BMW lovers know that “F87” is the internal code name for the first generation M2. Turn the digits around and you get a completely different car. The “F78” practically does not share anything with the nimble coupé in the rear wheel drive. Instead, it refers to the Gran Coupé of the Long WheelBase 2 series.
The 2 GC built in China for the local market celebrated its car show in Auto Shanghai. We were there to take a closer look that BMW will probably not offer anywhere else. Nevertheless, the 1 -series sedan (“F52”), which it replaces it, has landed to Mexico, so never say it. Compared to the standard gran coupé of the “F74” 2 series, this longer variant is added to the wheelbase 4.3 inches (110 mm).
BMW’s entry-level gran coupe is now on a wheelbase of 109.4 inches (4663 mm). For the perspective, the Gran Coupé is only the 2-series series in China longer than a 5 Series of the E28 era. Our Walkaround video clearly shows the elongated, lensing doors that indicate an improved legroom for passengers of the back seat. The rear bank was also again concerned and equipped with an additional cushion for improved comfort.
The “F78” was not just a version, since BMW brought the hotter M performance variant. If it bears an M235L badge, it contains the same annoying styling detail that we saw on the global model: the “M” and “2” have the same size while the remaining characters are smaller. For the inexperienced eye, it could easily be confused with a four -door M2, which it is obviously not.
BMW praises the M235L Gran Coupé at 363,900 RMB (approx. $ 50,000) in China or about the same as the standard wheel base version in the USA. However, the US model has a performance edge that packs 312 hp compared to 296 hp in the Chinese version. This is because the China Spec model uses a late B48 engine that, like its European counterpart,.
The “F78” joins a growing list of extended BMWs sold in China, including the X1, X3 and X5 crossovers as well as the 3 and 5 Slimousines.
