This compact BMW family vehicle has been forgotten by many Malaysians.
So, how much is the ‘almost perfect’ family friendly compact fully imported MPV to buy today? Well, a quick search on the local online classifieds we managed to locate a 2015 model, one owner, high specification 2-liter 7-seat version for RM95,000 before negotiations.
There was also a 1.5L 5-seat version on sale and this going for RM88,000 before negotiations. We suggest better to look for the 2L with 7 seats. This 1.5-litre produces 136hp and 220Nm of torque and you get a 0-100km/h dash in about 9.2 seconds.
Now, most Malaysians will not know of a certain special version in limited numbers that was on sale for a very short time, a 6-speed manual (Not AUTO) with less features that was brought into Malaysia for a special event and later sold via BMW dealers for just under RM199k, slightly used. This version can be bought used today for between RM70,000 to RM77,000 and it is a fun vehicle to have if you can take the manual gearbox.
Launched in June 2015, this was BMW’s first people mover and its asking price then was a cool RM279,000 which was close to the asking price of a 2015 BMW 3 Series sedan. It was fully imported and had seats for 7 persons.
In April 2016 we test drove it and this was our review. https://www.dsf.my/2016/04/bmw-220i-gran-tourer-test-drive-review-the-late-bloomer/.
Despite its compact dimensions – measuring just 4,556 millimetres long, 1,800 mm wide and 1,608 mm high – the new BMW 2-Series Gran Tourer offers ample space and a generous luggage compartment that can be extended in capacity from 645 to 805 litres. With the rear-seat backrests folded down, this rises to an impressive 1,905 litres of load space.
Ensuring maximum variability is the standard-fitted fore-aft sliding rear seat bench – with a 40:20:40-split backrest that folds down at the press of a button – which allows three child seats to be fitted. Extending the possibilities even further is an optional third row of seats which can be completely lowered into the loading floor.
Maximising the vehicle’s everyday practicality is a range of storage options for all three rows of seats, as well as rails on the front-seat backrests with fold-out tables attached. The 2016 BMW 2-Series Gran Tourer came with the hallmark BMW values of dynamics, elegance and premium quality.
With its exceptional roominess, high levels of everyday practicality and maximum flexibility, the BMW 2-Series Gran Tourer is the first space-functional vehicle in the premium compact segment to offer up to seven seats. It combines these attributes with traditional BMW values such as outstanding driving dynamics, exclusive elegance and premium quality. As such, the BMW 2-Series Gran Tourer meets the mobility requirements and expectations of young families for whom not only practicality and versatility are important selling points, but also sportiness and a leisure-oriented lifestyle.
Also included as standard are a high-quality radio including a Bluetooth hands-free system and audio streaming in conjunction with compatible smartphones, the iDrive operating system with Controller on the centre console, Intelligent Emergency Call, a 6.5-inch colour display and the Driving Experience Control switch with ECO PRO mode. The BMW 2-Series Gran Tourer also comes with an electronic parking brake, a front armrest, a rain sensor with automatic headlight activation, as well as Collision Warning with City Braking function.
BMW offers numerous features like a panoramic sunroof, automatic tailgate opening (also hands-free), Dynamic Damper Control and variable sport steering.
Thanks to high peak output, spontaneous throttle response and high pulling power, the four-cylinder petrol engine helps the BMW 220i Gran Tourer achieve supreme performance coupled with fuel efficiency (fuel consumption combined: 6.4-6.2 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 149-144 g/km).
The 2.0-litre inline unit has its peak output of 192hp on tap from 5,000 rpm, while peak torque is available between 1,250 and 4,600 rpm. A sporty performance curve propels the BMW 220i Gran Tourer from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.7 seconds and on to a top speed of 223 km/h.
The 5 seat version of this BMW 2 Series is called ‘Active Tourer’ and it had a BMW 1.5L Twinpower Turbo engine. The features were a little less and with only seating for 5 persons it was not a best seller.
There is seriously only one European rival and it comes from France, the Citroen Grand Picasso which will be cheaper to buy but will come with a different set of issues at the workshop. Its new selling price in 2016 was a healthy RM189,888 and today it retails for between RM90,000 to RM95,000.
