Set to be released in Europe next February, the second-generation MPV adopts a bold new design that, like many other BMWs these days, is bound to cause some controversy. We’re talking, of course, about the elephant in the room; those massive twin kidney grilles. Long gone are the days when dainty double kidneys adorned the front ends of BMWs, now, front ends adorn BMW grilles. Squint and you’ll notice a set of sleeker LED headlights and vertical air curtains.
Moving further back, the 2-Series Active Tourer adopts streamlined bodywork and a more rakish windscreen. Designers also gave the model flush-mounted door handles, a more adventurous greenhouse and slimmer rear pillars. The rear end is evolutionary by comparison, but it features slender LED taillights and a more shapely tailgate. The model comes standard with 16- or 17-inch alloy wheels, but customers can order ones as large as 19-inches. Speaking of options, there will be Luxury Line and M Sport variants with the latter being easily identified by more aggressive bumpers.
The interior will likely prove less divisive as it features higher quality materials and a modern design. The star of the show is the new BMW Curved Display, which echoes the one found on the electric iX. It consists of a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.7-inch infotainment system with standard GPS navigation as well as improved Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration. The infotainment system runs BMW Operating System 8 and features an Intelligent Personal Assistant as well as 5G connectivity. Elsewhere, there’s a “floating” armrest with an integrated control panel that features a minimalist shifter. The model also boasts a leather-wrapped sport steering wheel, a dual-zone automatic climate control system, four USB-C ports, and redesigned seats that can be ordered with Sensatec or Vernasca leather upholstery. Of course, the 2-Series Active Tourer is all about space and the rear seats can slide up to 130 mm. Furthermore, boot capacity increases by as much as 90 liters and there’s up to 470 liters of room behind the rear seats. If that isn’t enough, the seats can be folded down to increase the capacity up to 1,455 liters.
An assortment of different engines will be available and the 218i comes with a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder that produces 134 hp and 230 Nm of torque. It allows the model to run from 0-100 km/h in 9.0 seconds before hitting a top speed of 214 km/h. The 220i is similar, but has an increased output of 154 hp and 240 Nm of torque. This cuts the 0-100 km/h time to 8.1 seconds, while the top speed increases to 221 km/h. Customers can also opt for the 223i, which has a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 201 hp and 320 Nm of torque. It hits 100 km/h in 7.0 seconds and tops out at 241 km/h.
Lastly, the 218d has a 2.0-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder engine with 148 hp and 360 Nm of torque. It enables the model to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 8.8 seconds and onto a top speed of 220 km/h. All of the aforementioned engines are connected to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, but the 220i and 223i are notable as their gearbox has an electric motor integrated into it. This can deliver a “power boost” of up to 19 hp.
The powertrain lineup will expand next summer as BMW will launch two plug-in hybrid variants. Both will have a 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine that powers the front wheels and an electric motor that turns the rear wheels. This will give them combined outputs of 242 hp and 322 hp. More importantly, the models are equipped with larger 14.9 kWh batteries that will allow for electric-only ranges of up to 80 km in the WLTP cycle.
