An MPV might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of BMW, but since 2014 this firm has been showing that spacious cars can still be stylish, upmarket and good to drive.
Those are traits BMW has carried over to its new second-generation 2 Series Active Tourer, which is just reaching showrooms, with the German firm hoping it continues to be a popular addition to its range.
It brings with it a range of advancements too. Here are five things you need to know about the 2022 BMW 2 Series Active Tourer
Bold new design
BMW has been making its car designs even bolder in recent years, and the 2 Series Active Tourer is one of its most striking yet. Featuring a large version of the iconic BMW kidney grille, the new model also comes with sharp LED headlights as standard.
Some of its design is also inspired by the brand’s flagship iX electric SUV, particularly the slim rear lights and three-quarter section. All of this shows it’s possible for an MPV to still look the part.
Gets BMW’s latest iDrive media system
This latest 2 Series Active Tourer makes some pretty big advances where technology is concerned, and possibly the most important new feature is its new iDrive system. It’s only the third model in BMW’s range to come with the system, and the other two have been pricey electric cars.
Running on BMW Operating System 8, it offers some of the sharpest in-car graphics of any car, and a broad range of connected functions. It also uses the smart new ‘BMW Curved Display’ as standard, including a 10.25-inch digital dial display and 10.7-inch touchscreen into one main panel, and really helps to give the 2 Series a particularly high-end and modern feel.
More spacious and practical than before
However, BMW hasn’t forgotten about the need to be practical, as this remains arguably the most important attribute in a car of this type. Throughout the interior there is a lot of room for passengers, with occupants now getting more headroom and kneeroom than before.
As standard it comes with individually folding rear seats, while these can slide too, should you need more or less boot or rear seat space. The boot is now 90 litres larger than before – now measuring up to 470 litres with the rear bench upright, or 1,455 litres with them folded. An electric boot is also fitted across the range.
Broad range of engines available – with plug-in hybrids to follow
At launch BMW offers three engine options – two petrol mild-hybrids (220i and 223i), as well as an efficient 218d diesel that can return up to 59mpg. All engines deliver strong acceleration for their class, while a seven-speed automatic transmission is standard on all versions too.
BMW will also launch a pair of new plug-in hybrids – the 225e xDrive and 230e xDrive – over the coming months, which not only pack more power than before, but also a larger battery. In fact, the German firm says they’re now capable of up to 49 miles from a charge, giving scope for some impressively low running costs.
Top-notch safety tech available
Even as standard the 2 Series Active Tourer gets a decent amount of safety kit, including autonomous emergency braking and lane keep assist.
But if you want all the bells and whistles, it’s recommended that you venture to the options list, where a whole range of high-tech assistance features are on offer. Highlights include adaptive cruise control with lane control assistant, along with self-parking functionality.
Enquire on a new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer