The BMW 2 Series was introduced in 2014 and it's the first model to use the name following a split-off from the 1 Series family. Essentially created to include only the two-door coupe and two-door convertible models of BMW's smallest modern vehicle, the 2 Series competes in a niche of its own. In 2015, BMW also launched a high-performance M2 version, giving brand enthusiasts a more affordable alternative to the M4, as well as offering the first proper successor to the iconic 1M.

Having expanded into new niches at an incredible pace in recent years, BMW reportedly is also looking to add more models to its compact range. The 1 Series Sedan has already been confirmed and an M1/1M is also in the books, but word now has it that Munich is also working on a Gran Coupe version of the 2 Series. What that means is that the two-door coupe will get a longer wheels and an extra pair of doors. This will enable BMW to provide a competitor for four-door coupes like the Mercedes-Benz CLA Class and the Audi A3 Sedan. More importantly, the 2 Series Gran Coupe is also rumored to get an M version to go against the sleek and powerful Mercedes-AMG CLA45.

Although there is no official confirmation for the 2 Series or M2 Gran Coupe, these models would make sense in today's market. Sure, some argue that BMW is already offering too many M models and that the Gran Coupe could affect the sales of the 3 Series, but the truth is that Munich is in desperate need of a competitor for the Mercedes-Benz CLA. With that in mind, I put together a speculative review about what the M2 Gran Coupe would bring to the table, while our artist created a rendering to go with it.

Continue reading to learn more about the upcoming BMW M2 Gran Coupe.

Exterior

Much like the M6 Gran Coupe, the M2 Gran Coupe will be heavily based on the the two-door model. In short, expect the M2 and M2 Gran Coupe to be identical from the nose to the B-pillar. However, the Gran Coupe will stand out from its two-door sibling toward the rear. Most notably, it will have a longer wheelbase in order to accommodate the rear doors.

Naturally, it will also have a slightly longer roof, which will descend into the trunk lid at a different angle. So while it will be longer and sport a sedan appearance, it will have a coupe-like roofline and a slightly shorter decklid. The latter will also sit a bit higher from the ground to further set the model apart from the standard M2, as well as increase trunk space.

Given that the Gran Coupe is likely to arrive after the M2 receives its first update, some exterior features will differ compared to our rendering. However, we don't expect the update to bring too many modifications outside mildly revised headlamps and bumpers.

Interior

Note: Interior of the BMW M2 coupe pictured here.

Inside, the Gran Coupe should also be identical to the M2, especially in the front compartment. Look for a driver-oriented cabin packed with M-specific features, including sports seats with adjustable side bolsters and wrapped in black Dakota leather with blue contrast stitching. The dashboard will still mimic the standard 2 Series in terms of shape and size, but it will get carbon-fiber inserts, softer materials, and M-specific trim. The instrument cluster will use M Sport dials and needles, and a speedometer scale that reaches 200 mph. An M logo will adorn the tachometer, door sill plates, and the leather-wrapped sports steering wheel.

The sedan should also get the cool GoPro app and the M Laptimer app. The GoPro app can be operated using the iDrive touch controller and allows drivers to film their laps at the race track. The footage is displayed on the car’s Control Display. The M Laptimer records the car’s speed, longitudinal and lateral acceleration, engine speed, the gear engaged at any given time, the steering angle, the accelerator position and fuel consumption to provide drivers with all the necessary info to improve their laps.

The rear compartment will be where the Gran Coupe will stand out compared to the M2. Thanks to the longer wheelbase, rear-seat passengers will benefit from enhanced legroom, while the revised roof should also provide more headroom. Getting in and out of the rear seat will be easier thanks to the second pair of doors.

Drivetrain

Note: Drivetrain of the BMW M2 coupe pictured here.

Although the M2 Gran Coupe is still a few years away and there are no hints as to what drivetrain it may receive, logic dictates that the four-door will share its engine and transmission with the regular M2. The coupe is likely to receive an update until the Gran Coupe arrives, so it's safe to assume that a bit more power and improved performance are on the table. Meanwhile, the current M2 comes with a turbocharged, 3.0-liter inline-six that sends 365 horsepower and 343 pound-feet of torque to the wheels through either a six-speed manual or an optional dual-clutch automatic.

Sprinting from 0 to 60 mph takes 4.4 seconds with the manual and 4.2 ticks with the automatic, but these figures are likely to improve with the next update. On the other hand, it's safe to assume that the Gran Coupe will be a tad slower due to the extra pounds added by the longer wheelbase, the second pair of doors, and reconfigured rear interior section, among other things.

Much like the coupe, it should also get BMW's Active M differential that optimizes traction and enhances stability, Michelin Pilot Sport tires, a wider track, and a lightweight M Sport suspension. Stopping power will probably come from M compound brakes with four-piston calipers up front and and two-piston units in the rear. Expect the M2 Gran Coupe to be lighter than the M4 Gran Coupe, but not by much. If I were to take a guess, I'd say BMW won't manage to shave off more than 100 pounds compared to the larger sedan.

Prices

Pricing is obviously a mystery as of this writing, but I expect the Gran Coupe to cost a bit more than the M2. The M6 Gran Coupe, for instance, carries a 3.3-percent premium over the M6 Coupe. With that in mind and given that the M2 retails from $51,700, it's safe to assume that the M2 Gran Coupe would fetch at least $54,000. However, with the model set to arrive a few years from now, it could fetch anywhere between $57,000 and $60,000.

Competition

Mercedes-AMG CLA45

The M2 Gran Coupe will enable BMW to offer a competitor for the CLA45. Based on the very popular CLA Class, the CLA45 is a high-performance four-door coupe with aggressive styling and a premium yet sporty interior. The compact gets its juice from a brawny 2.0-liter turbo-four that produces 375 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. Mated to a dual-clutch automatic and Mercedes' 4Matic AWD system, the mill enables the CLA45 to hit 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds and a top speed that is electronically limited at 155 mph. The sporty four-door retails from $49,500 for the 2016 model year.

Find out more about the Mercedes-AMG CLA45 here.

Audi S3 Sedan

With the RS3 not yet available in sedan form, Audi enthusiasts will have to settle for the S3 for the time being. But, despite being milder than the range-topping model, the S3 Sedan is nothing to sneeze at, having received a more aggressive body kit, a sportier interior, and a more powerful engine. The updated 2.0-liter four-banger puts out 310 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, which returns 0-to-60 mph sprints of 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph. Granted, it's significantly slower than the AMG, but the sub-$44,000 sticker makes it the more appealing choice of the bunch.

Learn more about the Audi S3 Sedan here.

Conclusion

It's difficult to foresee how the M2 Gran Coupe will fare in this tight niche, but the arrival of the new German machine is good news for enthusiasts looking for a compact and stylish performance sedan. Customers will finally get to choose between more than just two models and given BMW's current brand cachet, I bet that the Gran Coupe will steal quite a few customers from Mercedes-Benz and Audi. On the other hand, the CLA45 will likely remain the more popular choice thanks to its unique styling and more affordable price tag. All told, it will be an interesting battle between Germany's premium automakers in a segment that's far from big, but still very important in today's market.