The Mercedes-Benz CLA will face new competition this November when the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe is unveiled at the Los Angeles motor show.
Set to go on sale in Europe in the second quarter of 2020, the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe was teased overnight by a single image of its swoopy C-pillar, rear fender, boot lid spoiler, trademark shark-fin antenna and a slim LED tail-light that appears to be lifted from the bigger 8 Series.
Based on the same underpinnings as the BMW X1 and the MINI Countryman, the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe will be front-wheel drive -- just like the all-new 2019 1 Series, effectively making it a 1 Series sedan
Beneath the bonnet, the sporty four-door coupe will come with the same turbocharged three-cylinder and four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines that will make their debut in the 1 Series.
Stretching from 100kW (218i) to at least 180kW (225i) on the petrol side, it's been reported the car-maker will offer both a 110kW 218d, a 140kW 220d and a 165kW 225d.
There will also be a powerful 243kW 235i that will be powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder.
The expected petrol-only 1.5-litre three-cylinder and more powerful 2.0-litre petrol and diesels will come with the option of either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The more powerful versions will be offered with BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive.
Later on, it's rumoured an M2 Gran Coupe will arrive with a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder that will generate around 275kW.
This, thanks to all-wheel drive traction should ensure the M2 four-door hits 100km/h in less than four seconds and top out at 250km/h.
From launch, a plug-in hybrid is also likely that's set to combine the small 1.5-litre tri-turbo petrol with an electric motor, battery pack and eight-speed auto.
Likely to be badged the '225e', the small plug-in 2 Series Gran Coupe will boast a pure-electric range of at least 50km.