BMW's second generation 2 Series Active Tourer has taken quite a step forward. Jonathan Crouch looks at what's on offer.

Ten Second Review

Once BMW's frumpiest model, the 2 Series Active Tourer 5-seat MPV now has a much more fashionable vibe. Yet it's even more practical - and quite a lot cleverer too. A bit of a transformation's taken place here.

Background

A brand new five-seat MPV people carrier design is rare indeed these days, especially if it isn't based on a van. But that's what we've got here in the sleeker shape of BMW's second generation 2 Series Active Tourer. Most of the volume brands have pulled out of this segment but the competitor model this Munich maker most cares about, the Mercedes B-Class, still does enough business in this sector to justify giving the Active Tourer model line a second crack at sales success. As before, the '2 Series' name is slightly misleading; this car has nothing in common with the rear-driven 2 Series Coupe. Instead, like its predecessor, this Active Tourer uses the front-driven FAAR architecture found in the BMW X1 and the MINI Countryman, the same platform chosen for the four-door 2 Series Gran Coupe. This time round though, the rather frumpy looks of the first generation Active Tourer have been swapped for something with a dash more panache.

Driving Experience

You'd expect plenty of electrified tech in the engine range - and you shouldn't be disappointed. There's no full-EV or full-Hybrid, but both the conventional petrol engines get the brand's 48V mild hybrid embellishment. The system's starter generator provides a 19hp boost in power. There's a choice of a 170hp 1.5-litre three cylinder unit (the 220i model), or a 218hp 2.0-litre powerplant (the 223i). The conventional 218d variant with a 150hp 2.0-litre diesel features in the range too. As do a couple of three cylinder petrol plug-in hybrids, offering either 245hp (the 225e xDrive) or 326hp (the 230e xDrive), with both claiming an impressive all-electric driving range of up to 49 miles. All the powerplants on offer are mated to 7-speed Steptronic dual-clutch auto transmission. Whatever your choice of engine, BMW reckons you'll find this second generation model a lot more engaging to drive, thanks to extensive chassis revisions, sharper steering response and a fresh 3-link rear suspension setup. 'M Sport'-trimmed models also get Adaptive M Sport suspension, which has a 15mm drop in ride height, plus there's a quicker steering rack. Different drive modes can be selected through the iDrive 'My Modes' menu, the options being 'Efficient', 'Sport' and 'Personal'. Across the range, sleek aerodynamics should lower wind noise at speed. And a wider track will improve handling.

Design and Build

If we'd had this kind of 2 Series Active Tourer from the outset, there wouldn't have been much doubt about the need for a replacement model. This, the car in question, is more sharply proportioned in every way, extra overtaking presence coming courtesy of a larger front grille flanked by re-styled headlights now of the full-LED variety across the range. Revised side creases emphasise the profile, while slim LED tail lights embellish the rear. This is a larger car than before too, 32mm longer, 24mm wider and 21mm higher. Inside, it's even more different, thanks to design inspiration from BMW's flagship iX crossover large luxury EV. Hence the smart one-piece curved dash display that houses a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.7-inch central touchscreen, the latter running the brand's latest eighth generation iDrive infotainment system. This middle monitor has inhaled most of the previous model's switches and buttons and is much cleverer, with over-the-air software updates, wireless phone mirroring and more intuitive 'Hey BMW' voice control. The wheelbase length - 2670mm - remains the same as before, but BMW still claims more interior space, thanks to the adoption of a more compact 3-link rear suspension set-up. As before, the rear seats can recline - or move backwards and forwards. And they split 40:20:40 to aid cargo flexibility. Boot space is 415-litres for petrol models and 470-litres for the diesels, with respective seats-folded capacities of 1405 and 1455-litres. That falls to 1370-litres with the plug-in hybrids.

