Photo: BMW
We’ve seen it testing for quite some time now but we didn’t know exactly what its name was going to be, rumors throwing various alternatives our way. Well, today BMW decided to take the last step and unveil the 7-seat version of the 2 Series Active Tourer dubbed the Gran Tourer.
Design-wise there’s little to set the two apart. Looking at the from the front you’ll be having a hard time trying to figure out which one is better suited for more than 5 people and yet, the taller greenhouse will give the Gran Tourer away.
Take one step to the side and you’ll immediately be able to tell, by the windows and the tailgate that somehow reminds us of the Renault Avantime that was available with a V6 engine. It’s not the case here but the styling of the rear fascia sure seems familiar by some degree.
Don’t get it twisted though - this is a BMW and one that is basically just a bigger version of their first front-wheel drive car. To be completely honest, the cabin looks exactly the same with the small exception of the added seats in the boot.
That’s right, the whole point of this car was to offer 7 seats for families that have more than 2 or 3 kids to carry around. Admittedly, some might even say that adults could fit back there but even the press photos released by the Germans suggest that only children could be seated on the third row.
The entry level model will be the 216d, fitted with a 3-cylinder diesel engine making 116 HP and 270 Nm (199 lb-ft) of torque and hooked up to either a six-speed manual or an automatic with the same number of gears. Those are the only two choices in the entire range at the moment.
One step higher is the 218d that has a 2-liter 4-cylinder mill under the bonnet making 150 HP and 330 Nm (243 lb-ft) of torque. The top of the range diesel will the be 220d that comes only with xDrive all-wheel drive and an 8-speed automatic transmission. It’s the pick of the range with 190 HP and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque.
On the petrol side of things, the choice will be toned down to just 2 choices, a 136 HP 1.5-liter 3-cylinder engine on the 218i and a 192 HP 2-liter 4-cylinder one for the 220i. While the former is limited to 6-speed boxes, the latter can be fitted with an 8-speed auto as an optional feature.
Since this is a BMW, the M Sport version couldn’t be left out even if it doesn’t really make sense for such a family-oriented car. However, you’ll be glad to learn that this version includes the M aerodynamic package, individual shadow-line trims, an M steering wheel and M Sport seats.
The luggage compartment, for example, offers from 645 to 805 liters of space with the seats up while folding the rear backrests will provide 1,905 liters of space, more than enough for anyone’s needs.
We all know how distracting kids can be on longer trips. Therefore, the iDrive system now comes with a new ‘myKIDIO’ app that will stream appropriate content for the children on tablets positioned on the back of the front seats’ backrests.
The app will be controllable from the driver’s seat using the iDrive controller and provide information as to what the kids are watching on the tablets. At the same time, the youngsters will get to see vital travel info such as ETA or the outside temperature. Initially, this app will only be available in Germany.
If you’re interested, you can check out the attached press release for more details and if you want to see it in the metal, you should visit the Geneva Motor Show where it will be making its world premiere.
Take one step to the side and you’ll immediately be able to tell, by the windows and the tailgate that somehow reminds us of the Renault Avantime that was available with a V6 engine. It’s not the case here but the styling of the rear fascia sure seems familiar by some degree.
Don’t get it twisted though - this is a BMW and one that is basically just a bigger version of their first front-wheel drive car. To be completely honest, the cabin looks exactly the same with the small exception of the added seats in the boot.
That’s right, the whole point of this car was to offer 7 seats for families that have more than 2 or 3 kids to carry around. Admittedly, some might even say that adults could fit back there but even the press photos released by the Germans suggest that only children could be seated on the third row.
Engines and transmission
Since this version will also be built atop the UKL platform, it will also be front-wheel drive and will benefit from the same engines as its smaller brother. That being said, the choice will be between 3- and 4-cylinder plants, both on petrol and diesel fuel.The entry level model will be the 216d, fitted with a 3-cylinder diesel engine making 116 HP and 270 Nm (199 lb-ft) of torque and hooked up to either a six-speed manual or an automatic with the same number of gears. Those are the only two choices in the entire range at the moment.
One step higher is the 218d that has a 2-liter 4-cylinder mill under the bonnet making 150 HP and 330 Nm (243 lb-ft) of torque. The top of the range diesel will the be 220d that comes only with xDrive all-wheel drive and an 8-speed automatic transmission. It’s the pick of the range with 190 HP and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque.
On the petrol side of things, the choice will be toned down to just 2 choices, a 136 HP 1.5-liter 3-cylinder engine on the 218i and a 192 HP 2-liter 4-cylinder one for the 220i. While the former is limited to 6-speed boxes, the latter can be fitted with an 8-speed auto as an optional feature.
Four model variants
The cars will be available in four model variants, more than the average BMW. Apart from the stock model you’ll also get the Advantage version (includes two-zone climate control, PDC, cruise control with braking function and multifunctional steering wheel), the Sport Line model (new bumpers, light alloy wheels and sport seats) and the Luxury Line version (chrome trims on the outside, light-alloy wheels in different guises, leather upholstery).Since this is a BMW, the M Sport version couldn’t be left out even if it doesn’t really make sense for such a family-oriented car. However, you’ll be glad to learn that this version includes the M aerodynamic package, individual shadow-line trims, an M steering wheel and M Sport seats.
Entertainment for kids and more luggage space
BMW clearly wanted this car to appeal to young families. Therefore, they made sure that the customers would get everything they need inside it. Compared to the 2 Series Active Tourer, even more space is provided along with dedicated solutions for the back seats.The luggage compartment, for example, offers from 645 to 805 liters of space with the seats up while folding the rear backrests will provide 1,905 liters of space, more than enough for anyone’s needs.
We all know how distracting kids can be on longer trips. Therefore, the iDrive system now comes with a new ‘myKIDIO’ app that will stream appropriate content for the children on tablets positioned on the back of the front seats’ backrests.
The app will be controllable from the driver’s seat using the iDrive controller and provide information as to what the kids are watching on the tablets. At the same time, the youngsters will get to see vital travel info such as ETA or the outside temperature. Initially, this app will only be available in Germany.
If you’re interested, you can check out the attached press release for more details and if you want to see it in the metal, you should visit the Geneva Motor Show where it will be making its world premiere.
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