New 2023 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe facelift in development
BMW is giving the four-door 2 Series a mid-life refresh
It may have only launched in 2020, but the 2 Series Gran Coupe is already one of the oldest offerings within BMW’s range of models. It’ll soon gain a facelift however as we’ve just spotted an updated version testing.
The timing of the second-generation 2 Series Gran Coupe’s refresh should mean it’ll remain competitive to its nearest rival, the Mercedes CLA, which got its own mid-life update earlier this year.
Judging from these spy shots, the revised 2 Series will take on an evolutionary approach in terms of design. There’s camouflage all over but we can still see a more aggressive and angular front bumper with squared-off intakes, similar to the new M2. The rear behind this is because this test car looks to be a range-topping M235i variant, something backed up by the quad exhaust set up to the rear – a feature usually reserved for BMW’s full-fat M cars.
A new grille shape will also be implemented and we can expect to see a new light signature for the front and rear lights too. As with the upcoming BMW 1 Series facelift, a new selection of alloy wheel designs should be made available.
Unlike the new 2 Series Coupe which utilises a rear-wheel drive CLAR platform, the 2 Gran Coupe will retain its UKL2 platform. This means it should keep its mix of front and four-wheel drive layouts but also gain fresh powertrains using hybrid technology. As with the 1 Series we could see a plug-in hybrid engine option like that found in the latest X1. There’s also the possibility of 48V mild-hybrid power – something Mercedes has implemented across the recently updated A-Class.
As for this sportier M235i variant, we expect to see a more powerful version of BMW’s 301bhp, 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine judging from the revised air intakes. As with the outgoing M235i, power will be sent to all four wheels.
We’re yet to see inside the new 2 Series Gran Coupe but it should look identical to the upcoming facelifted 1 Series hatch, with a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display and 10.25-inch touchscreen taken from the new 2 Series. We’d expect the iDrive rotary controller to be removed in favour of a touch-only screen as BMW plans to reserve the feature for its larger models.
Pricing for the new BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe will probably increase over the current car’s £30,680 starting price, with the M235i pushing £45,000.
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