BMW thought that its extensive list of names wasn’t enough… the Sport Hatch, Coupé, Convertible, Active Tourer, Saloon, Touring, Gran Turismo, Gran Coupé and Roadster.
So to make things more complicated, they’ve added a Gran Tourer, not to be confused with the Gran Turismo, Gran Coupé or Touring. It’s the complete end of the spectrum. It’s BMW’s front-wheel drive 7-seater MPV.
What is it then?
In essence, it’s just a 7-seater version of the 5-seater 2 Series Active Tourer MPV. ‘Gran’ just signifying a bigger presence, as with the Gran Coupé and Gran Turismo.
The second row of seats slide by 13cm to increase either leg room of the mid-row passengers, leg room of the third-row passengers, or boot space. The third row folds flat into the floor to give a perfectly flat loading bay. As a result of the flexibility, you can fit 5 baby seats in the mid- and third-row seats with ease.
Engines
BMW is keen to promote the fact that the 2 Series Gran Tourer is the only vehicle in its class that boasts all-wheel drive (on xDrive models only, obviously). In this model, 3- and 4-cylinder engines are available, twinned with 6-speed manual and 6- or 8-speed Steptronic auto ‘boxes. Stop Start in fitted to all choices, and an auto coasting function is present in the auto ‘boxes to improve efficiency.
On offer will be the:
- 218i – 1.5l 3-cyl
- 220i – 2.0l 4-cyl
- 216d – 1.5l 3-cyl
- 218d – 2.0l 4-cyl
- 220d xDrive – 2.0l 4-cyl
It’s obvious that this car is more about efficiency and practicality than showing off and sporty looks, even though it doesn’t look bad at all.
The most efficient engine is the 216d returning 68.9 mpg and emitting 108 g/km of CO2. Shame they couldn’t get it to a sub-100 figure, that would’ve made it an extremely attractive proposal.
The 220d xDrive does the 0-62 mph sprint in 7.8s, whereas the 220i does it in 7.9s (but 7.8s with an automatic transmission). They get 190 bhp and 192 bhp respectively. The 220d xDrive has 400Nm of torque – way more than the other models with the nearest at 330Nm.
Practicality and Size
Seats folded down, the boot extends to a cavernous 1,820l, but even with the third row up, there’s still 560l! To fold down the mid row, you can either do it the standard way by tugging at the seat-backs, or show off to your friends and press buttons in the boot to operate the 40:20:40 split folding seats.
Ok, so the third row fold flat into the boot floor, the mid row fold down flat, but also, the front passenger seat’s back folds down to allow you to carry extra long items of up to 2.6m. What a lovely touch, especially for those interested in DIY.
The Gran Tourer is just over 20cm longer than the Active Tourer, so isn’t too much more demanding around town over the Active Tourer.
BMW is (rightfully) proud of the door bins in the 2 Series Gran Tourer which will accommodate large 1.5l bottles and the hinged compartments under the front seats. It’s obvious that the main focus is to make fitting a large family and all its paraphernalia into a not-so-massive family car.
As regards practicality entering the third row of seats, well, that’s covered too. BMW’s ‘Easy Entry’ allows the mid-row seats to tilt and slide forward (similar to that of the Seat Alhambra). Even the two people in the very back get their own centre console, cup holders and a 12V socket.
Trim Levels
From introduction, the SE, Sport, Luxury and M Sport will be offered.
Standard kit includes an infotainment system with a 6.5″ colour display incorporating AM/FM radio, Bluetooth connectivity and iDrive. Dual-zone climate control and rear parking sensors are paired with plenty of safety equipment.
Pricing
The petrols kick off at £24,175 for the 218i, and the diesels start at £25,110 for the 216d.
Competitors
To me, there are four different types of 7-seaters. The van-based ones, the small MPV that has been turned into a 7-seater (this), the one that was designed to be a 7-seater from the beginning, and the SUV which just so happens to have 7 seats. Here’s some of its rivals anyway:
Van-based 7-seaters
- Citroën Berlingo Multispace
- Fiat Doblò
- Peugeot Partner Tepee
- Volkswagen Caddy Maxi Life
Small MPVs into big 7-seaters
- Citroën Grand C4 Picasso
- Renault Grand Scenic
- Fiat 500L MPW
- Toyota Prius+
- BMW 2 Series Gran Touerer
- Ford Grand C-Max
The big 7-seaters
- Seat Alhambra
- Ford S-Max
- Ford Galaxy
- Kia Carens
- SsangYong Turismo
- Chrysler Grand Voyager
- Vauxhall Zafira Tourer
- Volkswagen Touran
- Toyota Verso
- Peugeot 5008
- Mazda Mazda5
- Volkswagen Sharan
The 7-seater SUVs
- Audi Q7
- BMW X5
- Hyundai Sante Fe
- Chevrolet Orlando
- Nissan X-Trail
- Kia Sorento
- Volvo XC90
- Land Rover Discovery Sport
- Land Rover Discovery
- Mitsubishi Outlander
- Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
- Chevrolet Captiva
Click here for more information on the BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer, or here for information on the 5-seater 2 Series Active Tourer.
My Car
If I were to be in the market for a 7-seater MPV, I would definitely choose this category. The 2 Series Gran Tourer is a very enticing prospect, and mine would look somewhat like this:
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