So why is it stretched? The simple answer is to allow BMW access the compact seven-seat MPV market. Conquest customers are expected to make up the majority of buyers but also the Bavarian brand doesn't want any of its current owners going elsewhere for their family motoring needs.
MPVs struggle at the best of times to look interesting and 2 Series Gran Tourer certainly won't turn heads. It's does however do a reasonable job of showing it is a premium player with some interesting bodywork and of course that signature Beemer grille at the front. In this functional car sector exotic exterior design is seldom a priority.
Overall, 2 Series Gran Tourer is twenty centimetres longer and five centimetres taller than the five-seat Active Tourer - but more importantly it gains a longer wheelbase. The addition of 11cm between the front and rear wheels stretches the cabin space available. When configured as a five-seater, the boot is vast, but even in seven-seat mode there is still 200-litres of boot space to play with. Some markets will get the choice of a five-seat only versions but Ireland and the UK have opted for the seven-seater only. The car can take two up front and fit five child seats! Should you need more stuff you can fold the seats down to gain a whopping 1,820-litres of cargo room. Height adjustable seat trays and a load cover that also stows away in the car are nice touches that MPV buyers will appreciate. Access is good too - even to the rearmost two seats.
2 Series Gran Tourer and the smaller Active Tourer are built on the same architecture as MINI 5-door. The 2 Series Gran Tourer range is predominantly front-wheel drive, but there is the option of 'xDrive' (all wheel drive) on the range get topping 220d diesel automatic. Our test cars were the 220i and 220d xDrive.
First we tested a petrol, 220i (192hp/280nm) five-seater out onto the roads of Croatia and were instantly impressed by the quiet nature of the engine. On motorways we could cruise effortlessly, and in comfort, at 130kph without breaking a sweat. The long wheelbase cushioned the ride, and while we had the option of three drive modes: 'Sport', 'Comfort', and 'Eco-Pro', we left the machine in Comfort most of the time. The cabin features ample headroom and tiered seating rearward of the Driver. Next we took the range topping 220d with xDrive. It is an effortless drive, quite rapid and quiet too. We had optional Sports steering and active dampers to help us forget we were driving a sensible family taxi!
Ireland initially gets a choice of five, three and four-cylinder engines. Three more engines will come in 2016 that includes a new ‘214’ entry point. The range starts with the 218i and 220i in the petrol range and 216d, 218d and 220d with diesel power. Prices start at €36,750 (218i SE) and rise up to €48,490 for the 220d xDrive. Lower ‘M Sport’ suspension is an option as are adaptive dampers. The most economical model is the 216d that can average close to 4 l/100km (70mpg). Unlike Active Tourer there won't be a hybrid Gran Tourer due to its seven-seat architecture.
All the optional extra toys from Active Tourer are available and should you need to carry a bike of other active lifestyle gear BMW will gladly supply you with bespoke kit. Existing BMW owners looking for a car that can take all of their kids needs, now have a sub €40 grand entry point. The 2 Series Gran Tourer goes on sale this June and offers a more affordable entry into the world of seven-seat premium motoring.
Michael Sheridan
