Soccer moms rejoice, everyone else take a deep breath: BMW is introducing a three-row, front-wheel-drive minivan, the 2-series Gran Tourer. It's a seven-seat version of the 2-series Active Tourer, and despite the model designation, it is the polar opposite of that other 2-series that epitomizes everything BMW once stood for, the 2-series coupe.

At 179.4 inches long, 70.9 inches wide, and 63.3 inches tall, it is both longer and taller than the Active Tourer, or almost exactly the size of the Mazda 5. Its greenhouse is stretched to all sides for maximum interior room. Indeed, there is plenty of space in the second row, which can accommodate three passengers and also can slide fore and aft. Things are far less comfy in the optional third row, which is little more than a split and thinly padded plank. With the third row folded down, the cargo hold is spacious enough to hold a family's travel necessities, and with both rows folded, it grows to a cavernous 67.3 cubic feet.


The downside of the space-efficient layout is its effect on aesthetics; we have yet to behold a truly good-looking compact people-mover. Moreover, BMW took such a conservative approach to this vehicle's design that it doesn't even look as interesting as, say, a Citroën C4 Picasso. The only thing that’s notable here is the kidney grille—although perhaps not in a good way.

In typical minivan fashion, the driver looks out over a huge dash at a faraway windshield. The interior at least is pleasantly styled, with the exception of the dull standard seats. Sports seats are optional, and BMW offers no fewer than four packages beyond the standard trim. There’s Luxury Line, Advantage, Sport Line, and—believe it or not—an M Sport package.

A PAIR OF THREES AND FOURS
Motivating the 2-series Gran Tourer are three- and four-cylinder units from BMW’s new lineup of modular engines. The three-pot choices consist of a gasoline engine with 134 horsepower (218i) and a turbo-diesel with a pedestrian 114 horsepower (216d); if that’s too much excitement, hold out for the entry-level 216i that follows soon. Four-cylinders also come in gas or diesel form: the 189-hp 220i and the 148-hp 218d. The 220d is the only one that can be had with all-wheel drive. All the others send their torque to the front wheels.

The good news is that all engines come standard with a six-speed manual transmission. The optional automatics are six- or eight-speed units, depending on whether they’re hooked to three- or four-cylinder engines. From our experience behind the wheel of the 2-series Active Tourer, the Gran Tourer should be one of the better-driving vehicles in its segment despite its added weight and higher center of gravity. With a subdued engine note, a relatively soft but well-planted ride, and a nondescript but precise electric power-steering system, this car will please, if not excite.


BMW’S BABY BUGGY
We should also note that BMW has put a lot of thought into making this a kid-friendly vehicle. Launching first in its German home market, the 2-series Gran Tourer will be available with an entertainment system called myKIDIO. It offers tailor-made programs for underage passengers, and it can provide them with, uh, essential information such as speed, outside temperature, and estimated arrival time. "Are we there yet?" is a question you won't hear anymore, although there may be demands from the rear quarters to go "Faster!"

For now, BMW's official line is that the 2-series Gran Tourer is not for the U.S. market. But several insiders tell us that an eventual U.S. launch is likely. In the long run, we doubt BMW will be able to resist tapping into our market, no matter how inappropriate it may be for the brand.