Tiny 4-Door Bimmer in the Works

BMW AG is developing a new four-door version of its 2 Series Coupe to compete against the Mercedes-Benz CLA, unnamed company sources tell Auto Motor und Sport. To be called the 2-Series Gran Coupe, the new Bimmer isn't due to arrive until at least 2018, according to the German enthusiast magazine.

The project is said to be championed by development chief Klaus Frohlich to help fill a gap in BMW's current lineup. It also will benefit from economies of scale by sharing a rear-wheel-drive platform with the current 2 Series Coupe and next-generation 3, 5, and 7 Series cars. This differs from the front-drive layout favored by the current 2 Series Active Tourer and Gran Tourer.

BMW also is readying several other small models, including an updated M2 coupe and X2 crossover. These vehicles are expected to arrive as early as 2017.