BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer: frumpy people carrier or proper business car?

I WAS over at BMW’s new Farnborough HQ recently to meet BMW’s boss of corporate Matt Bristow.

While we had one thing in common – the sniffels courtesy of early spring hayfever – we were rather more divergent on the issue of the new BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer.

I don’t have anything against the idea of a BMW seven-seater at all, but I’m less enamoured of the execution. I just don’t think the styling cuts it for a BMW.

I’m more of a BMW 2 Series fan. If you read any BMW 2 Series test drive review and you will see just how brilliant the handling the car is. But it also has the classic BMW-feel inside.

“Our cars don’t photograph as well as they should always,” replied Matt. “I guarantee you it looks much better in the metal.

“We’ve had a high level of interest surrounding the Gran Tourer,” continued Matt. “It’s attainable within a reasonable price walk of other MPVs on the market. It also gives us an opportunity that previously only resided with the BMW X5 to have a seven-seater with the blue and white propellor on the bonnet.”

Expanding possibilities: BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer provides space for two more in the back

“Across the board the BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer costs £1700 more than the 2 Series Active Tourer and yet it has rear kneeroom and headroom that equals the 7 Series. My feeling is that it will go down really well as a business car with company car drivers.”