BMW is set to add yet another new silhouette to its ever-diversifying model range with the introduction of the 2 Series Gran Tourer. With more space inside for passengers and luggage, including the option of specifying a third row of seats, it is the second model to use BMW's new front-wheel drive platform and first to offer the versatility of seven seats in the premium compact segment.
Exterior
Drawing heavily from the existing style of the 2 Series Active Tourer, the new Gran Tourer is clearly the more spacious and practical of the two. The Gran Tourer is, however, just 214mm longer and 53mm taller than the 2 Series Active Tourer. The higher roofline is one of the most noticeable differences between the two models, which crucially allows for the extra space in order to accommodate two additional passengers via the optional third row of seats.
Interior
At the core of the 2 Series Gran Tourer is practicality. In its standard five-seat configuration, it offers 645 litres of load capacity - extendable to 1,905 litres by folding the rear seats flat. These also feature a 40:20:40 split and can be remotely unlocked via a button located in the boot, while the front passenger backrest can also be lowered in order to help accommodate objects of up to 2.6 metres in length.
In its seven-seat form, the Gran Tourer can still swallow 560 litres of cargo with all seats in place. To help give additional legroom, the second row has the ability to slide fore or aft by up to 130mm. When not required, the two rear-most seats can be folded flat. Conveniently, the automatic tailgate can be opened hands-free.
A number of clever storage solutions have been included into the design such as hinged compartments under the front seats and further storage under the second row of seats, while smaller objects can be stored in spaces integrated into the sides at the rear for passengers occupying the third row.
Mechanicals
There will be a wide range of engines available for the Gran Tourer including three- and four-cylinder petrol and diesel units, as well as the choice of an all-wheel drive transmission. The range of petrol models will start with the 218i; its 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine produces 136hp and delivers a quoted 5.5 litres/100km in six-speed manual guise. A 192hp four-cylinder engine will be offered under the 220i badge and will be capable of propelling the Gran Tourer to 100km/h from rest in a swift 7.7 seconds.
Diesel offerings will start with the 1.5-litre three-cylinder 216d, which may feel a touch underwhelming with its 116hp, but its strong point is fuel economy. BMW says it will return 3.9 litres/100km when paired with an automatic transmission and has emissions as low as 104g/km. The 218d features a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that offers a more useful 150hp at 4,000rpm and maximum torque of 330Nm from as low as 1,750rpm, which should provide plenty of pulling power when fully loaded.
BMW's all-wheel drive Gran Tourer (badged xDrive) will be powered by a 190hp version of the 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine (the 220d). The xDrive transmission will be similar to that found in the 2 Series Active Tourer, which distributes power to all four wheels depending on traction levels giving the car added stability on rough terrain and in more challenging weather conditions.
Later in the year, BMW will also introduce a new entry-level petrol engine in the form of the 216i, while the 220d engine, currently offered exclusively with xDrive, will become available as a front-wheel drive option.
Anything else?
The 2 Series Gran Tourer will also have a wide range of entertainment features available to order including BMW's ConnectedDrive system. To keep passengers in the rear entertained the backs of the front seats can be fitted with cradles for tablet computers, which can be used to play back media or can also be used to surf the web via an optional wireless hotspot.
Update on Feb 12, 2015: BMW Ireland has released full pricing:
Prices start at €35,940 on-the-road for the 218i SE Gran Tourer. That's €3,410 more than the equivalent Active Tourer. The entry-level diesel, the 216d SE Gran Tourer, is €36,580. Trim levels are SE, Sport, Luxury and M Sport.