Test drive BMW 218d Gran Tourer: big ship

Will this comfortable family van retain its brand identity? Bmw

In the 60s, during the meteoric rise of BMW, two people named Paul worked for the company. Engine designer Paul Roche, who created the legendary new-class four-cylinder M10 and numerous racing engines from the brand, is still known by the nickname “Noken Paule” because of the special attention he places on camshafts (Nockenwelle in German). His namesake Paul Hahnemann, although not as well known today, is high in the group's hierarchy and is responsible for sales. He is the chief architect of BMW's product policy and was nicknamed "Nischen Paul" by none other than Bavarian Prime Minister Franz-Josef Strauss. The prominent politician and fan of the blue and white brand had in mind Hahnemann's talent for opening market niches and filling them with promising and in-demand models.

Modern time

Now, more than 40 years after Hahnemann's retirement, BMW has not forgotten its legacy and is carefully searching and identifying niches to place derivatives that are somewhat unexpected for the brand and its image. This is how the X6 and X4, the "five" and "troika" GT, and recently the vans of the 2nd series appeared. The latter is likely to be the most difficult for traditional buyers - not only because of the complex harmony between the sporty spirit and the essence of BMW. family van, but also because these are the first models to hide transverse motors and front-wheel drive behind a kidney-shaped grille.

On the other hand, people with large families or sports hobbies, for whom the trio wagon is small, and the five is big and expensive, now have the opportunity to stay true to the Bavarian brand, instead of going to the camp. B-Class or VW Touran. In addition, following last year's Series 2 Active Tourer, BMW now offers a larger Gran Tourer that has been significantly increased in transport capacity thanks to a length increase of 21,4 centimeters and a wheelbase of 11 centimeters or more. -high roof by 53 mm. Optionally, two additional seats are installed, which are lowered into the trunk floor, and their unfolding is carried out by pressing a button located near the rear cover.

There is plenty of luggage space (645-1905 litres) and interior, but the main question that worries many and which we need to clarify is whether this “big ship” can be considered a genuine part of the BMW fleet. So we got behind the wheel of the most powerful diesel version, equipped with dual transmission and automatic transmission.

Impressive performance

Even after the first kilometers, the subjective feeling of dynamics makes you forget what the BMW Gran Tourer looks like from the outside. Only a slightly higher seating position reminds us that we are in a van and not in another brand in the same power class. With its 150 hp and the new generation four-cylinder diesel engine with 330 Nm torque, designed for both longitudinal and transverse installation, does not have serious problems with vehicle weight. The lower power of the 218d compared to the 220d xDrive is somewhat offset by the lower weight of 115 kg, so that in the end the dynamics are at a fairly decent level, the same applies to fuel consumption.

The electromechanical power steering system works directly, with good feedback, the car enters the turn without noticeable resistance and does not shake unnecessarily. The chassis and its basic settings (they pay 998 levs for dynamic damping control) demonstrate a good balance between sporty and comfortable driving. In the event of a risk of loss of stability, the control electronics first exhaust the capabilities of the dual transmission, and only then intervene in the operation of the brakes and reduce engine thrust. So the handling feel is maintained at fairly high speeds - the other problem is that if you're going through the corners that fast and are really driving your family, you'll probably have to stop for unforeseen breaks.

A real BMW? Indeed, yes!

After the main question - is the Gran Tourer a real BMW - received an affirmative answer, now we can safely switch to Eco Pro mode and enjoy the comfort that, along with an excellent diesel engine and an eight-speed automatic, is also an undeniable hallmark of an elite brand. Leather upholstery, noble wood trim and, of course, a high-quality navigation system Plus (4960 BGN, the price includes a projection display) and a Harman Kardon audio system (1574 BGN) also speak of a high class.

The number of child seat anchorages and the clever design of the roller blind above the luggage compartment show how much family comfort is taken into account at BMW. Now its cassette is not only easier and easier to remove, but also goes into a special slot under the floor of the luggage compartment, where it does not interfere with anyone or anything.

In terms of price, the 2 Series Gran Tourer is again a real BMW - for a test 218d with front-wheel drive, an eight-speed automatic and pretty solid accessories, the buyer will have to part with exactly 97 leva. Obviously, even in more modest versions, the BMW Gran Tourer is not a cheap car. It also fits in very well with the BMW tradition - because all the niches that Mr. Hahnemann occupied at that time belonged to the luxury car class.

CONCLUSION

The most dynamic and luxurious compact van we've ever driven. All objections and prejudices give way to this fact.

Text: Vladimir Abazov, Boyan Boshnakov

Photo: Melania Yosifova, Hans-Dieter Zeufert