Production of the first-ever BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe has commenced at the company’s Leipzig plant in Germany, ahead of its market arrival during the first half of 2020.
This is the ninth model line to be produced at the Leipzig plant, following the new 1 Series which kicked off production at the facility earlier this year. Both model lines share the same UKL2-based platform, which sees a switch from a rear-drive-based setup to a front-drive-based layout. Both models are mass production cars, which is a significant milestone for the plant. Manager at the facility Hans-Peter Kemser said:
“Integrating a second, completely new vehicle concept while production is running so quickly, and at the same time expanding capacity, just after the start of production of the new BMW 1 Series poses a special challenge. I am very proud of the employees of the plant who master this Herculean task with perfection and passion. “
At launch BMW will be offering three main model variants for the 2 Series Gran Coupe for international markets. The range kicks off with the 218i, which uses a 103kW/220Nm 1.5-litre turbo-petrol three-cylinder that’s good for 0-100km/h in 8.7 seconds. Stepping up a rung and you’ll land at the 140kW/400Nm 220d, which does 0-100km/h in 7.5 seconds.
Sitting at the top of the range is perhaps the most desirable variant, the M235i xDrive. It sports a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder that produces 225kW and 450Nm. The engine debuted in the X2 M35i and is BMW’s most powerful four-cylinder production unit it has ever made. It conquers 0-100km/h in a claimed 4.9 seconds.
The first examples to roll off the production line were a 218i and an M235i xDrive, both in the new hero colour Snapper Rocks blue metallic. BMW Australia has confirmed the 2 Series Gran Coupe will arrive locally during the first quarter of next year.
