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Its a response to the market and the growth of compact crossovers.
Sales alone have increased 45% and the leader of the segment is the Mercedes-Benz B-Klasse which has surpassed around 100,000 units since introduction in 2011.

It absolutely makes sense for BMW to venture in this segment because there are customers that want more from a typical minivan MPV crossover type vehicle, compact customers are now buying premium Marques and shunning volume Marques. This is where Active Tourer can effectively become a global player.

Is it a BMW? Not all BMWs are high performance , Active Tourer combines performance with efficiency. I recently drove the new MINI , sorry but its the best MINI ever! A perfect combination of dynamics , agility and typical MINI go-kart style sense of fun when you hit the corners.

This car utilises that same architecture and BMW set out to not only make the best RWD cars in the world but also carve a signature for itself in FWD , important for the company especially when its two direct competitors are FWD.
Active Tourer follows the same philosophy as the BMW X5 , purely a concept that is aimed to be driven.

Active Tourer is also the opening salvo in a new niche for BMW.
Plans are being considered in addition to the 2er to offer a larger Active Tourer a combination of Touring , Coupe but much more sleeker for the 4er based upon the LWB 3er which mean it will retain RWD.

Active Tourer will be offered in North America as it was successfully clinic evaluated by potential customers including those that have BMWs and those that own domestic or other import Minivan/crossovers.
Some tested could actually see this as the primary BMW whilst others who own a BMW reckon the Active Tourer could become the secondary BMW.

With the presentation of the concept. BMW allowed a registration programme.
Over 100,000 units people registered their interest. If we can transfer that into sales this could become the next big niche for BMW after the X family.

It will also give BMW further means to progress and develop models for their growing customer base.