BMW 218d Gran Tourer 7 Seats (2016): Review & Specs
Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2016 BMW 218d Gran Tourer with 7 seats. If you're in the market for a versatile family car that doesn't skimp on the premium feel, this might just be the ride you’ve been searching for. Let's get into the nitty-gritty details, covering everything from performance and practicality to those all-important specs and potential pitfalls. Buckle up; it’s going to be an informative ride!
Overview of the 2016 BMW 218d Gran Tourer
The 2016 BMW 218d Gran Tourer is BMW's foray into the world of compact MPVs (Multi-Purpose Vehicles). Unlike its sportier siblings, the Gran Tourer prioritizes space and versatility, aiming squarely at families needing extra seating and cargo capacity. It shares its underpinnings with the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, but stretches out to accommodate two extra seats in the third row. This makes it a unique offering, blending BMW's premium appeal with genuine practicality.
From the outside, the 218d Gran Tourer maintains a recognizable BMW aesthetic. The kidney grille is present and accounted for, flanked by sleek headlights that give it a modern face. The overall design is more functional than flashy, with a focus on maximizing interior space. The roofline is tall, and the rear end is squared off to create a spacious cargo area. It’s not going to win any beauty contests, but it’s a handsome and well-proportioned vehicle nonetheless.
Inside, you'll find a cabin that's typical BMW – well-built, logically laid out, and trimmed with quality materials. The dashboard is driver-focused, with the infotainment screen angled slightly towards the driver's seat. The iDrive system is intuitive and easy to use, controlling everything from navigation to audio settings. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, making long journeys a breeze. Of course, the real selling point is the flexible seating arrangement, with the ability to fold down the rear seats to create a vast cargo area. The third-row seats are best suited for children or smaller adults, but they add a significant degree of versatility for families who occasionally need to carry extra passengers. The interior design balances functionality with a touch of luxury, making it a pleasant place to spend time, whether you're doing the daily school run or embarking on a family road trip.
Performance and Driving Dynamics
When we talk about the performance of the 2016 BMW 218d Gran Tourer, it's important to keep its mission in mind. This isn’t a sports car; it’s a family hauler designed for comfort and efficiency. The 218d designation means it's powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine, which produces a respectable 150 horsepower and 243 lb-ft of torque. While those figures might not set your pulse racing, they provide adequate performance for everyday driving situations. Acceleration is decent, and the engine pulls strongly enough to handle motorway cruising without feeling strained. The eight-speed automatic gearbox is smooth and responsive, making the most of the available power.
In terms of driving dynamics, the 218d Gran Tourer performs admirably for a vehicle of its type. The steering is precise and well-weighted, giving you a good sense of connection to the road. The suspension strikes a good balance between comfort and control, soaking up bumps and potholes without feeling overly soft or floaty. Body roll is well-controlled in corners, and the car feels stable and planted, even when fully loaded with passengers and cargo. Of course, it’s not as agile or engaging as a traditional BMW sedan or coupe, but it’s surprisingly competent for an MPV. The ride quality is particularly impressive, making long journeys a comfortable experience for all occupants. The car's handling inspires confidence, even on winding roads, which is a significant plus for a family vehicle.
Fuel economy is another strong point. The diesel engine sips fuel frugally, making it an economical choice for high-mileage drivers. You can expect to achieve impressive MPG figures, especially on longer runs. This is a significant advantage over petrol-powered rivals, making the 218d Gran Tourer a cost-effective option for families on a budget. The combination of decent performance, comfortable ride, and excellent fuel economy makes it a well-rounded package for everyday use.
Interior and Practicality
The interior and practicality of the 2016 BMW 218d Gran Tourer are where this car truly shines. As a seven-seater, it offers a level of versatility that few other vehicles in its class can match. The cabin is spacious and well-designed, with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, with ample adjustment to suit drivers of all shapes and sizes. The second-row seats offer good legroom and headroom, and they can slide and recline to optimize comfort. The third-row seats are best suited for children or smaller adults, but they provide a valuable option for families who occasionally need to carry extra passengers.
The seating arrangement is highly flexible, with the ability to fold down individual seats to create a variety of configurations. With all seven seats in place, the cargo area is limited, but with the third-row seats folded down, there’s a generous amount of space for luggage, groceries, or sports equipment. Folding down the second-row seats creates an even larger cargo area, making it easy to transport bulky items. The load floor is flat and low, making it easy to load and unload heavy items. There are also plenty of storage compartments throughout the cabin, including door pockets, cupholders, and a glovebox.
In terms of features, the 218d Gran Tourer comes well-equipped, with a range of standard and optional equipment. The iDrive infotainment system is user-friendly and intuitive, with a large display screen and a rotary controller. Features such as navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and smartphone integration are available. Other available features include a panoramic sunroof, a head-up display, and a suite of driver-assistance systems, such as lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking. The interior design is both functional and stylish, with high-quality materials and a premium feel. Overall, the 218d Gran Tourer offers a winning combination of space, versatility, and luxury, making it an ideal choice for families.
Potential Issues and Things to Consider
Like any car, the 2016 BMW 218d Gran Tourer has its potential issues and things to consider before making a purchase. While BMWs generally have a reputation for reliability, they can be more expensive to maintain than some other brands. Diesel engines, in particular, can be prone to issues such as clogged diesel particulate filters (DPFs) and injector problems, especially if they're not driven regularly on longer journeys. It's worth checking the car's service history to see if any of these issues have been addressed.
Another thing to consider is the third-row seating. While it's a valuable feature for families, it's important to remember that the third-row seats are best suited for children or smaller adults. Legroom is limited, and access can be a bit awkward. If you regularly need to carry six or seven passengers, you might be better off with a larger MPV or SUV.
Depreciation is also a factor to keep in mind. BMWs tend to depreciate more quickly than some other brands, so you should factor this into your budget. It's worth researching the car's resale value to get an idea of how much it's likely to be worth in a few years' time. Despite these potential issues, the 218d Gran Tourer remains a compelling choice for families who need a versatile and practical vehicle with a premium feel. Just be sure to do your homework and factor in the potential ownership costs before making a decision.
Final Verdict
So, what's the final verdict on the 2016 BMW 218d Gran Tourer 7 Seats? If you're a family looking for a practical, versatile, and somewhat premium MPV, this car is definitely worth considering. It blends BMW's renowned build quality and driving dynamics with the space and flexibility needed for family life. The diesel engine offers a good balance of performance and fuel economy, while the interior is well-appointed and comfortable.
Sure, it's not without its drawbacks. The third-row seats are best suited for kids, and maintenance costs can be higher than average. But if you prioritize space, versatility, and a touch of luxury, the 218d Gran Tourer is a strong contender. It's a car that can handle the daily grind of school runs and grocery shopping, while also being comfortable and capable enough for longer family trips. Plus, it has that BMW badge appeal.
Ultimately, whether or not the 2016 BMW 218d Gran Tourer is the right car for you depends on your individual needs and priorities. But if you're in the market for a compact MPV with seven seats, it's definitely worth a look. Just be sure to do your research, check the service history, and factor in the potential ownership costs before making a decision. Happy car hunting!
