The BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer is a bigger, more practical version of the 2 Series Active Tourer MPV, adding an extra row of seats to what was already a very handy family car.

The 2 Series Gran Tourer did not feature in the 2021 Driver Power Survey, but BMW itself finished 21st overall out of 29 manufacturers. Its MINI-based underpinnings should prove reliable, but our survey revealed that a significant percentage of owners report problems with their cars.

Second generation (U06; 2021)

Really wanted a Bmw 2Gt but the 216i just cannot make the cut due to its poor engine and the small third row, around the size of the x trail. Good quality interior and impressive features with the exception of a missing sunroof. Good quality interior and impressive features with the exception of a missing sunroof.

The BMW 2 Series Active Tourer and other MPVs have been suffering at the hands of SUVs lately. The Active Tourer variant is strictly a five-seater – unlike the larger BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer – but it’s still plenty big enough for a family and their luggage.

Front-wheel drive for the majority. This is BMW’s second model that’s predominantly front-wheel drive, being a seven-seater version of the five-seater 2 Series Active Tourer launched in 2014.

The 2 Series Gran Tourer is unashamedly aimed at families, which BMW says will make up 60 per cent of its customer base.

The Gran Tourer is no wider inside and still lacks three individual middle row seats. The sixth and seventh seats can be pulled up from the boot floor using one hand. Folding down and sliding forward an outside middle row seat creates good access to these rear chairs.