Ultimate driving machine. What does the phrase bring to you mind? And then, spare a moment to look at the car in the pictures here. Do we bring home a point? The 2-series is a fine looking car, and even though it features a front wheel drive layout, a fact that scratched our throats bloody as it went down, we managed to live with it eventually owing to our fanboy-ism. But this? How am I ever going to justify my passion for you to my kids and neighbours, ever, dear BMW?
In moneyspeak, the 2-series will appeal to a ‘distinct’ set of audience who would want to experience the BMW engineering and dynamism, while leaving the selfish joy of travelling with the entire family and luggage untouched. It will carry a bunch of adults and kids in comfort without them having to murder a few innocent mortals in a bid to buy a hugely impressive, equally expensive X5. It will take the brand to a wider audience and, in the process, make the heads of hardcore aficionados like us hang down in desolation. Even after taking into consideration all the dirty realities of the corporate world and the tough responsibilities of the black-suit clad executives, our minds just refuse to expect this shape as worthy of bearing a propeller shaft logo on its grille.
Disappointed as we are, our job requires us to list out the details, and so we will. So here goes.
The 2-series Gran Tourer is a compact minivan spawning off the 2-series, which is the first front wheel drive BMW ever in the history of the brand. BMW calls the new 2-series variant the ‘world’s first premium compact model’ and offers seating for up to seven occupants to meet the mobility requirements of young families.
Dimensions read 4,556 millimetres long, 1,800 mm wide and 1,608 mm high. Luggage capacity varies from 645 liters to 1,905 litres depending on how many seats you decide putting to use. Rear seat bench comes with a 40:20:40-split backrest that folds down at the press of a button. Third row of seats is optional which can be completely lowered into the loading floor.
There are plenty of engine options on offer too and you can choose from as many as five turbocharged units. Power output for the engine lineup ranges from 116 bhp to 192 bhp.
Another new addition is the “myKIDIO” app for kids. The app allows appropriate content for children and families to be played on tablets such as the Apple iPad via the iDrive system to keep rear passengers entertained.
In addition to the standard version, the new BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer will be made available in four additional variants.
- The Advantage model features two-zone automatic air conditioning, Park Distance Control at the rear, Cruise Control with Braking function and a multifunctional steering wheel.
- The Sport Line model accentuates the sporting aspect with exclusive exterior specifications, special light-alloy wheels and sports seats.
- The Luxury Line has chrome applications, select light-alloys and leather appointments.
- The M Sport model comes with a choice of the M Aerodynamics package, BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line, M leather steering wheel and M Sport seats, among other features.
Do have a look at the image gallery below and share with us your views on this latest model from a brand we all love and respect for its performance machine. We will be back in a bit, if we manage to wriggle out of the clutches of despair we are in right now, that is.
I am waiting for a detailed rewiew…!