Meet the new BMW 2-series

Thanks to some leaky websites, we can bring you the all-new BMW 2-series Coupe a little earlier than we expected. The new car will be shown first at the Detroit auto show in January and will arrive in U.S. dealerships next spring as the 228i and M235i.

The 2-series replaces BMW's 1-series. The four-seat rear-drive coupe is 4 inches longer than the 1-series and is also 1.3 inches wider overall. Interior room is thus up as well: there's 0. 7 inches more front headroom and 0.8 inches additional rear legroom.

Engines for the standard and M models use BMW's TwinPower Turbo technology and both are mounted longitudinally. The 228i's 2.0-liter four produces 240 hp and the M's 3.0-liter six produces 322 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. It features M-specific chassis tuning including standard adaptive suspension, M brakes, and Michelin Pilot Super Sports tires. Suspension is struts in front and a five-link rear. Safety equipment will include front, side and head airbags.

We haven't sat in one yet, but the interior looks to be typical BMW: high quality and driver focused. Dual-zone automatic climate control is standard as is iDrive. The optional nav system includes an 8.8-inch screen and touch control.

BMW's Sport Line trim includes 18-inch alloy wheels, ambient lighting, special seat upholstery and interior trim strip, as well as a choice of wood or brushed aluminum trim available at no additional cost. M Sport trim includes bespoke suspension tuning, a body kit (including large front air intakes, side skirts and rear diffuser), and chrome exhaust tips.

BMW 2-series prices will be announced later today. Oh, and those fold-down rear seats you see in some other sites' leaked photos? BMW tells us they won't be offered in the U.S.

By Autoweek editors