Replacement for 1-series Coupé spotted testing in Germany
This is the first outing for BMW’s forthcoming 2-series Coupé, the car which will replace the 1-series Coupé in 2014. It will sit within the BMW range in the same manner as the recently announced 4-series, which replaces the 3-series Coupé and cabrio.
The new car is based on the current 1-series, so should benefit from that car’s increased interior space, along with wider tracks front and rear, but has a longer rear overhang. Underneath the disguise the car appears to have adopted styling halfway between that of the 1-series and the 4-series. The double kidney grille and the lights are not as narrow and slender as the 4, but the car’s overall proportions give a lower, sleeker effect than a 1-series’ proportions.
There will be a high-performance 2-series that will replace the 1M Coupé, which has been more of a sales success than BMW originally expected - the well-received M135i has influenced the brand's attitude towards more small M cars.
And the car could form the basis of an M2, with the possibility of it being based on the 1-series saloon currently under development. BMW has yet to decide if that car will be front or rear-wheel drive.