BMW officially debuted its new, rear-drive BMW 2 Series Coupe ahead of its scheduled January appearance at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show.

The vehicle will replace BMW's 1 Series Coupe when it goes on sale sometime during the first quarter of 2014.

BMW has advertised the 2 Series is longer, wider, faster and "more economical" than its predecessor, according to a company press release.

Initially, the 2 Series will only be offered in a hardtop and two-door coupe option, though a convertible and a four-door sedan will follow.

Two versions of the rear-drive coupe will include the 2014 BMW 228i, and the 2014 BMW M235I.

The 228i comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 under the hood, making 240 hp and 258 lb.-ft. The 235i gets a 3.0-liter 1-6 engine, capable of 322 hp and 332 lb.-ft. of torque, according to BMW.

Both vehicles come with an eight-speed automatic, though a six-speed manual is also available.

For the M235i, preliminary EPA estimates are 25 mpg combined (22 city/32 highway) for the eight-speed sport automatic, and 22 combined (19 city/28 highway) for the six-speed manual.

Preliminary EPA estimates for the 228i are 27 mpg combined (23 city/35 highway) for the eight-speed sport automatic, and 26 combined (22 city/34 highway) for the six-speed manual, according to BMW.

The base 2 Series will be sold for $33,025, including a $925 shipping fee, which is $3,000 more than the current 1 Series coupe.

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