Ford S-MAX vs BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer & Citroen Grand C4 Picasso - pictures

When the original S-MAX was first introduced in 2006, it set the standard for sporty MPVs. The new model has arrived and we're testing the 2.0 TDCi Titanium X model, producing 178bhp. 

Ford has toned down the driving fun in the latest S-MAX in exchange for more comfort, but most buyers won't mind this when they're ferrying the family and all their luggage around. At motorway speeds, the S-MAX is incredibly well refin

Inside, the S-MAX feels solid and well screwed together. The large touchscreen is a bit of a stretch for the driver to reach, but the system works well. This Titanium X model has leather and suede-finished seats which contribute to the

Passenger space is excellent in the first two rows.

Rearmost seats are tighter than in the Citroen Grand C4 Picasso, but it's easy to fold them into the floor from the boot with simple mechanisms that fold the squabs at the same time so you're left with a flat floor. 

In five-seat mode, the S-MAX offers 700 litres (965 to the roof) of boot space, but this can be extended to 2,020 litres by folding the second row flat. This is done via buttons in the boot, plus the bootlid can be opened by sweeping y

The S-MAX comes packed with plenty of kit on board, plus there are plenty of options to add to the car if you desire. This will add up to a comprehensive kit tally, but also an expensive purchase price. 

The latest S-MAX is unmistakably Ford with the sharp grille and slim headlights taking cues straight from the latest Mondeo and facelifted Focus. These, combined with smart, chrome detailing and LED lights on our test car contribute to

The S-MAX is longer and wider than the Citroen and BMW, but it hides its bulk well thanks to sharp lines and creases along the bodywork. As tested, the S-MAX costs £36,145 in top-spec Titanium X guise with a few options added. 

The S-MAX and Citroen are both stylish MPVs, with Ford opting for a sportier look while the Gallic flair is clear to see in the Picasso. 

BMW caused a stir when it introduced its first front-wheel drive model - the 2 Series Active Tourer - last year, and it's gone one step further with the 7-seat Gran Tourer. It's made space for two more seats in a third row and is 214mm

The BMW's 2.0-litre diesel engine produces a healthy 187bhp and contributes to the car's enjoyable driving experience. It's still fun to drive - as you would expect from a BMW - even though it's a four-wheel drive car in front-drive pl

Once you're behind the wheel, the BMW feels the most upmarket in this test. The large hi-res screen in the centre of the dash comes as standard, and includes sat-nav, while quality is superb. Everything is easy to use and it's a pleasa

The middle chair in the middle row is narrower than the two outer seats, but you can slide the seats back and forth to free up either more legroom or boot space as you desire. 

Extending the body isn't enough to make the Gran Tourer a true 7-seater. The rearmost seats are only big enough for children, and even they will start to feel cramped after a while. 

The boot is smaller than the Citroen and Ford - at 645 litres - but it's still a reasonable amount of room and the seats fold flat in a 40:20:40 split via buttons in the boot. 

Every BMW gets a distinctive grille, sharp LED daytime running lights and taut bodywork, but this family theme doesn't translate as well onto a boxy MPV. The Gran Tourer appears awkward in comparison, and the car's lines don't flow as

The rear quarter view is similar of that to a van, plus the car is narrower than the other two here, meaning it looks quite upright. 

The Citroen Grand C4 Picasso has the most head and legroom in the rearmost seats once you're in, but the S-MAX has the largest entry from the middle row. 

The Citroen Grand C4 Picasso is our favourite MPV - taking the crown at this year's New Car Awards. Here we test the top-spec Exclusive+ model powered by a 2.0-litre diesel engine producing 148bhp and priced at £27,110. 

On the road, the Citroen has been set up more for comfort than driving fun, and it floats over lumps and bumps in the road. The trade-off for this is some body roll in bends, but that's not really what this type of car is about. 

Inside, the Picasso is just as fresh and funky as the outside. Your eyes are immediately drawn to the 12-inch TFT colour screen mounted in the middle of the dashboard, while a smaller 7-inch screen sits below this to control the car's

The Citroen is hugely practical, with plenty of room in each row for adults to get comfortable. 

The middle row of seats flip up and slide, so access to the rear is easy. 

In five-seat form, there's 793 litres of space on offer, while this increases to 2,181 litres with all the seats folded. Covers on the back of the seats drop down to create a totally flat floor, too. 

With its concept car design, the C4 Picasson still turns heads, and this drama continues inside. 

Despite its size, Citroen's designers have disguised the size well with grey roof rails running from the base of the windsreen to the rear, and distinctive 18-inch turbine-style alloys.