Market and Model

The first generation version of this model sold quite well, shifting 430,000 units and making 80% of its sales to customers new to the brand. BMW of course wants this MK2 version to do better, though perhaps inevitably, it sits at the premium end of the mid-sized five-seat MPV segment. Prices start at around £30,000 and rise to around £40,000. There's a choice of 'Sport', 'Luxury' or 'M Sport' trim levels. Base 'Sport' trim includes 17-inch alloy wheels, Sport seats with anthracite cloth upholstery, LED headlights, high-gloss Shadowline exterior trim and Parking Assistance with a reversing camera and Park Distance Control. Mid-range 'Luxury'-spec cars feature 17-inch V-Spoke alloy wheels, aluminium exterior trim, Vernasca leather upholstery and heated front seats. The top 'M Sport' package introduces a distinctive front apron design, 18-inch Bi-colour alloy wheels, Adaptive M Sport suspension, Adaptive LED headlights, power folding exterior mirrors, Sport seats with Alcantara/Sensatec upholstery, a Luxury Instrument Panel, heated seats, Comfort Access and wireless charging.

Cost of Ownership

The 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine that many customers will inevitably gravitate to in the 218d variant makes some extremely good numbers, recording up to 58.9mpg on the combined fuel economy cycle and up to 125g/km. If you'd prefer petrol, you'll get access to BMW's 48v mild hybrid tech, which massages the efficiency figures a bit. The 1.5-litre 220i manages up to 47.9mpg and up to 133g/km. While the top 2.0-litre petrol 223i manages up to 47.1mpg and up to 137g/km. If you want to do better, you'll need BMW's Plug-in hybrid technology, which consists of a current-excited electric motor installed in a single housing along with the power electronics and transmission. In both PHEV models, the electric motor acts on the rear wheels while a three-cylinder petrol engine drives the front wheels. Maximum charging capacity is up from 3.7kW to 7.4kW, meaning that a full charge can be delivered in around 2.5 hours, or just under 8 hours via a conventional household socket. Electric range is up to 49 miles based on the WLTP cycle.

Summary

The first generation 2 Series Active Tourer brought a bit of class to the 5-seat MPV segment, but was rather plain and dumpy, both to look at and to drive. You'd be far more likely to covet this MK2 model, were you to be a family customer whose need for people carrier was somewhat uncomfortably paired with the need for a BMW. The improved looks remind you of the kind of effect visited upon someone you used to know who since has had a very productive couple of seasons in the gym. Perhaps a few semesters of night school too; this second generation design has, after all, reached a whole new level of intelligence when it comes to media connectivity, camera safety provision and electrified engine tech. And the result is that rare thing; an MPV that might even engender an SUV-like trendy ownership vibe. With the right spec and extras of course. A bog standard 2 Series Active Tourer still isn't going to get the neighbours' heads turning. But the one you may now have in mind just might.

Body Glass

Rain sensor

Heated rear window

Electric windows - front and rear, with open/close fingertip control, anti-trap facility and comfort closing

Front and rear windscreen wipers with heated front washer nozzles

Windscreen washer nozzle for rear view camera

Brakes

Rear disc brakes

Front disc brakes

Cornering brake control

DSC - Dynamic Stability Control

Dynamic brake control

Electromechanical parking brake

Dynamic Traction Control - DTC

Energy recovery system

Brake drying

Anti lock braking system (ABS) with brake assist

Braking readiness

PC iBrake PostCrash approach control warning with light braking function

Integrated braking system

Automatic hold function

Carpets/Rugs

M specific floor mats

Chassis/Suspension

Drive performance control with ECO PRO comfort + sport mode

M Adaptive suspension

Driver Aids

Attentiveness assist

Servotronic variable electric power steering (EPS)

Active Guard

Drive off assistant

Flat air vents on instrument panel in high gloss black, adjustable slats with elements in pearl chrome

Driver Convenience

Automatic powered tailgate

Automatic start/stop function

Driver Information

BMW Online services

BMW Teleservices

Brake pad wear indicator in front and rear

ConnectedDrive Services

On board computer - average speed+fuel consumption,service interval, clock date,odometer,trip meter,outside temperature display with acoustic ice warn

Instrument cluster with speedometer with miles per hour read out, tachometer and fuel gauge

