BMW to Enter New Segment With 7-Seater

TURIN – It has been a long time coming, but BMW finally is moving into the MPV market with a roomy and flexible 7-seateter.

Making its public debut at next month’s Geneva auto show, the 2-Series Gran Tourer is aimed at bringing new more family-oriented buyers into the BMW fold.

The new model is 8.4 ins. (214 mm) longer and 2.1 ins. (53 mm) taller than BMW’s 2-Series Active Tourer model, measuring 179.4 ins. (4,556 mm) in overall length and sitting on a 109.5-in. (2,780-mm) wheelbase.

Despite its rather compact footprint, the cabin is roomy enough for seven passengers, with a fair amount of space to spare for luggage. Cargo capacity can be extended from 23 cu.-ft. (655 L) to 28 cu-ft. (805 L) by sliding the 40:20:40 split rear bench forward. With the rear seats folded into the floor, cargo capacity increases to 67 cu.-ft. (1,905 L) with rear seats folded.

The ample interior space comes as a result of the switch to front-wheel drive and the application of ultra-compact 3- and 4-cyl. turbocharged engines that are shared with the latest-generation Minis. At launch five gasoline engines will be offered, ranging in output from 116 to 192 hp, with either front- or all-wheel drive.

The lineup will consist of five trim levels and a full range of advanced technology features will be offered, including BMW’s EfficientDynamics and ConnectedDrive systems. Also available will be Traffic Jam Assistant that assists the driver in accelerating, braking and staying in the lane in bumper-to-bumper traffic.

Included in cars sold in Germany will be the myKIDIO app that provides special content for children accessible from an iPad or other tablet brought into the vehicle.