View Photos of the 2020 BMW 2-series Gran Coupe Prototype

The 2020 BMW 2-series Gran Coupe (GC), the first front-wheel-drive-based BMW car to reach the United States, slots below the 3-series as the brand's entry-level sedan. Read the full story here.

The 2-series Gran Coupe's UKL platform-mates include the new BMW 1-series hatchback that's sold in other markets, as well as the X1 and X2 crossover SUVs.

The 2020 2-series GC will be available in two trim levels in the States: 228i xDrive and M235i xDrive, both of which will feature all-wheel drive as standard.

Turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-fours will power both GC models, with the 228i producing about 225 horsepower and the M235i good for about 300 ponies.

An eight-speed automatic will be the only transmission choice for both 2-series GC models.

Expect the M235i xDrive to comfortably reach 60 mph in less than five seconds.

Pricing for the 2-series GC has yet to be released, but expect a starting point in the upper $30,000 range that should swell beyond $50K with options.

The 2-series Gran Coupe's key competitors will include the Audi A3 and the redesigned-for-2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA-class and Mercedes-AMG CLA35.

One of the GC's highlight features is new programming for its stability control system that, through applied knowledge from BMW's development of its i3 electric car, allows the car's electronic safety nets to intervene more quickly than previous systems.

The 2-series Gran Coupe will officially debut at this year's Los Angeles auto show and go on sale in the U.S. in early 2020.

BMW says that it may consider adding an entry-level front-wheel-drive GC model to the lineup in the future if demand warrants it.

2020 BMW 2-series Gran Coupe prototype

2020 BMW 2-series Gran Coupe prototype

2020 BMW 2-series Gran Coupe prototype

2020 BMW 2-series Gran Coupe prototype

2020 BMW 2-series Gran Coupe prototype