The first generation of the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer - keyword front-wheel drive - still aroused emotions. The second edition should not lead to a storm in a teacup, except perhaps when looking at the price list.
It can be more dynamic, stronger and digitally well equipped BMW 2 Series Active Tourer into the second generation. The compact van will be available at the end of February, initially as a petrol engine and diesel, in July Plug-in hybrids submitted later. Prices start at 35.100 euros.
Hidden door handles
The 4,39 meter long family car looks much more confident than its predecessor. A large kidney-shaped radiator is emblazoned at the front, the windscreen is steeper and has a clearer profile from the line of the bonnet, and at the rear there are narrower, two-part lights. As with the brand's new electric cars, the door handles disappear flush in the sheet metal. Overall, the 2 Series now looks more like a crossover than a classic van.
Inside, the changes are even more concise: the central instrument and center display merge into a large, slightly concave screen surface - BMW calls it the "Curved Display". The cockpit faces the driver and surrounds him slightly, but the rest of the interior is designed to be airy. The floating center console between the front seats also fits. Among other things, it houses the switches for the speed step selection. However, there is no longer an iDrive controller; instead, it is operated via a touchscreen and voice recognition.
Much space for the family
In the new generation, the BMW van is only available as a five-seater Active Tourer, but this time the Bavarians are saving the seven-seater known as the Gran Tourer. There is still enough space: the rear seat can be moved as usual, and between 406 and 1.455 liters of luggage can be accommodated in the trunk.
Also available with over 200 hp
The range of engines initially includes three petrol and one diesel variant. The entry-level model is the 218i with a 104 kW/136 hp 1,5-litre three-cylinder, above it is the 220i with a 125 kW/170 hp version of the engine, which is also combined with 48-volt mild hybrid technology. The most powerful petrol engine is the 223i with a displacement of 2,0 liters and 160 kW/218 hp, also with 48-volt technology. Initially the only diesel is a 2,0-liter four-cylinder with 110 kW/150 hp, which runs under the name 218d and has to do without electrical support. A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission transmits power to the front wheels as standard. BMW will later offer four-wheel drive variants, for example in the form of two petrol-based plug-in hybrids that deliver 180 kW/245 hp and 240 kW/326 hp respectively. The electric range should be around 80 kilometers.
Prices start at 35.100 euros for the 218i, the 220i is available from 37.250 euros. The 223i costs from 41.500 euros. The 218d is available from 38.900 euros. For the plug-in hybrid, BMW calls at least 43.950 euros or 47.550 euros for the 326 hp version. The most important competitors are the Mercedes B-Class, the VW Touran and, in-house, the compact SUV BMW X1.
