We tested the new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer in its diesel version. This minivan is completely renewed and incorporates new technology, finishes and equipment derived from other models of the Bavarian firm.
Eight years have passed since BMW presented its Series 2 Active Tourer minivan, whose sales, although not buoyant, have been sufficient to cover BMW’s presence in this sector of family cars. Now, BMW presents us with the second generation, with the same philosophy of the Premium family car, but with important changes. We are facing a new Series 2 Active Tourer, new chassis, new engines, cosmetic changes and new interior. Let’s take a quick look at it all.
The Series 2 Active Tourer is not a best seller, but we must bear in mind that it is within a segment, that of minivans, with very little demand. In addition, it is a model that is positioned one step above its rivals. Because whoever wants a family of this style with luxury finishes and equipment, has little to choose from. The Series 2 Active Tourer has been an excellent option so far and will continue to be after the changes received.
Let’s see: from the outset, the platform is new, and has allowed the introduction of new plug-in hybrid engines into the range, in addition to the gasoline and diesel offer, and the body design has also been modified, which is more aerodynamic.
It is now more aerodynamic
The A-pillar is more inclined, and the new grille, with the two huge typical BMW kidneys, is of the active type, opening or closing as desired. The headlights are also new, they are slimmer and have LED technology. Another detail is the flush door handles, very nice but perhaps impractical, sometimes slipping.
Also noteworthy are the new wheels, which can be up to 19 inches as an option, with a sportier style. BMW wanted to give a greater degree of emotion to this car
The car is now longer, wider and taller. It measures 4.38 long, 1.82 wide and 1.57 high.
It is sold with a 3-cylinder 1.5-litre petrol engine (you can choose between the 218i versions with 136 hp and the 220i with 170 hp) and there is only one diesel version available, the 218d with a 2-litre 4-cylinder engine and 150 hp. , which is precisely what we are analyzing.
And after the summer, the new 225 XDrive plug-in hybrid version will arrive in Spain, with a 136 CV 3-cylinder gasoline engine and an 80 KW electric motor. In this plug-in hybrid, the electric motor is mounted on the rear axle and the thermal one on the front, thus achieving XDrive all-wheel drive, without the need for a drive shaft.
All these engines (gasoline, diesel or PHEV) are linked to a 7-speed Steptronic automatic gearbox.
Double curved screen
The interior is completely new. The highlight is the Curve Display or double digital screen, a design that derives from what we have already seen in the BMW iX (link to the BMW iX video test). These two screens are over 10 inches in diameter, and appear to be joined as one. One serves as the instrument panel and the other is for the infotainment system, the usual.
The first impression is very good. When you turn on the ignition (by button) the two screens turn on, offering very elaborate graphics and information, very much in view of the driver. Only at some point where our viewing angle coincides with the steering wheel rim can we lose some information instantly, but the rest is displayed perfectly.
The instrument panel is configurable, it changes its graphics and information depending on the chosen driving program: Efficient, Personal or Sport. The screen on the right is digital, and with it the entire infotainment system of the car is managed. Information processing is fast, and the menus are intuitive. BMW’s idea has been to eliminate as much as possible push buttons and buttons scattered around the dashboard, and simplify everything on the screens. This is an upward trend, in part, it must be said, because it helps reduce production costs. In fact, in this car there are no controls for the climate control: you have to raise and lower the temperature through the screen, an aspect that not everyone likes, but which you have to get used to.
The central console also deserves a separate analysis. The design is floating, it offers two levels: a lower one, in which we can place objects while driving, which has a hole in its front part to be able to charge the phone wirelessly; and another upper one, which extends the armrest with a group of buttons that include the start button, the emergency button, the driving mode button (My Modes), the radio volume knob and the small lever (almost ridiculous). ) of the gear selector. The magnificent “joystick” characteristic of BMW, which has accompanied us for so many years, disappears.
Many of the functions that we can activate when we drive can be done by voice commands, a system that BMW has wanted to perfect in this car. The driving position is comfortable, the seats support the body well (they can optionally be sports and with massage) and visibility is excellent. Equip a Head up Display that facilitates the consultation of basic information while driving.
Finishes, attention to detail and equipment (including Harmann Kardon sound system) are in line with what you expect from BMW (and pay for it).
Space and functionality behind
In the rear seats there is good space, logical in a minivan for families, and they have the functionality of being able to recline the backrests for greater comfort and to be able to slide the bench 13 centimeters to expand the capacity of the trunk in a timely manner. An armrest cannot be missing, although the passenger in the central square is affected by the typical transmission tunnel that bothers to move the legs. There are also good ventilation grills and two USB C sockets.
The trunk offers 470 liters, expandable to 1,455 liters; It is a capacity similar to that offered by the previous generation of this model. It has a double bottom, very large and usable. It also offers 4 hooks, a 12-volt outlet and has holes on the sides, one of them with a grid.
In the Series 2 Active Tourer you will find a minivan with the brand’s typical touch at the wheel and excellent rolling. It treads very well, it is very well soundproofed, there are no vibrations or noises and the suspensions are comfortable.
It is a very nice minivan to drive. The overall feel of the car is excellent, from the thickness and shape of the steering wheel to the way it turns and enters corners, with complete poise and confidence. It’s a very BMW touch.
Very competitive diesel engine
The diesel engine does not vibrate, it does not make noise, it is very linear, it pushes well at full speed… the evolution of diesel technology at BMW is surprising. Too bad that this technology is obsolete, because in comparison, the gasoline version is not superior to this; And the plug-in hybrid does come close, but it is too technologically complex. The diesel of a lifetime is the most successful engine.
This engine works perfectly between 1,500 and 2,500 rpm, which is where it offers its highest torque figure, and goes up to 4,000 rpm, although from there it “dies”. If we take the car at medium speed and playing with the change, it is fun and efficient. The 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is fast and wide enough to ensure that we drive the car in the right range.
In terms of consumption, it spent an average of 5 liters per 100, practically the approved figure, only a few tenths above. It is a good consumption, helped by microhybridization, which confirms it as a very competitive version in terms of cost of daily use.
Price: 37,699 euros is what the basic version of this Active Tourer with a diesel engine is worth, 218 d.
The version that I have presented, with M Sport finish, costs 41,899 euros. With extras such as sports wheels and the Premium package, which includes keyless access, the Wireless tray to recharge the mobile or the adaptive LED headlights, among others, it costs 47,102 euros.
