BMW 2 SERIES ACTIVE TOURER 230e xDrive M Sport 5dr DCT [Tech Plus Pack]

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

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

Heated rear window

Rain sensor

Window washer nozzle for rear view camera

Brakes

Anti-lock braking system (ABS)

Automatic hold function

Brake drying

Braking readiness

Cornering brake control

DSC - Dynamic Stability Control

Dynamic brake control

Dynamic Traction Control - DTC

Electromechanical parking brake

Front disc brakes

Integrated braking system

PC iBrake PostCrash approach control warning with light braking function

Rear disc brakes

Carpets/Rugs

M specific floor mats

Chassis/Suspension

M Adaptive suspension

Driver Aids

Automatic powered tailgate

Automatic start/stop function

Driver Convenience

Active Guard

Attentiveness assist

Drive off assistant

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

Servotronic variable electric power steering (EPS)

Speed limiter

Driver Information

BMW Head up display

BMW Online services

BMW Operating system 9 with remote services and smartphone integration

BMW Teleservices

Brake pad wear indicator in front and rear

Condition based service

ConnectedDrive Services

iDrive controller

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

Language version English

My mode efficient with range/consumption optimised setting of drivetrain, climate control, displays driving notes, personal, efficient, sport mode

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

Widescreen display

Driving Mirrors

Body coloured door mirror caps

Electric adjustable heated door mirrors

Embellishment Trims

Front centre console trim in high gloss black

Engine

eDrive exterior sound

Performance Control

Petrol Particulate Filter

Entertainment

1x USB Type C ports in rear centre console for charging

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

DAB Digital radio

Personal eSim

Welcome sound upon opening of the front driver or passenger door

Exterior Body Features

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

BBody colour roof mouldings

Black rear bumper trim strip

BMW emblem, engine compartment lid and tailgate

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

Folding door handles integrated flush with surface

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

Front bumper design elements in satinised aluminium

Front entry sills with aluminium inserts + BMW inscription

Front oramental grille with radiator grille bars in satinised aluminium

Hidden exhaust pipe

High gloss shadow line

Key with M identification

M Roof rails high gloss shadowline

Matt black roof strips

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

Rear side wing doors

Shark fin antenna

Side sill covers with independent design in Body colour

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

Visible VIN plate

Exterior Lights

Automatic headlights

Dynamic brake lights

Front door exit lights

Home light

LED Daytime running lights and parking lights with turn indicators

LED number plate light

LED rear lights

LED third brake light in rear spoiler

Manual headlight range control

Welcome lighting

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Automatic two zone climate control air conditioning

Interior Features

12V socket in right side trim panel

2 bag hooks in luggage compartment

2 open cup holders in front centre console

2x 12V power socket in luggage compartment and front centre console

Additional under floor storage in luggage compartment

Bottle trays in all doors

Embellishers on steering wheel spokes in pearl chrome

Four grab handles integrated in roof lining

Front and rear door pockets

Front and rear side armrest integrated into door trim

Front armrest with integrated control panel

Front centre console storage compartment

M Anthracite headlining

M sport leather steering wheel

Map pockets

Middle centre console storage compartment

Multi-function controls for steering wheel

One piece parcel shelf opens together with tailgate and removable

Rear cloth hooks

Stainless steel pedals

Steering wheel column manual adjustment

Storage compartment net in left side trim panel

Storage compartment with folding cover under centre console armrest cushion

Tilt adjustment incl. cargo function of 2nd row of seats

Interior Lights

2 front reading lights

Ambient lighting front and rear

Front and rear footwell lighting

Glovebox with light

Interior door handle recess light on all doors

Luggage compartment lighting on right side

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

Safety

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

Acoustic protection for pedestrians

BMW emergency call

Child proof locking system in rear door

Crash Sensor - activates hazard/interior lighting + unlocks doors

Driver and front passenger airbags

First aid kit

Front side airbags

Head airbags

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Warning triangle

Seats

3 seat bench in 2nd row

40:20:40 split folding rear seat backrests

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

Driver and front passenger sports seats

Front head restraints

Heated front seats

Height adjustable 3 rear head restraints

Mechanical rear seats with fore/aft adjustment

Single front passenger seat

Security

Anti theft alarm system

Closing system with central locking

Drive away door locking

Engine immobiliser

Locking wheel bolts

Towing

Trailer stabilisation logic

Transmission

Gear selector switch with toggle operation

Steptronic transmission with double clutch and gear shift paddles

Vanity Mirrors

Sunvisors with illuminated vanity mirrors

Vehicle Charging

11kW AC charging

Mode 3 public charging cable

Wheels

Reduced rolling resistance tyres

Wheels - Spare

Tyre repair kit plus

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: N

Battery Capacity in kWh: 16.3

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 495

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 2.3

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 135

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 7.4

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins): 105

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: 11

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins): N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: N

