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BMW 2 Series Active Tourer First Drive Review

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BMW 2 Series Active Tourer

By Jens Meiners, BIMMERPOST Correspondent
July 17, 2014




The news that BMW would expand its portfolio to include front-wheel drive models was hardly met with universal excitement in this community. BMW, of course, is all about rear-wheel drive, a low center of gravity, driving dynamics, emotion. But alas, the times are changing: In recent years, we got the "Gran Turismo" models; we witnessed the demise of the naturally aspirated in-line six; we spotted automatics in the "M" portfolio. Enthusiasts had to swallow hard more than a few times.

And this is just the beginning: BMW's first front-driver is a tall-roof wagon - and it relies on three-cylinder engines for its entry-level versions. At the international driving launch in Sölden/Austria this week, we had the chance to sample the 2-series Active Tourer [Official Thread]. BMW provided two versions: The 218d Active Tourer with a 2.0-liter, 148-horsepower turbodiesel and a manual six-speed gearbox - and the 225i Active Tourer with a 2.0-liter, 228-horsepower gasoline turbo, fitted with an eight-speed automatic. We'll drive the three-bangers later.

While the Active Tourer's vehicle architecture - which is shared with the new Mini - represents a complete departure from the brand's proven recipe, the Bavarians played it safe with the styling. The proportions, of course, are typical of a tall-roof wagon, and the run-of-the-mill BMW design cues are present: Kidney grille, four-eyed headlights, L-shaped taillights, and a remarkably nondescript interpretation of the "Hofmeister kink." 170.9 inches long and 61. inches tall, this is a practical shape, to be sure. There is generous room for passengers and cargo. Options include a trunk-mounted button that will make the rear seats drop forward; rear seats that slide and tilt; and a tailgate that can be opened by gesturing.

Facing the front passengers is a beautifully executed dashboard that takes the brand's "layered design" a step forward. The optional head-up display projects navigation commands, speed and further information onto a separate screen, such as on some recent PSA cars and the upcoming, European-market Volkswagen Passat. We also noted that the 2-series Active Tourer shuns the electronic gear selector of BMW's larger models in favor of a conventional type. Which is a good thing.

We sampled the 225i first, with front-wheel drive (all-wheel drive is optional) and the obligatory eight-speed automatic, a unit supplied by Aisin. The engine, internally called B48, is derived from BMW's new, modular engine architecture which will eventually include every diesel and gasoline engine with 3, 4 and 6 cylinders. The 225i's 2.0-liter, direct-injected turbo four makes 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This translates into impressive performance: The sprint from zero to 62 mph takes 6.6 seconds, top speed is an ungoverned 149 mph. The power rush comes without any fuss, or sporty noises, and we think a little more personality wouldn't hurt. This model gets 40.6 mpg in the European cycle, but when pushed hard, it only manages half that mileage.

A lot less powerful at 148 hp, the B47 2.0-liter diesel in the 218d is still enjoyable. It reaches 62 mph in 8.9 seconds and tops out at an ungoverned 129 mph; speed, of course, builds up in a leisurely fashion beyond 80 mph. Maximum torque is rated at 243 lb-ft; the plateau begins to drop off before 3000 rpm, and there is no use in revving this engine beyond 4500 rpm. This new diesel is a lot more quiet than the N47 engine that powers the X3 28d; it emits a reassuring purr. The disappointment here was the six-speed manual transmission, which felt notchy when moving out of the center position, and would benefit from shorter throws. In Sport mode, there is a rev matching system, which we found to be slightly obnoxious on this diesel. Mated to a diesel, the throttle-blipping, rev-matching system fails to provide much aural joy. Rated at 57.4 mpg in the European cycle, real-life consumption in the mid-40 mpg range is realistic.

Given that this tall wagon is a vehicle that appeals to families and older folk, and that it is relatively heavy at 4153 lbs for the 225i (without driver), we did not expect it to match the standards of, say, the "real" 2 series. But we would have liked it to be a bit more performance-oriented nonetheless. The suspension is tuned for comfort more than sportiness, but it maintains a pleasant firmness. But when pushed to the limit, the Active Tourer feels more imprecise and floaty than other BMWs. The steering, in typical zBMW fashion, feels too artificially heavy. Passengers for whom comfort is priority will appreciate how isolated the cabin is from road, wind and engine noise.

