Within months, BMW has opened a new segment with two cars: last fall, the 2 Series Active Tourer (driving report) came to market and this summer, the 7-seater 2 Series Gran Tourer will arrive as well.
The BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer dominates his little brother by 21 cm while being also 5 cm higher. Our image comparison also shows the steeper rear window which creates a higher roofline for additional space, and the larger rear doors which facilitate entry into the second and third row.
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). The majority of the added length is concentrated within the wheelbase, which has grown by 110mm to 2780m. 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).
On the back seat of the Gran Tourer, up to three child seats can be attached side-by-side, and the middle seat can be positioned in the opposite direction of travel. When the kids are a bit older, they can take a seat in the third row of seats.
The series Gran Tourer shares its exterior styling with the Active Tourer through to the trailing edges of its front door. Its silhouette differs dramatically from traditional rear-wheel drive BMW models, with a short bonnet and heavily angled windscreen.
Inside, the BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer uses the same dashboard and buttons as the ActiveTourer – alongside which it will be produced at BMW’s factory in Leipzig, Germany.
Prices start at 28,650 euros, about 1,400 euros above the Active Tourer, for the same engine.
Both cars are powered by a three and four cylinder, petrol and diesel engines. A plug-in hybrid will be available for the Active Tourer, most likely followed next year by a similar one in the Gran Tourer family.
BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer will launch in Germany just a few weeks after the Geneva Motor Show in March.
[Images: Bimmertoday]
