The New 2020 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe

Oct 16, 2019

BMW proudly introduces the all-new compact 2 Series Gran Coupe, offering an extroverted, performance-oriented entry point into BMW ownership. The low, wide and sporty 228i xDrive Gran Coupe and M235i xDrive Gran Coupe models deliver the styling and design, everyday four-door usability and space, agility and handling, connectivity and technology combined with the latest driver assistance such as Blind Spot Detection, Frontal Collision Warning with City Collision Detection, Lane Departure warning, and safety systems that BMW customers have come to expect.

The new 2020 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe will be making it public debut at AutoMobility LA in November 2019 with production starting in November 2019. Market launch is planned for March 2020.

Power and Performance

The BMW 228i xDrive model is powered by the 2.0-liter four-cylinder version of BMW’s “B” modular engine family, delivering an output of 228 hp @ 5,000 – 6,000 rpm and 258 lb-ft of torque @ 1,450 – 4,500 rpm. Torque is transferred through the standard 8-speed Sport automatic transmission and BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive system to the wheels. The 228i xDrive Gran Coupe accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 6.0 seconds and reaches an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph when the vehicle is equipped with all-season tires and 151 mph when equipped with performance tires.

The BMW M235i xDrive Gran Coupe ups the performance quotient by delivering 301 hp @ 5,000 – 6,250 rpm and 332 lb-ft of torque @ 1,750 – 4,500 rpm from a tuned version of the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder modular engine. A reinforced crankshaft featuring larger diameter main bearings, new pistons and modified connecting rods allow the engine to handle the higher levels of power. A larger turbocharger featuring a built-in exhaust manifold and integral diverter valve increases engine output. Modified fuel injectors are fitted to increase the flow volume. The capabilities of the cooling package is improved with an independent transmission oil cooler that is separated from the engine’s coolant circuit, an electric 850-watt fan, two remote coolant radiators in the wheel arches and an enlarged expansion tank, ensuring that the BMW M235i xDrive is able to display its performance capabilities even under the most demanding conditions. A new dual-branch exhaust system with minimal backpressure assists with expelling the exhaust gasses. The M235i xDrive Gran Coupe accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds (4.6 seconds with the optional overboost function) and reaches a top speed of 155 mph when equipped with performance tires.

BMW Performance Control with ARB

The new BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe adopts technology from the BMW i3 in the form of the near-actuator wheel slip limitation (ARB) system. This control system significantly improves traction when cornering or accelerating on wet or icy conditions, and allows wheel slip to be controlled, precisely and quickly. ARB uses a slip controller positioned directly in the engine control unit rather than in the control unit for the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system. Reducing the signal path distance means that information is relayed three times quicker, while wheel spin is brought under control with muck quicker reaction times. Near-actuator wheel slip limitation also works closely with the DSC system to significantly reduce power understeer without the need for corrective DSC inputs.

ARB is assisted in its task by a yaw distribution system called BMW Performance Control. Standard on the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, this feature increases agility by intelligently applying the brakes at the wheels on the inside of the turn before the wheel spin occurs. This suppresses any initial understeer and gives the car a neutral steering behavior. Drivers can deactivate the DSC system if they wish to take over full control of the car’s sporty handling abilities.

When the DSC system is switched off, the EDLC (Electronic Differential Lock Control) function uses brake applications to simulate the effect of a mechanical limited-slip differential. Braking the unloaded front wheel on the inside of the turn prevents it from spinning and shifts drive power to the wheel on the outside of the bend, resulting in far greater grip when accelerating out of corners.

Alternatively, there is the option of the DSC system’s Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) setting, which allows a greater degree of slip at the driven wheels. Intervention to stabilize the car becomes more muted, enabling it to pull away more effectively on slippery or loose surfaces and during sportier driving. This lets the driver control and enjoy the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe without any assistance until defined limits are reached.

BMW xDrive all-wheel drive and M235i xDrive Torsen Limited-Slip Differential

ARB (Actuator-related wheel slip limiter) technology and BMW Performance Control work hand-in-hand with the standard BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive system. The system’s control logic varies the distribution of power between the front and rear wheels automatically and dynamically in response to the accelerator pedal position, engine torque, speed and steering angle. It can split drive 50:50 if necessary and is designed to ensure predictable handling in all driving situations. This applies even if the Driving Experience Control switch is set to Sport mode, DTC is selected or DSC is deactivated. In Comfort or Eco Pro mode, drive is apportioned as required, while keeping fuel consumption as low as possible. Fuel economy is therefore improved without any discernible impact on driving dynamics or traction.

The BMW M235i xDrive includes a newly developed standard mechanical Torsen limited-slip differential, which gives the car an even sharper dynamic edge by creating a locking effect between the front wheels. The differential is integrated into the 8-speed automatic transmission. The Launch Control function allows the full peak torque of 332 lb-ft to be available in first and second gear.

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