BMW is working on a new sedan with a coupe body, based on the 1-Series’ platform but named the 2-Series GranCoupe. A prototype for the same has been spied undergoing winter testing in Scandinavia, and it’s very likely our spied caught the M235i xDrive Gran Coupe.
This variant of the new model is following the X2 M35i which was the first M Performance car with a 2-litre turbo engine. This Gran Coupe is kind of a similar thing, a competitor for the Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 4Matic, which is undoubtedly on its way.
The sporty-looking little four-door coupe has a lot of M bits, like the 20-inch wheels, the blue brakes, dual exhaust ports in the same style as the X3 M40i and a small boot spoiler.
The Gran Coupe is not based on the exact same platform as the X2. Instead, BMW used a new one that has room for plug-in technology. Rumours suggest the M Performance model was supposed to use a 252 horsepower 2-litre in combination with a 90bhp e-motor. But as there's no plug on this prototype, we are pretty safe in that regard. As a reminder, the X2 M35i makes the same 306bhp as the Mercedes A35, so the M235i would be a match for the CLA 35. However, BMW gives you 450Nm with an over boost function.