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

Charging Port Location: Left Side Front

Coupler/Connector Type: Type 2

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 11

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 62000

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 6

Usable Battery Capacity: 14.2

WLTP - AER (km) - City: 100

WLTP - AER (km) - Comb: 83

WLTP - AER (miles) - City: 62.1

WLTP - AER (miles) - Comb: 51.6

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - City: 15.2

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb: 17.8

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Extra High: 22.2

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - High: 15.9

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Low: 15.5

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Medium: 14.5

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - City: 4.1

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb: 3.5

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Extra High: 2.8

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - High: 3.9

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Low: 4

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Medium: 4.3

WLTP - EC AC Ch Dep (kWh/100km) - Comb: 18.3

WLTP - EC AC Ch Dep (miles/kWh) - Comb: 3.4

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (kWh/100km) - Comb: 11.7

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEH: 11.8

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEL: 11.7

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (miles/kWh) - Comb: 5.3

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEH: 5.3

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEL: 5.3

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - City: 100

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Comb: 84

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Comb: 87

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Comb - TEH: 82

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Comb - TEL: 87

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Extra High: 68

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - High: 94

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Low: 95

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Medium: 103

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - City: 62.1

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Comb: 52.2

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Comb: 54

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Comb - TEH: 51

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Comb - TEL: 52.8

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Extra High: 42.3

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - High: 58.4

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Low: 59

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Medium: 64

Emissions - ICE

CO: 0.17

HC: 0.01

HC+NOx: N

Noise Level dB(A): 66

NOx: 0.008

Particles: 0.0002

Standard Emissions: EURO 6e-bis

Emissions - Lifecycle

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

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

Lifetime Emissions - CO2e (Equivalent) - tonnes: 26.3

Production Emissions - CO2e (Equivalent) - tonnes: 14.6

Emissions - PHEV

WLTP - CO2 Ch Sus (g/km) - Comb: 135

WLTP - CO2 Ch Sus (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 136

WLTP - CO2 Ch Sus (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 132

WLTP - CO2 Ch Sus (g/km) - Extra High: 149

WLTP - CO2 Ch Sus (g/km) - High: 117

WLTP - CO2 Ch Sus (g/km) - Low: 157

WLTP - CO2 Ch Sus (g/km) - Medium: 125

WLTP - CO2 Charge Depleting (g/km) - Comb: 21

WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb: 63

WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 65

WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 62

Engine and Drive Train

Camshaft: DOHC

Catalytic Convertor: No

CC: 1499

Compression Ratio: 11.1:1

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Cylinders: 3

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 82

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 94.6

Engine Code: XB2231O0

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Fuel Delivery: TURBO INJECTION

Gears: 7 SPEED

Number of Valves: 12

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

Fuel Consumption - PHEV

WLTP - FC Ch Dep (l/100km) - Comb: 0.1

WLTP - FC Ch Dep (mpg) - Comb: 2824.8

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Comb: 6

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 6

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 5.9

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Extra High: 6.6

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - High: 5.2

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Low: 6.9

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

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Comb: 47.1

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Comb - TEH: 47.1

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Comb - TEL: 47.9

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Extra High: 42.8

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - High: 54.3

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Low: 40.9

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Medium: 51.4

WLTP - FC Weighted (l/100km) - Comb: 2.8

WLTP - FC Weighted (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 2.9

WLTP - FC Weighted (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 2.8

WLTP - FC Weighted (mpg) - Comb: 100.9

WLTP - FC Weighted (mpg) - Comb - TEH: 97.4

WLTP - FC Weighted (mpg) - Comb - TEL: 100.9

General

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Badge Engine CC: 1.5

Badge Power: 326

Based On ID: N

Coin Description: e xDrive

Coin Series: M Sport [Tech+ Pack]

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

Generation Mark: 2

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 33A

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 88

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 81

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 79

NCAP Safety Assist %: 92

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999999

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Performance

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

0 to 62 mph (secs): 5.5

Engine Power - BHP: 326

Engine Power - KW: 240

Engine Power - PS: No

Engine Power - RPM: 4700

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 352

Engine Torque - MKG: 48.6

Engine Torque - NM: 477

Engine Torque - RPM: 1500

Top Speed: 127

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Tyre Size Front: 225/50 R18

Tyre Size Rear: 225/50 R18

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Style: DOUBLE SPOKE STYLE 838M

Wheel Type: 18" ALLOY

Vehicle Dimensions

Height: 1570

Height (including roof rails): N

Length: 4386

Wheelbase: 2670

Width: 1824

Width (including mirrors): 2102

Weight and Capacities

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 47

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2420

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1370

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 406

Max. Loading Weight: 575

Max. Roof Load: 75

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1400

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Minimum Kerbweight: 1845

No. of Seats: 5

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.4

Body Glass

Sun protection glass

Driver Convenience

BMW Iconic sounds electric

Parking assistant professional includes manoeuvre assistant, remote control parking, park asssit, reversing assistant professional

Driver Information

BMW Digital Premium (limited duration - 4 years)

Embellishment Trims

Brushed aluminium shadow interior trim

High gloss black interior trim with pearl chrome finish with my mode expressive

Entertainment

Harman/Kardon surround sound audio system

Exterior Body Features

Extended high gloss shadow line exterior trim

Individual metallic paint

Metallic paint

Model designation deletion

Panoramic opening glass sunroof

Interior Features

Heated steering wheel

Luggage compartment separating net

Veganza perforated upholstery

Vernasca leather upholstery

Interior Lights

2 rear reading lights in grab handle recesses

Packs

Driving assistant package - 2 series Active Tourer

Driving assistant professional pack - 2 Series

Technology plus pack with luxury instrument panel blue stitching - 2 Series Active Tourer

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Black sapphire

Metallic - Fire red

Metallic - Sanremo green

Metallic - Skyscraper grey

Metallic - Sparkling copper grey

Paint - Solid

Solid - Alpine white

Paint - Special

Individual metallic paint - Storm Bay

Seats

Active seat for driver and front passenger with my mode relax

Electric memory seats

Towing

Electric folding towbar with trailer assistant

Trim - Leather

Veganza perforated - Atlas grey/Smoke white veganza with contrast stitching

Veganza perforated - Black veganza with contrast stitching

Veganza perforated - Castanea veganza with contrast stitching

Veganza perforated - Smoke white veganza with contrast stitching

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