And finally, because of its inherent efficiency as a diesel, the driver can rev to his heart's content with little worry about fuel bills or CO2 emissions - which cannot be said for someone driving an X5. Being a front-wheel-drive helps in this respect too.
The Gran Tourer, being a BMW, is of course better equipped than other MPVs. It has keyless access and ignition, electric parking brakes, contactless tailgate function, BMW ConnectedDrive (which includes navigation, emergency call button, real-time traffic information and concierge services), lane departure warning, LED headlights, parking assistant and drive mode select.
Passengers will be happy with the flip-down height-adjustable picnic tables in the second row, a sizeable under-floor stowage area at the boot, rear aircon vents, panoramic glass roof (one-touch) and additional 12-volt outlets.
Together with its badge, they help position the Gran Tourer as a market leader among compact MPVs. Alas, its price is also market leading. A VW Touran Sport, for instance, costs almost $20,000 less. (The VW is also quicker and comes with one feature the 216d does not have: cruise control.)
For all its impressive features, the BMW MPV falls short in one quality - space. Despite its relatively long 2,780mm wheelbase, adult occupants in the second and third rows may not be comfortable on long journeys.
And while the driver has access to BMW-like briskness, he has to bear with higher-than-expected vibration and harshness levels. This is despite the engine having a balancer shaft. Insulation from road noise is also slightly below par.
But for those who prize dynamism highly in an MPV, there isn't anything that matches the Gran Tourer. Well, except maybe for the relatively austere Touran Sport.