BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe and 2 Series Gran Sport Tourer.

In a strategy to bring a more radical approach to the compact segment in terms of innovation and desirability. BMW are currently working on an entirely introductory downsized luxury model for the compact segment. Spurred on by an increasing demand for downsized luxury cars and potential competitors from Audi and Mercedes-Benz.

BMW are set to introduce their 2er line in a more expansive programme emulating the larger 6er and forthcoming 4er family line to offer the customer a more sporting and exclusive option.

The key symmetrical approach for BMW would be to develop a 1er Sedan off of their new modular FWD architecture alongside a currently in development MINI sedan - aimed at increasing the potential of the … CONTINUED

Deliveries have now begun for the BMW M135i, the company’s first gasoline powered model in the M Performance Automobile lineup. Congrats to 1ADDICTS member washy for being one of the first lucky owners and our site’s very first owner of the M135i.

Check out some initial photos inside from the excited new owner.

We’re coming to you live from the 2012 Paris motor show and our first car covered is the BMW M135i 3-door hatchback. This model had its world public debut at the 2012 AMI show in May, but its showing here at the 2012 Paris motor show represents its biggest audience yet.

Inside are the the vitals on this newest model to the BMW M Performance Automobiles lineup. The F21 M135i will unfortunately not make it to North America.

Full M135i technical info and official thread @ http://f20.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=690505

Here’s a video summarizing the M135i hatchback [official thread] [reviews].

Although the M135i will not be available in the North American market, it’s recently been rumored that a M235i coupe (2 Series coupe version of the M135i) will be the first M Performance Automobile to be introduced to the US market. Keep in mind that a M235i coupe model will not be a replacement for an expected future M2 coupe model - the successor to the E82 1M Coupe. Instead, it’s a model which can be viewed as the successor to the current 135is coupe, to slot in between the standard 235i coupe and the M2.

The M135i specs and highlights are as follows:

First ever BMW M Performance automobile to feature a petrol engine… CONTINUED

Automotive News has also published a report supporting the claim that BMW has plans to launch a 1 Series [2 Series] sedan. They claim that BMW will bring the RWD small sedan in 2015 to rival the future Audi A3 and Mercedes CLA sedans, both expected as early as next year.

According to them, company sources say the growing dimensions of the 3-series sedan led to the decision to build this sedan.

Ever since the introduction of the first M Performance cars (the new BMW model lineup slotting between the M models and regular series cars) earlier this year, we’ve been hearing and BMW has been hinting at such cars for the North American market.

Now that the first petrol model, the M135i (official info | reviews), has debuted, Autoweek reports that the M235i coupe will be the first M Performance model to arrive in the U.S. and Canada. The report states that the M235i coupe will start sales in the States in early 2014, after a debut at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show. We think this may be too early of an estimate however, unless the M235i will be launched together with the F22 2 series coupe (which … CONTINUED

BMW has been busy trademarking. Below is a list of some recent BMW trademark filings for future potential models. Remember, just because a manufacturer registers a trademark does not mean that the model will necessarily come to fruition. But, it makes for some fun speculation and certainly paints a rough map of what potential future models we may see out of Munich.

Recent Trademark List:

X2, X4
M1, M2, M7, M10
2 Series Active Tourer
M35, M40, M55, M300, M350, M400, M500
M130, M135, M140, M230, M235, M240, M330, M335, M340, M430, M435, M440, M450, M550, M650, M750
M50d
Compactive, … CONTINUED

We previously reported on a possible four-door 2 series sedan / gran coupe. Autocar has now joined the rumormill on such a potential 4 door model.

The report claims that BMW has plans for or is discussing a RWD sedan based off the current 1 Series platform that will target the US and China markets in particular. Autocar calls it a 1 Series, but in all likelihood it would be called a 2 Series. If you remember, only the hatchbacks and upcoming FWD models are likely to retain their 1 series badging [see likely future 1/2 series model map].

As the 3 Series has grown over the years, BMW may need such a model to take on the likes of the upcoming Audi A3 sedan and Mercedes CLA … CONTINUED

‘Insider’ Scott26 provides some rumors and ruminations on the plans and design for the upcoming BMW 2 Series coupe, convertible, and even a potential sedan.

Details are provided as to how the design of the 2 series will be similar and different than the F20 1 series hatchback on which it will be based. But the biggest info here is that BMW is currently considering a four-door 2 Series sedan-coupe to battle the upcoming Audi A3 sedan and Mercedes CLA. The BMW 2 Series sedan may take the form of a compact “Gran Coupe” which we’ve already seen the 6 series variant of and which is also expected as a 3/4-series. Read the full details/rumors inside.