SPIED! It Looks Like BMW Is Finally Going To Give The Mercedes-Benz CLA A Run For Its Money W/ The 2-Series Gran Coupe

There's some things that just never quite make sense in the automotive world. For whatever reason, they're kind of left unanswered, really. Some examples, below.

1) Why did it take Ford SO long to resurrect the Bronco?

2) Why does Volkswagen take SO long to bring products launched in Europe to the States?

3) Why are we just seeing an X7 Concept with seating for six/seven, now?

And here's another: What has been keeping BMW from going after the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class? It's not as though the CLA has been floundering from a sales perspective. Ditto for the Audi A3. 

Well, it appears the Bavarians have gotten themselves in gear and are working on an all-new project. Being called by the media the 2-Series Gran Coupe, it seems like that's a pretty good bet. 

Spotted undergoing developmental testing, it appears the car is quite mature. Heavy cladding is absent but it is adorned head-to-toe with a swirly camouflage we've become so accustomed to in recent years. 

Clearly BMW is going to stick to its guns from a design perspective. Rather than go sleek and sexy a la the 6-Series Gran Coupe, BMW will give the 2'er the same treatment as the 3-Series Gran Coupe. That means a combination between a bulbous greenhouse and a fastback shape. 

To see the rest of the pictures, click "Read Article," below.




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MDarringer - 9/30/2017 2:34:37 PM

0 Boost

The lead-in to this post is cringeworthy.

The CLA doesn't exactly do huge volume. Granted every bit counts, but BMW has to have realized that the darty Mini platform would not have the handling characteristics of a BMW.

The GTI has it right but the CLA is not as refined. Mercedes essentially reskinned a Renault Megane and then went on the offensive to say it wasn't.

BMW simply does not have a class leading FWD platform that is worthy of being a premium. Drive an A3 and a CLA and the Golf goodness will win over the Renault merde.

I suspect the GTI will lay waste to this BMW emblem whore.

TomM - 9/30/2017 3:14:26 PM

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I believe that Cadillac is going to move their ATS replacement into this class price wise - but it will be slightly larger. If it happens - the Cadillac chassis will take the lead as being RWD.

MDarringer - 9/30/2017 4:57:42 PM

-1 Boost

Why do you assume it's RWD? Numerous reports say FWD/AWD for the small Cadillac.

scenicbyway12 - 9/30/2017 8:17:33 PM

+3 Boost

Four years late to the party.

valhallakey - 10/1/2017 2:34:12 AM

+1 Boost

Better late than never. BMW will be the class leader in handling for sure. Nice 50/50 balance, RWD platform, low polar moment of inertia, years of refining how each control behaves. BMW, Porsche etc... that have been building small sedan hot rods for years have the institutional knowledge of how to make them. Not that they always use it.. but if they do on this car it should be a winner. Having owned and driven a late model GTI and owned a pretty lowly 3 series while in CZ I certainly felt the BMW felt superior in every way, it was a much better handling car and far more stable platform for high speeds. When I first got the GTI I thought it was an excellent car and it is for FWD city car, darting in and out of traffic but it was not in the same class. Will be interested in seeing it without the camo, certainly wished they had gone for the more sleek look of the 6 series grand coupe as mentioned.

MDarringer - 10/1/2017 9:56:12 AM

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Where in hell are you getting this idiocy from: "Nice 50/50 balance, RWD platform..."?

valhallakey - 10/1/2017 5:00:39 PM

+2 Boost

Not sure what "idiocy" you refer to. Other sources reporting on this say it is based on the RWD platform of the current 2 series coupe.(http://www.bmwblog.com/2016/07/18/bmw-f44-2-series-gran-coupe-arrive-in-2019/), and BMW sedans are typically very close to 50/50 weight distribution due to the face the engine is largely behind the front axle (also results in a lower polar moment of inertia...a good thing for quick direction changes). In fact I cannot think of a single sedan they make that strays far from this. The current 240i is at 52.4/47.6 and if anything I would guess making a gander coupe out of it will result in even better weight distribution.

MDarringer - 10/1/2017 7:14:23 PM

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I'm referring to YOUR idiocy.

Other, credible sources--not the import tuner boy fan blog you quote--are saying FWD which makes AMPLE sense. In fact, Motor Trend is reporting that it's UKL based. A look at the prototype shows obvious FWD proportions. This is essentially the coupesedan version of the UKL 1 Series sold in China. Given that the X1 and the coming X2 are also UKL machines, it's obvious that UKL is what this quartet rides on. Thus, weight distribution will be more like 70/30.

valhallakey - 10/1/2017 10:21:12 PM

+1 Boost

Autocar and many other beg to disagree. I would say wait and see at this point. Would be disappointing if they use the UKL platform.

CarCrazedinCali - 10/1/2017 8:50:46 PM

+2 Boost

arrogance is so unattractive

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 10/1/2017 9:44:48 PM

+2 Boost

At some point, you will need a football field to display all of BMW's models. This car is a niche within a niche within a niche. If that is even possible. :/