BMW 218d Gran Tourer 2017: A Detailed Review
Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the BMW 218d Gran Tourer 2017. If you're in the market for a versatile, stylish, and practical family car, you've probably come across this gem. The Gran Tourer is BMW's answer to the compact MPV segment, offering a premium experience with the practicality families desperately need. We'll be exploring everything from its performance and interior to its practicality and why it might just be the perfect car for your next adventure. So, buckle up, and let's get started!
Performance and Driving Dynamics
When you think BMW, you usually think of sporty driving dynamics, and the BMW 218d Gran Tourer 2017 doesn't disappoint, even though it's a larger, more family-oriented vehicle. Under the hood, you'll find a 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine. This 'd' in the 218d signifies its diesel heart, and let me tell you, it's a good one. It produces around 150 horsepower and a healthy amount of torque, which is crucial for getting this car moving, especially when it's loaded up with passengers and luggage. The torque figure is what really makes the difference here; it means you get strong pulling power from low revs, making overtaking on highways a breeze and hill starts feel effortless. This is the kind of engine that makes long journeys less of a chore and more of a pleasure.
What's really impressive about the 218d is how BMW manages to blend this capable engine with its renowned driving characteristics. You still get that feeling of being connected to the road, which is a hallmark of the BMW brand. The steering is precise, the suspension strikes a great balance between comfort and sporty handling, and body roll is well-controlled, even when you're cornering with enthusiasm. It doesn't feel like a typical bulky MPV; it feels more agile and engaging than you might expect. For a car designed to carry up to seven people, it handles surprisingly well. The engine is also remarkably refined for a diesel, with minimal noise and vibration intruding into the cabin, especially at cruising speeds. You'll appreciate this quietness on those long family road trips. The power delivery is smooth and linear, so it doesn't feel like a sudden jolt when you put your foot down. It’s a very usable powerband for everyday driving scenarios, from nipping around town to cruising on the motorway. The fuel efficiency is another major win for the diesel engine. You can expect excellent miles per gallon, which is a massive bonus for family budgets these days. This makes the 218d an economical choice for those who cover a lot of miles.
Interior Comfort and Space
Now, let's talk about the BMW 218d Gran Tourer 2017's interior, because this is where it truly shines for families. This car is all about maximizing space and comfort, and BMW has done a fantastic job. The first thing you'll notice is the sense of airiness. Thanks to the higher roofline and clever design, the cabin feels surprisingly spacious, even for a compact MPV. The seats are supportive and comfortable, making them ideal for long journeys. You get a commanding driving position, which gives you a great view of the road ahead, enhancing both safety and confidence. The materials used throughout the cabin are typical BMW quality – premium, durable, and well-assembled. You won't find cheap, flimsy plastics here; everything feels solid and built to last. The dashboard layout is intuitive and driver-focused, with all the essential controls within easy reach.
One of the biggest selling points of the Gran Tourer is its flexibility. It's available as a 5-seater or, more commonly, a 7-seater. The 7-seat configuration is where this car truly earns its stripes. The second row of seats can slide and recline, offering a great deal of adjustability to cater to different passenger needs or to balance legroom between the second and third rows. This sliding function is a lifesaver when you have taller passengers in the second row and need to free up a bit more space for those in the third. The third row, while perhaps best suited for children or shorter adults on longer journeys, is still surprisingly usable and a massive advantage over most 5-seat rivals. Having that extra seating capacity can be a game-changer for families who regularly ferry friends, grandparents, or just need that extra space for unexpected passengers. Even when the third row is in use, there's still a usable amount of boot space, though it's obviously compromised. When you fold the third row down flat, you get a significant boot, and if you fold the second row too, you have a cavernous load space, making it incredibly practical for everything from weekly shopping to holiday luggage or even DIY projects. The wide opening of the tailgate also makes loading and unloading easy.
Practicality and Features
The BMW 218d Gran Tourer 2017 isn't just about looks and driving; it's packed with features and practical touches that make family life easier. Let's talk about storage. BMW has been generous with cubby holes, cup holders, and storage bins throughout the cabin. There are deep door pockets, a decent-sized glovebox, and often a handy storage tray under the front passenger seat. In the second row, you'll find seat-back pockets and often door bins. Even the third row usually has a side cubby or two. This means there's a place for everything, from snacks and drinks to tablets and toys, keeping the cabin tidy and reducing clutter – a major win for any parent!
The infotainment system is typically user-friendly, often featuring BMW's iDrive system. This allows for easy control of navigation, media, phone connectivity, and vehicle settings. While the 2017 model might not have the latest bleeding-edge tech, it's still robust and reliable. Features like Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, and a good sound system are usually standard or optional. Many models also come with parking sensors, cruise control, and climate control, which are essential for comfortable daily driving. Safety is, of course, paramount for a family car. The 218d Gran Tourer typically scores highly in safety tests, often featuring multiple airbags, ABS, stability control, and ISOFIX mounting points for child seats in the second and third rows. Optional safety features might include things like lane departure warning, autonomous emergency braking, and a rearview camera, which add extra peace of mind when you're on the road.
The driving experience is enhanced by the car's ride comfort. Despite its relatively compact exterior dimensions, the suspension is tuned to absorb bumps and imperfections in the road, providing a smooth and comfortable ride for all occupants. This is crucial when you have kids in the back who might be trying to sleep or are sensitive to jerky movements. The high driving position also means visibility is excellent, allowing you to see potential hazards earlier. The doors are wide and open up to a good angle, making it easier to get in and out, especially when dealing with car seats or wriggly toddlers. The rear doors also offer plenty of space for installing and accessing child seats. The boot area is also cleverly designed. With the third row folded, you get a flat load floor, which is perfect for sliding in bulky items. There's also often a secondary storage area under the boot floor, perfect for hiding valuables or storing the parcel shelf when not in use. The rear seats fold down easily, often with a simple lever or button, allowing you to quickly adapt the interior space to suit your needs. Whether you're carrying shopping, sports equipment, or heading off on a family holiday, the BMW 218d Gran Tourer 2017 has the versatility to cope.
Conclusion
So, to wrap things up, the BMW 218d Gran Tourer 2017 is a seriously compelling option if you're a family looking for a premium, practical, and enjoyable-to-drive vehicle. It successfully blends BMW's renowned driving dynamics with the space and versatility that families demand. The efficient diesel engine offers great running costs, the interior is spacious, comfortable, and highly flexible with its optional 7-seat layout, and it's packed with practical features and safety tech. It might not be the first car that springs to mind when you think of BMW, but it's a car that truly delivers on its promise of being a functional and luxurious family transporter. It's a car that can handle the daily grind of school runs and shopping trips just as well as it handles long-haul family holidays. If you're after a car that offers more than just basic transport, a car that offers refinement, quality, and a touch of driving pleasure, then the BMW 218d Gran Tourer 2017 is definitely worth putting on your shortlist. It’s a brilliant all-rounder that punches well above its weight in the premium compact MPV segment, offering a unique blend of practicality and driving enjoyment that’s hard to beat. We think it's a fantastic choice for families looking for something a bit different, something that offers substance and style.
