The new 2 Series Active Tourer sees BMW for the first time expand its portfolio to introduce front-wheel-drive and three cylinder engines in the model line-up. It arrives here next September.
Following the coupé as the second member of the new BMW 2 Series range, the Active Tourer combines dynamism, style, elegance and practicality in one cleverly packaged car.
New lightweight turbocharged engines with three and four cylinders, a comprehensive package of BMW EfficientDynamics measures,
and the extensive connectivity provided by BMW ConnectedDrive, are all elements in a driving experience that allows sporty performance and incredible efficiency.
Measuring just marginally longer than a BMW 1 Series, the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer combines compact dimensions on the outside with a spacious feel on the inside, making it perfectly suited to the increasing challenges of urban mobility.
While all figures are provisional and have not yet been officially confirmed, the estimated fuel consumption figures have been calculated as per the ECE test cycle and may vary depending on driving style and conditions.
BMW believes that practical shouldn not mean prosaic and of course that is right, and while the new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer is very versatile, it is also distinctively styled. From the low-rise double kidney grille, which is positioned lower than the headlights, a feature normally only found on BMW coupés, to the steeply raked windscreen and clearly defined and sculpted bonnet, the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer has a low-slung, sporty appearance.
Balance, as always in a BMW, is key and the short overhangs are classic BMW styling cues while the long wheelbase, wedge profile, L-shaped rear lights, crisp contours and eye-catching swage lines give the car great impact and athletic appearance.
The tailgate, with its low sill and wide aperture, gives easy access to the load compartment, while vertical air-deflecting aeroblades on either side of the rear window along with a rear spoiler add style while contributing to impressive aerodynamic efficiency. The dynamic look is even carried over to the rear windscreen wiper, which at rest remains hidden inside the rear spoiler. The result is that the new BMW 218i Active Tourer has a drag coefficient of just 0.26.
Despite the compact exterior dimensions, the interior is light and surprisingly spacious, with comfortable seating for five people. A large glass area ensures the cabin is light and airy throughout – an effect further enhanced by the optional panoramic roof and by the A-pillar triangle window, both of which also improve all-round visibility.
The horizontally structured, layered styling of the instrument panel and door panels gives the interior an elegant, light-touch feel and emphasises the sense of spaciousness. At the same time the typical BMW driver-centric design of the cockpit underlines the sporty character of the new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer.
BMW says the driver and front passenger also enjoy a far higher seating position than in a saloon giving commanding all-round view as well as making it easier to get in and out.
It adds that despite the compact exterior length, the new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer offers premium-class legroom, particularly in the rear, and a wealth of features for those with active lifestyles, or needing to transport families.
It also claims the versatile luggage compartment’s capacity can be enlarged from 468 to 1,510 litres, with a flat loading floor, and the 40:20:40 split-folding rear backrest fitted as standard exemplify this model’s excellent everyday practicality. Flexibility is further enhanced by a sliding rear seat, allowing either knee room or luggage space to be increased as required, and its backrest can be adjusted to recline for the three rear seats or set more upright for extra luggage space.
Access to the luggage compartment is easy thanks to the large, broad, wide-opening tailgate, which also features push button automatic opening and closing, or the Smart-Opener function where a quick flick of the foot sets it in motion.
One particularly clever touch is the foldable boot floor that conceals a storage compartment with a handy multifunction tray. Lashing points and bag hooks, one on either side of the rear compartment, are further features which add to the practicality of the boot space.
