BMW: 2-Series News
#241
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#244
Azine Jabroni
BMW Mini-van: Bavaria sellout
What is going on over there?
2016 BMW 2-series Gran Tourer: The Front-Wheel-Drive BMW Mini-Minivan
2016 BMW 2-series Gran Tourer: The Front-Wheel-Drive BMW Mini-Minivan
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.
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.
#245
Azine Jabroni
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RPhilMan1 (02-12-2015)
#248
Moderator
Awful.
#249
Chapter Leader (Southern Region)
Too bad.. the platform is all wrong.. could have had potential.
#252
Team Owner
Wait for Merc's B class
#253
Three Wheelin'
My neighbor has an M235i on eibach springs. Great looking little car. It would def be on my list if I was looking for a 2 door
#254
Chapter Leader (Southern Region)
Indeed.. if you could ever get your hands on one.. it's like a triple rainbow unicorn in these parts. I did see an M4 parked at work today though.. looks fucking sweet.
#255
You'll Never Walk Alone
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Just realized USA doesn't have the B Class...lol....unlike Canada...
The M235i is a real bargain in Canada compared to the 435i. It starts at CAD$45k, while the 435i starts at CAD$55k.
For comparison, the M235i starts at $43k while the 435i starts at $46k in the USA.
For comparison, the M235i starts at $43k while the 435i starts at $46k in the USA.
#257
Team Owner
The lease payment between M235i and 435i is minimal. It is 1000% easier to get discount on 335i/435i than M235i... that is if you can even find 1.
#259
Moderator
#260
2024 Honda Civic Type R
I sat in an M235i at the Chicago Auto Show. I was very surprised how light the shifter felt, and how effortless it was to change gears. Backed with a good amount of power, I could imagine it being very fun to drive.
#262
Team Owner
#263
Team Owner
The shifter has dramatically improved when compared to previous gens (E46, E90, where you can't really tell whether if you were in 3rd or neutral).
But it is still no where close to Honda's 6mt.
But because of the Eco/Normal/sport/sport+, the throttle response is very different in each mode, so it is hard to drive smooth when you change mode because you are so used to 1 mode.
If you are used to Japanese sticks, you will think Euro clutch is like stepping on bricks... or lego..
#264
2024 Honda Civic Type R
M235i has replaced 3 series to be the "driver's car"
The shifter has dramatically improved when compared to previous gens (E46, E90, where you can't really tell whether if you were in 3rd or neutral).
But it is still no where close to Honda's 6mt.
But because of the Eco/Normal/sport/sport+, the throttle response is very different in each mode, so it is hard to drive smooth when you change mode because you are so used to 1 mode.
If you are used to Japanese sticks, you will think Euro clutch is like stepping on bricks... or lego..
The shifter has dramatically improved when compared to previous gens (E46, E90, where you can't really tell whether if you were in 3rd or neutral).
But it is still no where close to Honda's 6mt.
But because of the Eco/Normal/sport/sport+, the throttle response is very different in each mode, so it is hard to drive smooth when you change mode because you are so used to 1 mode.
If you are used to Japanese sticks, you will think Euro clutch is like stepping on bricks... or lego..
#265
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ttribe (02-17-2015)
#267
Chapter Leader (Southern Region)
#268
You'll Never Walk Alone
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M235i has replaced 3 series to be the "driver's car"
The shifter has dramatically improved when compared to previous gens (E46, E90, where you can't really tell whether if you were in 3rd or neutral).
But it is still no where close to Honda's 6mt.
But because of the Eco/Normal/sport/sport+, the throttle response is very different in each mode, so it is hard to drive smooth when you change mode because you are so used to 1 mode.
If you are used to Japanese sticks, you will think Euro clutch is like stepping on bricks... or lego..
The shifter has dramatically improved when compared to previous gens (E46, E90, where you can't really tell whether if you were in 3rd or neutral).
But it is still no where close to Honda's 6mt.
But because of the Eco/Normal/sport/sport+, the throttle response is very different in each mode, so it is hard to drive smooth when you change mode because you are so used to 1 mode.
If you are used to Japanese sticks, you will think Euro clutch is like stepping on bricks... or lego..
Besides, the main point of the M235i is that for just over $40k, you can get a true BMW. It has the famous 3.0L I6 TT engine with a reasonable good 6MT that will smoke most of the cars on the road (and still has the potential to get even more power easily). Heck if you get the 8AT then you are looking at a 12's car. Most importantly, this car has near perfect chassis, suspension tuning, and steering, along with very strong brakes. It's a real driver's car that actually connects the car to the driver. It's pretty darn rare these days.
#269
Team Owner
It might not be cheap by your standard, but that only means you don't make enough.
#270
Moderator
Which "lower end BMW's (sic)" are "built like crap" and what experience do you have with them that would lead to this opinion?
#272
Chapter Leader (Southern Region)
#273
Senior Moderator
M2 Revealed
#274
Senior Moderator
#275
Moderator
Definitely a nice aggressive look to it.
#276
Nice.. I was hoping for it to look more like this actually. And to come with manual cloth seats.
Anyway, I'm just glad it exists.
Anyway, I'm just glad it exists.
#277
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Showed my wife this car yesterday as she's looking for something "fun." Stay tuned. She already loves her 335i's engine, I told her this one is More better!
#279
Team Owner
^ i know what that means.
#280
Senior Moderator
And its slower than the Civic type-r at the Ring
Click---> 2016 BMW M2 Laps the Nurburgring in 7:58, Slower than Civic Type R
Click---> 2016 BMW M2 Laps the Nurburgring in 7:58, Slower than Civic Type R