Condition based service

BMW Head up display

iDrive controller

Widescreen display

Language version English

BMW Operating system 9 with BMW Maps, real-time traffic information, in-car experiences, remote services and smartphone integration

Driving Mirrors

Electric adjustable heated door mirrors

Body coloured door mirror caps

Embellishment Trims

Front centre console trim in high gloss black with my mode expressive

Engine

Performance Control

54 litre fuel tank

Petrol Particulate Filter

Entertainment

DAB Digital radio

Personal eSim

2x USB Type C ports in front centre console for charging and data transfer

2x USB Type C ports in rear centre console for charging

Welcome sound upon opening of the front driver or passenger door

Exterior Body Features

Hidden exhaust pipe

High gloss shadow line

BBody colour roof mouldings

Black rear bumper trim strip

Shark fin antenna

Visible VIN plate

Side sill covers with independent design in Body colour

High gloss shadowline roof rails

Contoured rear roof spoiler in vehicle colour with side aeroblades in black high-gloss

Rear side wing doors

Model inscription on right tailgate

BMW emblem, engine compartment lid and tailgate

Folding door handles integrated flush with surface

Front bumper cover with independent design in body colour with inserts in black high gloss

Rear bumper cover with independent design in body colour with inserts in black high gloss

M identification on sides

Front door sill finishers aluminium inserts with M inscription

Key with M identification

Trims on front and rear bumper covers colour-coordinated with side window graphic

Front oramental grille with radiator grille bars in satinised aluminium

Air inlet middle part on front apron in lines specific design with trim strip in satinised aluminium

Front bumper design elements in satinised aluminium

Front entry sills with aluminium inserts + BMW inscription

Exterior Lights

Automatic headlights

Welcome lighting

Dynamic brake lights

LED number plate light

LED third brake light in rear spoiler

Front door exit lights

Driver side exterior mirror lighting with BMW logo projection

LED Daytime running lights and parking lights with turn indicators

Manual headlight range control

Home light

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Automatic two zone climate control air conditioning

Interior Features

Front and rear door pockets

Map pockets

Stainless steel pedals

2 bag hooks in luggage compartment

Multi-function controls for steering wheel

Four grab handles integrated in roof lining

Front and rear side armrest integrated into door trim

Steering wheel column manual adjustment

M sport leather steering wheel

12V power socket in luggage compartment and front centre console

2 open cup holders in front centre console

Storage compartment with folding cover under centre console armrest cushion

Bottle trays in all doors

Rear cloth hooks

Storage compartment net in left side trim panel

12V socket in right side trim panel

One piece parcel shelf opens together with tailgate and removable

Front centre console storage compartment

M Anthracite headlining

Middle centre console storage compartment

Embellishers on steering wheel spokes in pearl chrome

2 x USB Type C ports for charging in front centre console + 2 x USB Type C ports for charging in rear centre console

Illuminated wireless charging tray

Interior Lights

Luggage compartment lighting

Glovebox with light

Ambient lighting front and rear

2 front reading lights

Front and rear footwell lighting

Storage compartment lighting in centre console and storage tray in centre stack

Interior door handle recess light on all doors

Packs

Technology plus pack - 2 Series Active Tourer

Driving assistant plus package - 2 series Active Tourer Mild Hybrid

Safety

Warning triangle and first aid kit

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Crash Sensor - activates hazard/interior lighting + unlocks doors

BMW emergency call

3 point seatbelts on all seats, front pyrotechnic belt tensioners, stopper and belt force limiters, rear coded belt buckles

Child proof locking system in rear door

Airbag - Front driver and passenger, front and rear head, front side, curtain head protection, manual deactivation of front passenger airbag possible

Seats

Heated front seats

Front head restraints

3 seat bench in 2nd row

Driver and front passenger sports seats

Child seat ISOFIX attachment for two outer rear seats and front passenger seat with anchorage points

Height adjustable 3 rear head restraints

Manual adjustment of seat height, fore/aft position, seat depth, backrest tilt and head restraint height

