First Look: 2016 BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer by Henny Hemmes

New model scheduled for world premiere at Geneva Auto Show

By Henny Hemmes
Senior European Editor

2016 BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer

The Netherlands - February 10, 2015: BMW keeps adding new vehicle segments. This time it's a premium compact model with seven seats, the 2 Series Gran Tourer. The new model will celebrate its world premiere at the Geneva Auto Show on March 2.

2016 BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer

Today, BMW has released the first details and pictures of this latest addition to the 2 Series line up. The Gran Tourer is based on the same front-wheel drive architecture that has been developed for the 2 Series Active Tourer. Both models share the general design, but the Gran Tourer has a longer wheel base and a less sloping roofline to offer room for the passengers on the third row of seats. The new model is 4,556 mm long (179.37 inches), 1,800 mm high ( 70.9 in.) and 1,608 mm high (63.3 in.).

2016 BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer

The new 2 Series model offers a luggage compartment with a capacity of 645-805 liters and when the rear-seat backrests are folded down (40:20:40), this rises to 1,905 liters. Converted, these figures are 22.8,fubic feet, 28.4 cu-ft and 67.3 cu. ft respectively.

We may expect the same level of standard equipment as of the 2 Series Active Tourer and some more.

A nice feature is the integration of the ‘myKidio’ app. This can be operated using the iDrive controller and the Control Display, and because BMW has teamed up with the German BurdaNews and Deutsche Telekom, it will be initially only available in Germany. The feature offers subscription access to content such as children’s audio books, audio plays, movies and TV-series. In the Gran Tourer the ‘BMW Kids Cockpit’ can also be launched with the app for displaying data relating to the vehicle such as current speed. It can furthermore be used to control any tablet computers in the car, which are frequently used by children in the rear.

2016 BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer

The 2 Gran Tourer will be available with a choice of 5 turbo engines with three or four cylinders ranging from 116 hp to 192 hp. From market launch, the BMW 220d xDrive Gran Tourer will be available with all-wheel drive. The engines will be teamed to a six-speed Steptronic transmission, while the four-cylinder engines can optionally also be delivered with BMW’s eight-speed transmission.

2016 BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer

Initially the 2 Series Gran Tourer will be offered in Europe beginning this fall.