[Saintor]

Meaning a 4-doors version on this RWD platform ? Or will it be only the 1-series FWD?

I don't understand why BMW limits itself with a 2-door version when the competitors are also CLA / A3.

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by Saintor

Meaning a 4-doors version on this RWD platform ? Or will it be only the 1-series FWD?

I don't understand why BMW limits itself with a 2-door version when the competitors are also CLA / A3.

I assuming because they can fill one assembly plant with worldwide coupe orders without risking too much downward substitution out of 3 Series volume...profit maximization. Why invest more to develop a car they may not yet have assembly capacity for, which has a lower margin than a similar car right above it? Once the Mexico plant opens up in a couple if years, the situation will likely change. The 1 sedan (fwd) will be more different from the 3 and needed to get BMW to their CAFE requirements.

I would have loved a 2 GC. I gave up rear doors rather than go to an automatic trans-only A3 or S3 sedan.

[xl5]

It's not looking good, is it?

This would have been the car I would have bought towards the end of its run. I want four doors, and if it's FWD, I see no reason not to buy a Honda or Ford for far less money just because of the badge (I wouldn't buy an FWD or AWD Audi or MB either).

[as7920]

Still hoping.

But if it's FWD then I may have to defect to Audi!

[BenWM]

The 3 Series is simply too big now. It's a full family sized sedan now, not the "sport-sized" vehicle it used to be. The E46 was the last we saw of the compact 3er.

I don't want a 3 Series, but I would've bought a 2 GC - as it turns out I bought the 2 anyway, albeit with two doors less than ideal.

[Saintor]

It would look potentially very nice.

[Itgb]

BMW can make every niche vehicle under the sun but can't make a small sedan that they've produced and built their brand on for the last 30yrs?

This potential 2GC is the only thing that might get me to buy a new BMW.

[VeryBadman]

Or you can get a coupe 2 series and run a Camry when you need 4 doors

[Radio]

Didnt SCOTT26 mentioned there would be a 2 series GC ?

[jackmcclane]

Originally Posted by Radio

Didnt SCOTT26 mentioned there would be a 2 series GC ?

Yes and a M2 Gran Coupé too, but we haven't seen any spy shots yet or anything which would definitely confirm it. But the 2 series started this year so there is still a chance and enough time for it. Some news/infos about it would be nice...

[Daddycat]

Originally Posted by Radio

Didnt SCOTT26 mentioned there would be a 2 series GC ?

Might cannibalize 3 and 4 series sales. 2 series is targeted directly at the enthusiast who wants the old smaller-style BMW driving machine, not a sensible sedan...

[one1er]

A 2 series GC would technically be a 3 series in different clothing, and that is a very big NO NO, as the 3 series is bmw's most significant model, with an already big range...4 door, touring, coupe (forget the naming), grancoupe etc

[Cyberdemon]

Not to say they wouldn't try it.

Audi has the A3 Sedan now which underpins the A4 Sedan which is directly in line with the 3 series. Since they probably won't bring the 1 series hatch over it's entirely possible they'll shoehorn 2 more doors to give them something smaller and cheaper to compete directly with the CLA250 and the A3.

But as mentioned it will probably be a 2016 or later model year. I'd expect they'll ship the cabriolet and M2 first, then possibly introduce a 220/30/40 sedan.

One other important reason they'd want to do this: (Even if they called it the 1 series Sedan and not the 2 series Gran Coupe).

Both Audi & MB now have US offerings that are under the critical $30,000 price mark. Both the A3 and CLA start at "$29,900" and that mental barrier is a lot to introduce new buyers into the fray. (Even though the price will skyrocket once they add important options like wheels and a seat).

[Sportstick]

Per today's Automotive News, the 1 Series sedan will arrive in 2017 in either fwd or awd configurations, using the UKL platform shared with Mini, to compete with the A3 and CLA. There is no 2 Series sedan nor Gran Coupe. The entire plan, along with MBs is on their subscription-based website for those who wish to have access.

[miko_10]

Originally Posted by Sportstick

Per today's Automotive News, the 1 Series sedan will arrive in 2017 in either fwd or awd configurations, using the UKL platform shared with Mini, to compete with the A3 and CLA. There is no 2 Series sedan nor Gran Coupe. The entire plan, along with MBs is on their subscription-based website for those who wish to have access.

I've been reading about that today.

Just my theory, I think BMW's grand plan is to grab all the non-BMW-enthusiast market, saturate the market completely....THEN come out with the 2GCs. As it looks right now, I'm keeping my E46 until the wheels come off.

[xl5]

Wasted opportunity.

[xl5]

http://www.autoblog.com/2014/08/12/b...-to-2nd-owner/

Boom. Another nail in the coffin of BMW ownership. Up there with the 1-series 4 door FWD sedan. Honda or Ford do FWD better at a much better price point.

[danimal]

Originally Posted by BenWM

The 3 Series is simply too big now. It's a full family sized sedan now, not the "sport-sized" vehicle it used to be. The E46 was the last we saw of the compact 3er.

I don't want a 3 Series, but I would've bought a 2 GC - as it turns out I bought the 2 anyway, albeit with two doors less than ideal.

+1.