First look: New BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe and Mini Cooper Convertible unveiled

The BMW Group has unveiled two new vehicles – the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe and the Mini Cooper Convertible – both with distinct character, design and features to offer an elevated driving experience.

BMW Group made the reveal at a special event in South Carolina.

Both vehicles will go on sale in Australia in early 2025.

BMW 2 SERIES GRAN COUPE

The new BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe is the second generation of the four door model and includes enhanced suspension and automated technology for driving and parking.

The vehicle is equipped with BMW iDrive with QuickSelect which offers a range of digital services and in-car gaming.

The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe has been re-imagined with an elongated shape and wider stance with the BMW radiator grill positioned below the headlights.

The seats have been re-designed to deliver higher comfort on long journeys with optional sports seats also available which combined with a massage function and lumbar support.

The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe is powered by a221kW 300HP four-cylinder engine and can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in just 4.9 seconds.

The car sits on 19-inch forged M light alloy wheels and has an M compound brake system which offers fast deceleration.

The body structure of the car has increased rigidity and chassis connections to improve on-road agility and steering precision.

The BMW iDrive is based on BMW Operating System 9 with QuickSelect enabling all the main vehicle functions which can be accessed without having to move to a sub menu.

This means the cockpit is set up for multimodal operation including touch functions, voice control and multifunction buttons on the steering wheel.

There will also be remote software updates downloaded over the air which will provide free quality enhancements as well as additional functionality.

The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe will also have an optional BMW Digital Key Plus which will allow the vehicle to be unlocked with compatible smartphones and smartwatches instead of using the vehicle’s key.

MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE

The next generation of MINI Cooper Convertible has been unveiled with a roof that unfolds automatically in just 18 seconds even while driving below 30km/h.

The open top four-seater has surprisingly generous proportions.

This model rounds out the current MINI family with several unique features while still upholding the model’s character and philosophy.

“We are very proud to offer our customers a true convertible in the current MINI family,” says Stefan Richmann, Head of the MINI brand.

“Our new MINI Cooper Convertible offers unmistakable, hallmark driving fun, coupled with boundless freedom and great emotions: Always Open.

“Iconic design combined with modern technology and connectivity make this vehicle an unrivalled experience for our customers.”

The fully automatic soft top can be opened like a sunroof or fully retracted.

The soft top fits behind the rear seats to save space and can even be stowed in the luggage compartment.

It has distinct round LED headlights and a redesigned front grill while still maintaining the model’s classic design.

The car has a wind deflector between the cockpit and the rear to optimise airflow for a relaxed open air feeling in all four seats.

The MINI Cooper Convertible has new driver assistance systems to make the ride even safer and more comfortable.

The soft top is made from high quality fabric and can provide full protection to the occupants in all types of weather.

The interior of the new MINI Cooper Convertible has a minimalist design with multiple textile surfaces.

It has a circular central OLED display with a 240mm diameter so the driver or front passenger can access and operate all vehicle functions by touch or by voice.

The MINI Operating System 9 also provides simple connectivity and allows users to bring apps and digital content safely from their smartphone to the display.

There is also a heads up display to project all relevant information to the driver in their field of vision.

The MINI Cooper Convertible has a power output of 150kW 204HP and can go from 0 to 100km/h in 6.9 seconds.

* Stephen Fenech travelled to South Carolina as a guest of the BMW Group.