Bmw 2 Series Gran Tourer
Used Car Review

Overview

Thinking about a practical family car that doesn’t compromise on driving enjoyment? The BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer might be exactly what you’re looking for. This premium seven-seat MPV brings together BMW’s reputation for engaging handling with the space and flexibility that modern families need. It’s the car for people who want genuine versatility without sacrificing the premium feel of a luxury badge.

From the moment you see it, the 2 Series Gran Tourer stands out from typical family MPVs. Its kidney grille and sharp lines give it a confident presence that rivals like the Ford S-Max or Vauxhall Zafira can’t quite match. But the real appeal becomes clear when you step inside. The interior feels genuinely upmarket, with quality materials and BMW’s intuitive infotainment system taking centre stage. You get the sense that this is a car designed by people who understand what families actually need.

Driving the 2 Series Gran Tourer reveals its unique character. Unlike many MPVs that feel cumbersome and detached, this BMW retains much of the brand’s famous driving dynamics. The engines are refined and efficient, making school runs and long family holidays equally comfortable. It handles with more composure than you’d expect from a seven-seater, while still providing the commanding view and easy access that families appreciate. While it commands a premium over mainstream alternatives, you’re paying for that distinctive BMW quality and the rare combination of practicality and driving pleasure.

BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer Performance & Engine Options

The BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer offers a well-chosen range of petrol and diesel engines, all designed for efficiency rather than outright speed. The entry-level 216i with around 136 horsepower provides adequate performance for daily driving, though it can feel strained when fully loaded with passengers and luggage. The 218i and 220i petrol variants offer better flexibility, with the 220i delivering confident acceleration for motorway merging and overtaking. Diesel options like the 216d and 218d provide excellent fuel economy and strong low-end torque that suits the car’s family-focused character.

Where the Gran Tourer truly impresses is in its composed driving experience. The steering is well-weighted and precise, making it feel more like driving a BMW estate than a traditional MPV. The suspension strikes an excellent balance between comfort and control, absorbing road imperfections while keeping body roll in check through corners. This makes it one of the more engaging seven-seaters to drive, though it never forgets its primary mission of keeping passengers comfortable. You get genuine BMW driving dynamics wrapped in a practical family package.

How Comfortable Is the BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer?

Open any door and the 2 Series Gran Tourer immediately demonstrates its premium credentials. The dashboard design is clean and modern, dominated by BMW’s excellent iDrive infotainment system that responds quickly and intuitively. The materials throughout feel solid and well-chosen, with soft-touch surfaces where they matter most. The front seats offer excellent support and multiple adjustment options, ensuring you can find the perfect driving position for longer journeys. Build quality is impressive, with everything from the door handles to the indicator stalks operating with that satisfying precision BMW is known for.

The cabin excels in terms of space and flexibility. The middle row of seats slides and reclines individually, allowing you to balance passenger comfort with luggage space. Even the third row seats are usable for adults on shorter journeys, though children will be more comfortable back there. Standard equipment is generous, including dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, and multiple USB ports throughout the cabin. Higher specification models add luxuries like heated seats, ambient lighting, and BMW’s excellent Harman Kardon sound system that transforms the cabin into a mobile concert hall.

The BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer succeeds in a difficult brief by delivering genuine seven-seat practicality while retaining the driving enjoyment BMW is famous for. It offers one of the most premium interiors in the MPV class, with build quality and materials that feel distinctly upmarket. The range of efficient engines suits family needs perfectly, while the flexible seating arrangements provide real-world versatility that busy families will appreciate daily. The main compromises are a higher price than mainstream alternatives and slightly firm ride quality that some may find less comfortable than traditional MPVs. The third row is also more suitable for children than adults on longer journeys. However, for families who want the space of an MPV without sacrificing driving dynamics or interior quality, the 2 Series Gran Tourer hits a sweet spot that few rivals can match. It proves that practical family cars don’t have to be dull or cheaply finished.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

How Much Does It Cost to Run a BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer?

As a premium MPV, the 2 Series Gran Tourer has running costs that reflect its upmarket positioning, though they remain reasonable for the class. The diesel engines are the stars here, with the 216d capable of achieving over 60 mpg in real-world driving conditions. Even the petrol engines deliver respectable economy, with most variants achieving 40-50 mpg in mixed driving. Insurance groups are moderate for a BMW, typically ranging from groups 15-25 depending on the engine and specification level you choose.

The main consideration is the higher purchase price compared to mainstream seven-seaters. However, this premium reflects the superior build quality, advanced technology, and stronger residual values that BMW models typically enjoy. Servicing costs are higher than for a Ford Galaxy, but BMW’s fixed-price servicing packages help you budget effectively. When it comes to reliability, the 2 Series Gran Tourer has proven dependable, though staying on top of regular maintenance is crucial. Overall, while not the cheapest MPV to run, the Gran Tourer offers good value when you consider its premium appeal and flexible finance options available.

Is the BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer Practical for Everyday Use?

For a car based on a compact platform, the 2 Series Gran Tourer offers impressive practicality. The 560-litre boot with all seats in place is generous for the class, easily accommodating a week’s shopping or several large suitcases. With the third row folded down, space increases to 1,355 litres, while folding both rear rows creates a van-like 1,905 litres of cargo capacity. The low loading lip and wide opening make it easy to load heavy items, while numerous storage compartments throughout the cabin help keep family clutter organised.

The seven-seat configuration is where the Gran Tourer truly shines. Unlike some rivals where the third row is a token gesture, these seats are genuinely usable for adults on shorter journeys. The middle row slides forward to improve third-row access, while the individual seats can be folded independently to create flexible seating and cargo arrangements. For families with older children or those who regularly carry more than five passengers, the Gran Tourer offers genuine versatility. Compared to other used BMW cars, it represents exceptional value for families who need space without compromising on premium feel or driving dynamics.

The BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer stands out in the competitive seven-seat MPV market by offering a genuinely premium experience that doesn’t forget its practical mission. It combines BMW’s renowned build quality, sophisticated technology, and engaging driving dynamics with the space and flexibility that growing families demand. While it may not be the most spacious or cheapest option in its class, it excels in areas that matter for daily ownership like interior quality, refinement, and long-term reliability.

You choose the Gran Tourer because you want an MPV that doesn’t feel like a compromise. Its upmarket cabin, composed handling, and genuine seven-seat capability make it ideal for families who refuse to give up driving enjoyment for practicality. Whether you’re tackling the daily school run or heading off on a family adventure, the Gran Tourer makes every journey more pleasant. For buyers seeking a premium family car that offers something different from the usual cars under £15,000 options, the 2 Series Gran Tourer represents an compelling proposition that few alternatives can match.