BMW 2 Series Active Tourer

Many, if not all of us, associate BMW with sportsmanship. The Bavarian firm has been the creator of great high-performance models throughout its history. However, the commercial successes come from more modest models such as the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer. It is a compact minivan, one of the few that is surviving in the current market where the demand for this type of unit is decreasing.

We have tested this car:

Test BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, the second generation of the premium minivan

For many BMW fans, the 2 Series Active Tourer is a turning point in the development of the brand. With its launch, the Germans broke many of the rules that we had all taken for granted. It was the first model of the company to dispense with propulsion, offering only front-wheel drive versions as standard. It has also been the first and only minivan of the house, which in turn earned it to receive quite a few criticisms.

The history of this particular BMW starts in 2014, at a time when many brands were betting on the compact MPV market. In 2018 it receives an interesting update based mainly on the incorporation of new engines and more technology. At the end of 2021, the second of the editions of the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer will be launched. A new generation marked by the premise of greater technology and more sustainable mobility.

Technical characteristics of the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer

To break with the pre-established rules, BMW looked to MINI for the solution to create its first minivan. Under the bodywork of the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer hides the UKL platform of the English brand. The MPV was the first to use it within the Bavarian brand, and later it has been used in other company models such as the BMW X1 or BMW Serie 1. More recently it has been used in the new BMW 2 Series.

The Active Tourer range has always shown two different versions, a compact one and a larger one called the Gran Active Tourer. With the launch of the second generation, only the shortest variant of all has been announced. Externally, it announces dimensions that extend to 4,39 meters long, 1,82 meters wide and 1,58 meters high.. To these measures must be added a wheelbase of 2,67 meters.

The total capacity of the Active Tourer is five seats distributed in two rows of individual seats. The rear bench offers excellent modularity thanks to its seats in a 40:20:40 ratio. As far as load capacity is concerned, The BMW 2 Series Active Tourer announces a boot volume of 470 liters minimum capacity, expandable to 1.455 liters when the rear bench seat is completely folded down.

Mechanical range and gearboxes of the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer

One of the premises of the second generation of the Active Tourer is the sustainability of its mechanics. Although the new European emission regulations require reducing the amount of polluting particles, BMW has managed to stay within the margins with a traditional mechanical range. The offer has diesel, gasoline and plug-in hybrid mechanics. The latter are positioned as the most performant of the range.

Given the recent commercial launch, the mechanical offer of the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer has not been fully reported. At the time of its launch, the range will start with the version 218i Active Tourer. A turbocharged three-cylinder gasoline engine will generate 136 horsepower and 230 Nm of torque. For performance, the next on the list is the diesel 218d Active Tourer with the two-liter four-cylinder block that delivers 150 horsepower and 360 Nm of torque. The top of the range will be the variant 220i Active Tourer. Using the block of 1.5 liters and three cylinders the power is stretched to the 156 horsepower with 240 Nm of torque.

Within the PHEV range we find two versions, both with the same 14,2 kWh capacity battery and with approximately 93 kilometers of approved autonomy. In terms of powers, in a first step we find the version 225e xDrive with 245 horsepower and 247 Nm of torque. Above, and standing as the most powerful of the range, is the unit 230e xDrive that stretches the power up to 326 horses with 477 Nm of torque. Both units offer the DGT ZERO label.

Equipment of the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer

Compact minivans have always been focused on a clientele that seeks practicality above any other condition. In 2014 BMW showed that this familiar concept could be associated with a more premium approach. From doors inside the Series 2 Active Tourer sports a well-presented interior, with a lot of technology and a correct choice of materials that generates a feeling of comfort for all occupants.

It should be noted that it is the first BMW model to offer the new interior scheme where the presence of the continuous double digital panel stands out. As is common in the house, the equipment is structured in different finishing lines. Various steps that From lowest to highest endowment we find: Series and Luxury. In each of them not only the technological levels are altered, but also variations in design and quality of certain elements are produced.

As far as equipment is concerned, the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer can be recognized as one of the most complete minivans on the market. Among the long list of elements, the following stand out: full LED headlights, keyless entry and start, electric trunk lid, 12,3-inch dual-panel multimedia system, digital instrumentation, connectivity for mobile devices, sunroof, voice control and much more. more, including a complete safety equipment and driving assistants.

The BMW 2 Series Active Tourer on video

The BMW 2 Series Active Tourer according to Euro NCAP

Given the family concept of the model, the Germans place special emphasis on offering great safety in the event of an accident. In Autumn 2022 BMW 2 Series Active Tourer receives five Euro NCAP safety stars after successfully passing the famous crash tests. The results by sections are as follows: 88 out of 100 in adult passenger protection, 81 out of 100 in child passenger protection, 79 out of 100 in pedestrian vulnerability and 92 out of 100 in driving assistants and ADAS systems.

The BMW 2 Series Active Tourer of Km 0 and Second Hand

The segment of compact minivans is in clear decline. The SUV market has derived many customers who were looking for an MPV. Many manufacturers have stopped betting on them, and this has been noted in alternative sales channels, where the number of units is not very high. Despite this, the BMW model maintains a good rate of depreciation, around 22%, being slightly lower than that of other models on the market.

If we take a look at the used and second-hand market, we see that prices start at figures close to 11.000 euros for first generation models with more than 150.000 accumulated kilometers and diesel mechanics. The offer available in the Km 0 channel is much more limited, just a handful of units. Dealerships do not accumulate much stock for various reasons, such as generational change and low sales volume.

Rivals of the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer

Little by little, manufacturers have left behind the most familiar segment of the market. The appearance of new familiar formats, such as MPVs derived from industrial ones, have caused sales to go to other models. Despite this, the premium segment remains stable with residual but stable sales levels. If we talk about rivals to the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, there is only one model that can stand up to it: the Mercedes B-Class. It is the only one that offers the same premium character. To it we can add other generalist models such as the Volkswagen Touran, Renault scenic or Citroen C4 SpaceTourer.

Highlight

indoor habitability
low consumption
premium approach

To improve

High price
few size options
Without two additional seats

Price of the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer

The MPV segment has always been a market niche where every euro was taken into account when making the purchase. The premium approach of the German model causes a considerable increase in costs. The starting price of the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer is 38.950 euros, without offers or promotions. That figure refers to a model with a standard finish and 218-horsepower 136i mechanics. The most expensive is the 230-horsepower 326e xDrive plug-in hybrid, whose minimum price is set at 52.250 euros, without offers or promotions.