The sister model to the 2 Series Active Tourer, the new Gran Tourer shares its front-wheel-drive architecture and transversely mounted engines with the five-seater MPV, but is 214mm longer and 53mm higher with a longer wheelbase of 2,780mm to provide more space. It also comes with seven seats as standard.

Frontal styling is in line with the 2 Series Active Tourer and brings the familiar BMW twin kidney grille, twin round headlights and brand logo.

Inside, the Gran Tourer offers a high seating position along with a sliding second row of seats with adjustable backrest, a third row of seats that fold into the floor, and provision for up to five universal child seats.

Other practical features include a 40:20:40-split rear seat backrest that can be remotely unlocked by pressing a button in the boot, then folded down to create an almost level cargo floor. The front passenger backrest can also be lowered to allow long objects such as sports equipment up to 2.60m in length to be transported. The Gran Tourer also brings a large, broad and wide-opening tailgate, which can be opened and closed automatically by push button operation or, optionally, touch-free via a sensor below the rear bumper.



There are also lashing points in the load bay and "monorails" on the backrests of the front seats, allowing a folding table to be attached. The interior also brings numerous storage compartments and space, including room for 1.5-litre bottles in each door panel.

Engine range comprises five turbocharged petrol and diesel engines with either three or four-cylinders and six-speed Steptronic transmission for the former with the option of an eight-speed Steptronic transmission for four-cylinder engines, with this gearbox standard on the 220d xDrive Gran Tourer.

The most efficient model in the range is the 216d Gran Tourer, which features a new, 114bhp 1.5-litre, three-cylinder diesel engine and brings combined fuel consumption of 68.9mpg and CO2 emissions of 108g/km along with a top speed of 119mph and 0 to 62mph time of 11.4 seconds. 

The most potent model though is the 220d xDrive Gran Tourer, which marries up four-wheel drive with a 188bhp 2.0‑litre four-cylinder diesel engine giving a 0-62mph time of 7.8 seconds and maximum speed of 135mph along with 57.6mpg combined and CO2 emissions of 129g/km.



Four trim levels are offered, starting with SE and rising to Sport, Luxury and M Sport. Standard equipment includes AM/FM radio, with 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 colour display and the Driving Experience Control switch with ECO PRO mode. Also included are electronic parking brake, rain sensor with automatic headlight activation as well as Collision Warning with City Braking function, two-zone automatic air conditioning, rear Park Distance Control, front fog lamps and a multi-function steering wheel.



Prices start from £24,175 for the 218i and rise to £32,005 for the xDrive model.