WORLD PREMIERE: BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer

BMW launches its second front-wheel drive vehicle built on the new UKL architecture. The BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer joins the 2 Series Active Tourer in the new family of compact vehicles. The seven seater Gran Tourer will make its world premiere next month at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show and will go on sale this summer.

In addition to the standard version, the new BMW F46 2 Series Gran Tourer is available in a further four model variants: Advantage, Sport Line, Luxury Line and M Sport. The exterior dimensions are: 4,556 x 1,800 x 1,608 mm (179.3 inches long, 70.9 inches wide and 63.3 inches tall). A mere 214 millimeters longer and 53 millimeters higher than the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, the new BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer provides a further significant increase in space thanks to its long wheelbase, measuring 2,780 millimeters. BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer offers ample space and a generous luggage compartment that can be extended in capacity from 645 to 805 liters (67.3 cubic feet).

The optional third row of seats for two can be completely lowered into the loading floor.

Standard are a high-quality AM/FM radio including a Bluetooth hands-free system and audio streaming in conjunction with compatible smartphones, the iDrive operating system with Controller on the centre console, Intelligent Emergency Call, a 6.5-inch color display and the Driving Experience Control switch with ECO PRO mode. Beyond this, every BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer also comes with an electronic parking brake, a front armrest, a rain sensor with automatic headlight activation, as well as Collision Warning with City.

The Gran Tourer will be available with a custom-made myKIDIO entertainment system which includes information like speed, outside temperature and the answer to the question: are we there yet?

The F46 Gran Tourer will be powered by three- and four-cylinder engines. Gasoline engines are found in the 218i (3-cylinder, 134 hp) and the 220i (4-cylinder, 189 hp). Diesel fans can choose between the 114 hp 216d (3-cylinder), the 148 hp 218d (4-cylinder), and the 220d xDrive (4-cylinder, 187 hp). The engines are matted to a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic.

BMW will only offer the xDrive in the 220d model.

The design resembles a minivan with a premium look with the Hofmeister kink on the D-pillar and the typical kidney grille and double-round headlamps. In typical BMW style, the taillights form an L-shape, their two LED-fed light banks inclining towards the center to support the dynamic rear-end look. Aerodynamic solutions such as the aeroblades – vertical air deflectors – are placed behind the D-pillars round.

For now, BMW will offer the Gran Tourer in Germany and remains to be seen if the U.S. market will decide to bring them over.