BMW 2 Series Family Tourer spy pics

BMW reckons the world needs another front-wheel drive people mover and the BMW 2 Series Family Tourer is it. It’s the second BMW-badged model from the brand’s front-drive range as it attempts to stave off a resurgent Mercedes-Benz and strong Audi in the global sales race.

Based on the same front-wheel drive platform that underpins the 2 Series Active Tourer and the new Mini range, the Family Tourer (as it’s mooted to be badges) has a larger rear glasshouse and its own roofline, hence the disguised rear-end, in order to house two additional passengers, making it the only seven-seat BMW on sale outside of its SUV range.

The Family Tourer won’t be as large as the ill-fated Mercedes-Benz R-Class, and will ride on the same 2670mm wheelbase as the Active Tourer, meaning it has the same overall footprint. While this means it won’t feel like a truck around town, the relatively lithe dimensions mean that the third row seating will only fit small children, as in the BMW X5 and cars like the Volvo V70.

The FT will also offer the same engine line as the AT, starting with the superb 1.5-litre 100kW three-cylinder engine also used in the Mini, with more potent 2.0-litre diesel and petrol engines to choose from. All Australian spec models will be automatic.

BMW claimed that the Active Tourer ‘broke new ground’ and that it is set mainly as a conquest car as the demand for small premium vehicles increase. BMW expects annual premium segment growth of 4.5 percent until 2020, and expects a large portion of this increase to be at the smaller end of the market.

BMW has been the top-selling global car maker since 2005. While sales figures for 2014 are yet to be announced, its global sales leadership was under attack as Audi and Mercedes-Benz closed the gap year-on-year. At the end of November 2014, BMW remained on top however second-place Audi had narrowed the gap by 20 per cent to 43,000 cars, while Mercedes was 17 per cent closer to trail by 147,000 units. Still, Munich is expected to take remain the market leader for a tenth straight year.

In 2014, Mercedes was the top-selling premium brand in Australia, followed by BMW and Audi.

The BMW Family Tourer is expected to be on sale in Australia in 2016 at the earliest, with pricing expected to be marginally above the $45K starting price of the 218i 2 Series Active Tourer.

The BMW Family Tourer is expected to be on sale in Australia in 2016 at the earliest, with pricing expected to be marginally above the $45K starting price of the 218i 2 Series Active Tourer.