The 2-Series Gran Tourer Is The Seven-Seat FWD MPV That BMW Fanboys Will Hate

We’d only just gotten used to the idea of a front-wheel drive BMW in the form of the 2-series Active Tourer, but now the Bavarian car giant has dropped this bombshell on us. Dubbed the 2-series Gran Tourer, it’s the AT’s big brother, and it’s rocking seven seats. Oh, and it’s still very much front-wheel drive, with four-wheel drive being optional.

It’s a car we’ve been expecting, after seeing it testing at the Nurburgring (a curious place to test what’s essentially an MPV), but needless to say, now it’s here, we’re no less flabbergasted.

What’s plain to see is the bigger body that accommodates the extra pair of seats is no less ungainly to look at than the smaller AT. It’s plenty practical though - as you’d expect - with a boot that’ll have a capacity of anything from 645 to 1905 litres, depending on the seat configuration.

Engine-wise, it’s much the same choice of units as the AT, which means a range of three and four-cylinder diesel and petrol units. The pokiest diesel, the 220d, kicks out 187bhp and 295lb ft of torque, while the top-of-the-range 220i petrol is good for 189bhp and 207lb ft. Prices start at £24,175.

So, none of the models will be hugely fast, it’s not great to look at and if the Active Tourer’s anything to go by, it won’t be all that exciting to drive. All of this will bring a tear to the eye of a BMW fanboy, but for those wanting practicality above all else with that Bimmer roundel on the bonnet, it’ll no doubt be popular.

What are your thoughts?