Single front passenger seat

Mechanical rear seats with fore/aft adjustment

Security

Engine immobiliser

Locking wheel bolts

Drive away door locking

Anti theft alarm system

Closing system with central locking

Towing

Trailer stabilisation logic

Transmission

Steptronic transmission with double clutch and gear shift paddles

Gear selector switch with toggle operation

Vanity Mirrors

Sunvisors with illuminated vanity mirrors

Wheels

Reduced rolling resistance tyres

Wheels - Spare

Tyre repair kit plus

Emissions - ICE

Particles: 0.0005

HC+NOx: N

NOx: 0.005

HC: 0.007

CO: 0.102

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low: 170

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium: 124

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High: 114

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High: 136

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 131

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 135

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 130

Emissions - Lifecycle

Production Emissions - CO2e (Equivalent) - tonnes: 14.6

Lifetime Emissions - CO2e (Equivalent) - tonnes: 26.3

In-Life Emissions - CO2e (Equivalent) - tonnes: 11.1

End-of-Life Emissions - CO2e (Equivalent) - tonnes: 0.6

Engine and Drive Train

Catalytic Convertor: No

Cylinders: 3

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 82

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 94.6

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 12

CC: 1499

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: TURBO INJECTION

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Compression Ratio: 11.1:1

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Gears: 7 SPEED

Engine Code: B38A15M2

Fuel Consumption - ICE

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 5.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 5.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 5.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 5.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 6

WLTP - MPG - Low: 37.7

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 51.4

WLTP - MPG - High: 56.5

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 47.1

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 48.7

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 48.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 5

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 47.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 7.5

General

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 25E

Based On ID: N

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 88

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 81

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 79

NCAP Safety Assist %: 92

Badge Engine CC: 1.5

Badge Power: 156

Generation Mark: 2

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Coin Description: i

Coin Series: M Sport [Tech+ Pack]

Performance

Engine Torque - RPM: 1500

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - PS: No

Engine Power - BHP: 156

Engine Power - KW: 115

Engine Power - RPM: 4700

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 177

Engine Torque - NM: 240

Top Speed: 137

0 to 62 mph (secs): 8.1

Engine Torque - MKG: 24.5

Test Cycles

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

Tyres

Tyre Size Rear: 225/50 R18

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 18" ALLOY

Wheel Style: M DOUBLE SPOKE STYLE 838

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Tyre Size Front: 225/50 R18

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4386

Wheelbase: 2670

Width: 1824

Width (including mirrors): 2102

Height: 1576

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1300

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 54

Max. Loading Weight: 555

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 415

No. of Seats: 5

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2075

Max. Roof Load: 75

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1405

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.4

Minimum Kerbweight: 1520

Body Glass

Sun protection glass

Driver Aids

Parking Assistant Professional

Embellishment Trims

High gloss black interior trim with pearl chrome finish

Aluminium mesh effect interior trim with pearl chrome highlights with my mode expressive

Entertainment

Harman/Kardon surround sound audio system

Exterior Body Features

Metallic paint

Panoramic opening glass sunroof

Extended high gloss shadow line exterior trim

Interior Features

Heated steering wheel

Luggage compartment separating net

Vernasca leather upholstery

Packs

Driving assistant package - 2 series Active Tourer

Driving assistant professional pack - 2 Series Mild Hybrid

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Sparkling copper grey

Metallic - Skyscraper grey

Metallic - Sanremo green

Metallic - Portimao blue

Metallic - Black sapphire

Paint - Solid

Solid - Alpine white

Paint - Special

Individual metallic paint - Storm Bay

Seats

Active seat for driver and front passenger with my mode relax

Sliding rear seat bench

Electric memory seats

Towing

Electric folding towbar with trailer assistant

Trim - Leather

Vernasca leather - Oyster

Vernasca leather - Mocha

Vernasca leather - Black

Trim - Part Leather

Alcantara/Veganza - Black with contrast stitching in blue

Wheels - Alloy

19" Individual multi-spoke bicolour diamond black polished alloy wheels - style 839