrandCoupe model.

For one thing, the upcoming model won't risk cannibalising the main pillar of the BMW non-SUV range, namely the 3 Series. While the 2019 mid-size sedan, which is almost ready to debut, will retain its RWD-based architecture, the next 1 and 2 Series models are in for a FWD configuration switch. Of course, as is the case with the also FWD-based CLA, the BMWs will be offered with all-wheel drive hardware as an option.

The UKL2 architecture, which already serves multiple MINI models, along with the BMW 2 Series Active and Gran Tourer, will also find its way under the 2 Series GranCoupe.

Motivation will be provided by a range of three- and four-cylinder engines. And with the BMW M division making it clear that it won't build a four-pot unless electric assistance is involved, the cost-cutting that has led to the FWD switch might mean we won't get a proper M model for this car.