What's all this about?
BMW has introduced its second front-wheel drive MPV model. Called the 2 Series Gran Tourer, it follows on from the Active Tourer that appeared last year and now has the option of two more seats.
How does it differ from the Active Tourer?
At a glance there isn't a great deal to differentiate the two other than the Gran Tourer's taller and longer roofline. In fact, it's 214mm longer and some 53mm taller, which means more room inside whether it is in its standard five-seat or optional seven-seat configurations. When not in use that third row of seats can be folded flat to allow for more boot space.
Is there more boot space too?
Yep. Conventionally it can swallow up 645 litres of cargo and, should you decide to fold down all of the 40:20:40 split rear seats, that grows to 1,905 litres. Those seats can also be remotely unlocked by a button in the boot. Even if you opt for the third row of seats, the Gran Tourer can still take 560 litres of cargo.
What engines will be available for it?
From launch BMW will be offering petrol engines starting with a 136hp 1.5-litre three-cylinder that will be badged as 218i, followed by a 192hp 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit wearing a 220i badge. The latter model can do 0 to 62mph in just 7,7 seconds.
Three diesel engines will also be available, which include the 1.5-litre three-cylinder 216d that will produce 116hp and 72.4mpg, with emissions as low as 104g/km. A 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel badged as the 218d is likely to prove a popular choice as it offers 150hp and 330Nm of torque. The range-topping 220d will feature xDrive - BMW's all-wheel drive system - powering all four wheels. This engine packs a 190hp punch and later on in the year will also be available to order in front-wheel drive. Around the same time BMW will introduce an entry-level 216i petrol engine.
When will it be available?
The 2 Series Gran Tourer is expected to make its public debut at the forthcoming Geneva Motor Show and is due to go on sale during the summer. Prices start at £24,175.
Dave Humphreys - 11 Feb 2015