The 4-door version of the 2 Series has been spotted wearing camouflageand a rather basic trim level. What's it all about?

Much is going to change if you're a current BMW 1 Series or 2 Series fan. The next generation cars, set to arrive around 2019/20, will usher in a raft of changes set to send shivers down the spine of enthusiasts. The model shown in the spy pics is the 2 Series Gran Coupe, a 4-door variant of the 2 Series. It will run on the same platform as the next generation 1 Series that for the first time will be front-wheel-drive. Certain models will get all-wheel-drive but there are no plans for a rear-driven small BMW in the pipeline.

While the model in the pics is heavily camouflaged and clearly an entry-level model, it doesn't look particularly exciting or shapely. BMW plans to style it so it more closely resembles the classic 2002. We'll have to wait and see what happens once it drops the camo.

The 2 Series Gran Coupe will go head-to-head with the likes of the Audi A3 Sedan and the Merc CLA in a more direct manner – they will all be front or all-wheel-drive. BMW's unique selling point is thus lost, but it's too early to judge how it will fare against the other 2 rivals. What it does do, is make current owners of the 2 Series likely to have a bit of a collector'sitem on their hands a few years down the line.

Images: SB Medien

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