Down the road, BMW will add a long-wheelbase version and seven seats; a plug-in hybrid is also in the works. The next generation of the 1 series and X1 will make use of this front-wheel drive platform as well. Is that good news? We'll wait and see. The platform's capabilities have been demonstrated successfully on the new Mini. This small people mover has another purpose.

BMW won't confirm it yet, but we expect the 2-series Active Tourer to show up on the US market in a year or two; prices will be in the $30-40K range.

BMW 2 Series Active Tourer First Drive

[ab3]

4153 lbs??? Wow this thing is a fatass.... even an X1 with all wheel drive and the N20 weighs 3726 (per BMW NA). There is absolutely no reason why a front wheel drive hatchback (albeit a fairly big one) should weigh 400 lbs more than an AWD SUV.

[Roadkiller]

Yeah, interesting. The article says its a tall vehicle so I suspect there's your extra weight. I wonder why there's a need for this when the X1 is clearly in this space.

I also thought even numbers (2, 4, and 6 series) were reserved for coupes.

[BwoodBMW]

I'll hold my tongue for the most part but I will say that the interior is nice... that's what the 3 series needs to look like inside to compete with then new C class interior.

[E92LNGCGY]

Um 4153 lbs? Seriously? Why is this so heavy, doesn't make any sense. This is getting ridiculous.

[Dackelone]

The 2er Active Tourer (aka B-fighter) is gonna give MB a run for its money in Germany! I think this car will provide BMW households with a "practical" tall hatch for a lot of European customers. Just wish I could have gone to Innsbruck to test drive one.

[ORIGIN M.]

Mooove over Mercedes, here comes the 2er AT

[Matski]

According to the BMW.de website:

X1 1.8d xDrive = 1640kg
X1 1.8d sDrive = 1555kg
225i Active Tourer = 1505kg
218d Active Tourer = 1450kg

[cs4444]

No way its 4153 lbs that has to be a typo. Its based off the mini which is around 2700 lbs, 3300 lb is more likely.

[lasovan]

Review by AUTOCAR, Active Tourer 218d:

http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/...t-drive-review

[Matski]

The question is...

... lift off oversteer?

[BetoVera]

Waiting for the 7 Series Active GT Gran Coupe

[bimmerjph]

I'm just saying... I'd rather go to work on that cow than in that BMW.

[bimmerjph]

Originally Posted by ab3

4153 lbs??? Wow this thing is a fatass.... even an X1 with all wheel drive and the N20 weighs 3726 (per BMW NA). There is absolutely no reason why a front wheel drive hatchback (albeit a fairly big one) should weigh 400 lbs more than an AWD SUV.

That has to be a typo.

[Matski]

Originally Posted by lasovan

Review by AUTOCAR, Active Tourer 218d:

http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/...t-drive-review

I think Autocar has a pretty good handle on it.

It's good enough compared to it's rivals, and it's close enough on price, to be a no brainer for many, many people.

It also doesn't look too bad as an M-sport with 18's

[111R]

Even 3300 lbs. in 320i territory.

http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Conte...fications.aspx

What is the point? How about a stripped-down 320i wagon with no sunroof, RWD, and - perhaps - a manual transmission, all for sale in the US?

[flyga3]

Well, it reminds me of the X1 styling, it's ah, interesting and, well,
sorry, never mind.

[Matski]

Originally Posted by 111R

Even 3300 lbs. in 320i territory.

http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Conte...fications.aspx

What is the point? How about a stripped-down 320i wagon with no sunroof, RWD, and - perhaps - a manual transmission, all for sale in the US?

I haven't looked at all the numbers yet, but I'm guessing space, comfort and price.

[Btyler227]

The deletion of the optical drive looks odd. I feel that could have been better executed. However, I'm actually looking forward to test driving this car. I bet it handles much better than we all expect.. especially in M Sport form

[jwong77]

Seriously, I thought fwd was supposed to provide better packing efficiencies, 4135lbs doesn't sound too efficient to me.

[psuibmw]

It looks OK. The interior is excellent. Other colors on the car may make a big difference, a variant of a blue or red

According to BMW naming convention, this should be named X0

[ALPINA B5]

never go full retard, bmw. oh wait, they just did.