The first generation of the BMW 2er Active Tourer was a break with branding traditions. The second edition wants to move closer to the other models from Munich.
The second generation of the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer is more dynamic, more powerful and digitally well equipped. The compact van will initially be available as a gasoline and diesel engine at the beginning of 2022, and one will be available in the summer Plug-in hybrid submitted later. Prices start at 37.200 euros.
Hidden door handles
Visually, the 4,39 meter long 2 Series Active Tourer appears 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.
Available with both fuels
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.
The drive range initially includes three petrol and one diesel variant. The entry-level model is the 218i with a 104 kW / 136 hp 1,5-liter three-cylinder, above this is the 220i with a 125 kW / 170 hp engine version, 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 PS, which runs under the designation 218d and has to get along without electrical assistance.
Strong hybrid
The power transmission towards the front wheels is provided as standard by a seven-speed dual clutch transmission. All-wheel drive variants will be submitted later by BMW. For example, in the form of two gasoline-based plug-in hybrids that produce 180 kW / 245 PS and 240 kW / 326 PS, respectively. The electric range should be around 80 kilometers.
Prices start at 37.200 euros for the 218i, the 218d is available for 48.150 euros and the preliminary top model 223i costs 54.100 euros. The most important competitors are the Mercedes B-Class, the VW Touran and in-house the compact SUV BMW X1.