Review: Road Trippin’ With The BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer

This family loves a road trip so when premier car dealership JCT600 got in touch asking me to test cruise the new family friendly BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer, I jumped (in heels) at the chance! I totes drive in heels btw!

JCT600 are celebrating their 70^th year in business this June and represent 18 of the world’s biggest car manufacturers across the volume, premium and specialist sectors primarily in Yorkshire and the surrounding area.

…My passion for adventure is matched by my love of cars and I’ve coveted my own beemer since passing my test!

Since having kids, however, I’ve put this dream on ice – until now that is!

I was always under the impression that luxury cars and families were like oil and water, they simply didn’t mix.

So when JCT600 first got in touch asking the whole family to road test a BMW, I was sceptical about spending 7 days in the car with two kids under the aged of 6 and a week’s worth of luggage that includes literally everything but the kitchen sink!

Sure the car would be beautiful, sexy and stylish, but would it be practical?

Whose got the keys to my beemer?

Oh I have!

Look at this car. What a babe!

Design-wise the car ticked all the boxes. Curves in all the right places, sleek and contemporary aesthetics. It certainly got this car loving blogger’s engine running!

However, as a Mama, what makes this car really exciting is that it is the first 7 seater family car in the premium car market.

Yes you read that right! Who knew a 7 seater could ever look so stylish?

Appearances can be deceptive and within the sleek, futuristic exterior is a spacious, roomy interior that is comfortable and stylish in equal measure.

Plus, it’s super simple to convert into a 5 seater, increasing boot size for our all our luggage.

Heading off on our week long highway adventure that included pitstops in Norfolk, London and Windsor, I was impressed at how easy the car was to drive.

Singing along to our road trip soundtrack, blasting out Bieber (yep my husband hated me for it) on the AMAZING sound system, I noticed how quiet the engine noise was for such a powerful car (1.5 litre).

For a 7 seater, the car was narrow – especially when compared to SUVs- so it was easy to navigate around busy cities including London which is notoriously difficult to drive around. The car also comes with rear proximity sensors as standard. One note, front sensors would have been a welcome addition.

When it comes to fuel efficiency and safety – the 2 major factors that influence every parents’ car buying decision – the Gran Tourer scores highly in both.

The boys loved it too and were able to store their toys and pebbles (!) in the side compartments.

…Fuel consumption and emissions are both low, while all models are fitted with 6 airbags, along with Isofix child seat mounting points on three of its seven seats.

There are also innovative systems that warn of a potential frontal collision and apply the brakes if you don’t respond. Pretty cool huh?

Here’s a list of the model’s other benefits:

• Air Con standard on all models
• Alloy wheels standard on all models
• Sat Nav standard on all models
• Available in Manual or Auto
• 3 child seats possible in middle row
• 145 litres of luggage space, even with both rear seats up

The BMW Gran Tourer is available from JCT600 with monthly rentals starting from £289 (subject to T&Cs). It also comes with a 3 year warranty, 12 year anti corrosion warranty and 12 months tax included.

This sponsored review came at a perfect time as we’re looking to invest in a new family car and after this incredible road trip, the BMW Gran Tourer is definitely on the wish-list.

Few cars combine style and practicality in the way this model does and I genuinely loved driving it too!

I’m not going to lie, it was hard bidding the beemer goodbye.

Now JCT600 have got the keys to my beemer (weep)!

FACT FILE ON JCT600

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JCT600 Bradford have represented the BMW brand since 1996.

Their BMW showroom is located just outside Bradford city centre, easily accessible from the M62.

Facilities include a café bar and children’s play area.

 They are open 7 days a week and our showroom houses 14 new cars, including an M display, and 12 approved used cars.  Our forecourt is home to a further 50 approved used cars.

Their workshop has capacity for 14 cars at any one time so for current BMW owners they can offer servicing, specialist parts and accessories to ensure that your BMW remains in top condition.