BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer: Seven-seat baby MPV due for mid-2015 launch

According to the UK's Car magazine, the seven-seat variant of the 2 Series will be unveiled during the early part of the northern summer of 2015. It's unclear when, or even if, Australia will receive the lengthened 2 Series MPV.

As you can see in these pictures captured by our spy photographers, the new 2 Series MPV variant will feature both a lengthened wheelbase and an enlarged rear overhang. These changes have necessitated longer rear doors and a reworked side window arrangement.

If the British report is on the money, the long wheelbase 2 Series MPV will be offered in both five- and seven-seat variants, although the availability of the former will be vary depending on the market. Entry and exit from the third row of seats will be aided by a sliding second row of pews, fitted with tilting seat backs.

Based on the front-engine, front-wheel drive UKL platform that underpins both the new Mini hatches and 2 Series Active Tourer, the extended wheelbase MPV is likely to feature the same range of the turbocharged three- and four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines.

In time there will be UKL-based replacements for the current 1 Series hatchbacks and the X1 SUV. In time, BMW could base as many as 12 models on the UKL.

Over the course of this generation, BMW expects to sell around 300,000 2 Series Active Tourers and 200,000 of its lengthened sibling.