derBayerische March/April 2023 - 17

T H E B M W 2 G R A N T O U R E R P O L I C E E D I T I O N - H I D D E N F I G U R E
vehicles. Initially, one would think that
either the 3 or the 5 Series would be more
appropriate in that role - and we saw
examples of both while in Germany and in
Dubai. However, noticing the growing
trend of U.S. law enforcement agencies
driving the crossover Ford Explorer SUV,
using the 2 Gran Tourer in the same
capacity makes sense.
We wrote about the 2 Gran Tourer in
2016. Visiting a BMW showroom in
Bordeaux, France, we spent quite a bit of
time inspecting and driving the then-new
2 Gran Tourer. While the exterior design
reminded us a bit too much of the old
Dodge Colt Vista, it seemed that BMW
was trying to develop a minivan without
calling it one. Using the front-wheel-drive architecture that is featured in the
X1, X2, MINI, 1 Series, and 2 Gran Coupe, the 2 Gran Tourer was very
pleasant to drive in an urban environment, while having the interior room to
feel airy and not to have to determine clever ways to carry bulky items.
The amount of equipment required in today's police vehicles is no doubt
the reason for the UK police department's use of the 2 Gran Tourer. Looking
in the vehicles, we saw the docking station for a police-issue laptop.
The spacious interior was filled with dash
cameras, communication systems, and
other equipment. One can imagine the
variety of equipment that was in the rear
cargo area, which was hidden from view.
In London, we did see a good
■ (Opposite Page and Above) A sight you won't see in the US: a
police version of the 2 Gran Tourer! Now, the London Metropolitan
Police have switched to X5s.
number of privately owned 2 Gran
Tourers. Among the family vehicles we
saw, it seemed to be one of the largest.
The exterior design has been freshened to
have the front look sleeker, but there is
only so much one can do with the minivan-like
rear.
BMW has had a presence in US
law enforcement agencies, the most
visible being the Los Angeles Police
Department's i3s. Since these were
EV-only i3s, that experience most likely accelerated the development of the
range extender i3.
The link for the BMW " Authority Vehicle " website can be found here*.
Perhaps a fellow BMW CCA member will find a willing BMW dealer to order
and purchase one of these vehicles for private use. Both the California
Highway Patrol and Los Angeles Police Department use BMW motorcycles -
so why not give it a try!
* https://www.bmw-special-sales.com/en/topics/authority-vehicles/overview.html
■ The 2 Gran Tourer is quite popular in Europe - don't call it a minivan!
March I April
17

https://www.bmw-special-sales.com/en/topics/authority-vehicles/overview.html https://www.bmw-special-sales.com/en/topics/authority-vehicles/overview.html

derBayerische March/April 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of derBayerische March/April 2023

derBayerische March/April 2023 - Intro
derBayerische March/April 2023 - Cover1
derBayerische March/April 2023 - Cover2
derBayerische March/April 2023 - 1
derBayerische March/April 2023 - 2
derBayerische March/April 2023 - 3
derBayerische March/April 2023 - 4
derBayerische March/April 2023 - 5
derBayerische March/April 2023 - 6
derBayerische March/April 2023 - 7
derBayerische March/April 2023 - 8
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derBayerische March/April 2023 - 18
derBayerische March/April 2023 - 19
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derBayerische March/April 2023 - 36
derBayerische March/April 2023 - Cover3
derBayerische March/April 2023 - Cover4
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