The face of the automotive industry has changed a lot in the past decade or so, with crossovers, hybrids, EVs and cars to fit every conceivable niche. But if you had suggested 10 or 15 years ago that that one of the sportiest of manufacturers, BMW would be making a seven-seater family-style people mover, you could very well have been laughed at.
Yet at this year’s Geneva Motor Show, BMW launched the all-new 2 Series Gran Tourer, and you guessed it, it seats seven!
BMW are indeed innovators when it comes to exploring new niches, and although there is plenty of competition in the people mover market already, there are not that many options at the luxury end of the scale, where BMW sits. So if you are looking for a bit more practicality from your favourite German marque, or want to drive the whole family round with a bit more refinement and brand prestige, then this car could be for you.
The 2 Series Gran Tourer is essentially a seven-seater version of BMWs 2 Series Active Tourer. Both break with the automaker’s tradition of rear-wheel-drive, and are based on the same architecture as the new MINI, and also get the same new range of powerful, yet efficient, engines.
TwinPower Turbo technology gives the new engines in the BMW EfficientDynamics engine range more agile power delivery, as well as more responsiveness, even at low engine speeds. At the same time, they are efficient, with low emissions and low fuel consumption.
Our test drive model was the 220i which features a 4-cylinder, 189 hp engine. There is also a 3-cylinder 134 hp option available in the 218i. The 220i has a combined fuel consumption of 6.4 litres/100km and CO2 emissions of 149g/km.
Admittedly, it’s not that easy to make a vehicle in this class look great, but BMW have done a fantastic job. With its bonnet creases and slightly raked profile, low slung kidney grill and stylish LED headlight array, the Gran Tourer is about as sleek as it can possibly be. It is also available in four trims – SE, Sport, Luxury and M Sport – 13 different exterior colours, a choice of nine wheel styles and a multitude of interior trim options.
The interior is basically identical to the Active Tourer and has a familiar high-quality BMW feel using top notch materials. The ride position is high with great visibility, the gauges are very driver-oriented and there are lots of useful cubby and storage spaces.
At the centre of the dash is the impressive 6.5 inch free-standing Control Display, (upgradeable to 8.8 inch).This displays all the driving and entertainment functions using BMWs highly intuitive iDrive.
The middle row of seats has a 40:20:40 split and is easily accessed by large rear doors. Shoulder room is quite adequate to fit three adults side by side. The Gran Tourer is 21cm longer and 5cm taller than the Active Tourer, with 12cm of the extra length between the front and rear wheels. This means plenty of leg room for the middle row passengers and vast amounts of head room for all.
The feature that really sets the Gran Tourer apart from the rest of the BMW stable, is of course the sixth and seventh seat in the back. These very cleverly fold out from the boot floor using one hand and are accessed by folding one of the side middle row seats down and sliding the row forward by as much as 13 cm. The rear seats are quite comfortable, especially for shorter trips, and ideal for the younger members of the family. Passengers even get a centre console with two cupholders, a storage compartment and 12-volt socket.
When not required, the seats fold down again flat into the floor offering 560 litres of boot space. This expands to 720 litres with the middle row in its most forward position, and using convenient buttons on the boot wall, these seats can be folded down into an almost flat position offering a massive 1820 litres of storage. Adding even more versatility, the front passenger seat can also be folded flat, revealing a 2.6 metre long load bay.
the sixth and seventh seat in the back very cleverly fold out from the boot floor using one hand
It would be unrealistic to expect the Gran Tourer to corner like a 3 Series, but it is still a BMW after all, and therefore you can be confident of precise drive and handling dynamics. The cabin is well insulated from outside noise and the eight-speed automatic transmission is slick between changes. The steering is responsive and nicely weighted while the suspension offers a good balance between body control and a smooth, comfortable ride. And there are three driving modes to choose from – Comfort, Sport and ECO PRO – which allow you to choose various levels of dynamics and efficiency.
Standard equipment is pleasingly generous. All models get iDrive with navigation, DAB radio, Bluetooth, Collision Warning with City Braking function, dual zone climate control, a rain sensor with automatic headlight activation, rear Park Distance Control and a multifunction steering wheel. Attractive optional extras that are worth considering include a panoramic sunroof, full colour Head-up Display and the new camera-based Drive Assist Plus and Park Assist.
If you are looking for luxury, style and performance in Macau there is certainly no shortage of options. But if you want to add great practicality and versatility as well as seven seats, then it’s clear that the BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer really stands out on its own, combining functionality, good looks and performance like few others can.
At the centre of the dash is the impressive 6.5 inch free-standing Control Display, upgradeable to 8.8 inch)
BMW House
120-158, Rua dos Pescadores
Macau
