BMW Series 2 Active Tourer is renewed, arriving on the market with the second generation of the compact minivan which, surprisingly, turns out to be super technological. We have tried it in preview and we will tell you why it could be your first BMW
BMW 2 Series Active Tourer: the key to the world of BMW
The new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer 2022 focuses on versatility while remaining “comfortably” in the compact segment. As soon as you get on board you will realize that it is not a BMW like any other. The internal concept has changed and is now very close – albeit with different materials – to the minimalism proposed by BMW iX (the new premium electric from the Munich house that was able to amaze me and whose test drive you can find here).
The multitude of keys we were used to in the past disappear to make room for the new iDrive control / operation system, included for the first time in a compact BMW model. The system is housed within a highly impactful curved display that encloses the 10.25-inch digital dashboard display and 10.7-inch touch display.
The central “floating” armrest is also beautiful and functional, integrating some keys that are thus immediately accessible
When you enter the living room the feeling will be a bit alienating: the soul is premium even if some keys and some finishes have that plastic finish that you do not expect to find in a BMW. It is no coincidence that this car represents the entry range to the BMW world with a starting price set at € 34,600.
Engines available for the new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer
The engines for the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer 2022 range are now much more varied: the mild hybrid and plugin hybrid versions (arriving in the summer of 2022) are also introduced to meet the new market needs.
Currently in the range there are 4 petrol versions (with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive xDrive) and a diesel (the latter only with front-wheel drive).
The version that we have tested for a few hours is the 23i Active Tourer MSport automatic, mild hybrid at 48 volts. The power is 218hp, delivered by the 204hp 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine and 19hp electric unit
Design refreshed enough
In addition to the interiors, to have been modernized, we also find the external lines. 439 cm long, 4 cm more than in the past, this one BMW 2 Series Active Tourer looks more modern and sporty, with the A-pillars more inclined and the windows elongated; to be aggressive we also find the front with the larger “kidney” grille. The LED headlights are now thinner and the side air intakes higher on the bumper, surrounded by vertical chrome elements. There is even more grit behind it, thanks to the new horizontal headlights, wider and lower, the spoiler above the rear window and the muscular bumper.
Depending on the model variant, 16 or 17-inch light-alloy wheels are fitted as standard. As an option, light alloy wheels up to 19 inches are available. The new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer can also be ordered in the Luxury Line trim or with an M Sport package as an alternative to the basic specification. Two non-metallic and nine metallic paints are available for the exterior.
How is driving?
The new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer in the 2022 version is not at all awkward, especially in the city. The steering is very soft but not inaccurate for this. Sneaking through the Milan traffic was child’s play, even where the cobblestones became more threatening. In sport mode it then acquires consistency becoming a little more rigid and precise.
It is certainly not the sporty BMW of dreams, let it be clear: it is still a compact MPV with front-wheel drive. On the motorway it proved to be comfortable and safe even on a stretch of the Brebemi motorway lashed by gusts of very powerful wind.
The roll obviously makes itself felt between the curves, but it is very light and does not affect the driving experience, thanks to the excellent calibration of the frame which is now more rigid than in the past.
Space for everything and everyone
The new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer offers the occupants of its five seats significantly better comfort over long distances than its predecessor. The new generation multi-adjustable seats can also be ordered in perforated Sensatec leather or Vernasca as an option. In the list of options there are also sports seats with reinforcement zones and space for the shoulders, electric adjustment (including memory function), lumbar support and massage function. Acoustic comfort and occupant protection have also been intensified. Indeed, a new airbag with interaction between the driver and the front passenger adds to the concept of integrated passive safety.
The capacity of the trunk is 470 liters in the BMW 218i Active Tourer while it reaches 415 liters in the 220i and 223i versions. The rear hatch key lock is standard.
ADAS and surroundings
For the new edition of the BMW Series 2 Active Tourer a multitude of automated driving and parking systems are available. Standard equipment includes Cruise Control with braking function, Lane Departure Warning, Evasion Assistant (not to be confused with Active Lane Keeping) and frontal collision warning. Parking assist with reversing assist camera are also standard. Options include Steering and Lane Control Assistant, Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, Active Navigation, Exit Warning function, BMW Head-Up Display and Surround View, Remote 3D View functions. , BMW Drive Recorder and Remote Theft Recorder.
The BMW you don’t expect
The new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer in the 2022 version proves to be a modern, technological and current car that allows all those who want to enter the BMW world to do so with an attack price of € 34600, taking home a car that offers any type of comfort for the family and thanks to its versatility it is perfect both for the city and for long journeys.
However, we reserve the right to try it in more detail in a test drive on our Driving Fjona channel.