Is it to catch up? To make its Series 1 platform profitable? To annoy Mercedes? There are plenty of “good” reasons why BMW could have justified the renewal of its Series 2 Active Tourer.
In a segment that no longer interests many people, neglected in favor of SUVs, this is still surprising: only two manufacturers insist by producing compact MPVs.
The detractors of SUVs and nostalgics of Scenics therefore still have two real, very recent family solutions; the Mercedes B-Class and this all-new 2 Series Active Tourer, from BMW.
This second generation, based like the previous one on a Series 1 platform, retains all the attributes of the minivans, with beautiful glass surfaces and an attractive size / habitability ratio.
But the Gran Tourer version, elongated and offering the possibility of carrying seven people, is not renewed. However, she represented almost a third of French sales.
Now the Active Tourer spans 4.39 meters, 3 cm longer than before. This does not change much in the practical aspects, the German retaining split 40/20/40 reclining rear seatbacks and, as an option, a bench that slidese in two parts on twelve big centimeters.
Its trunk has a capacity of 415 liters and can, by folding everything on board, increase to a volume of 1,405 litres.
Compared to an SUV of a similar size like the BMW X1, the 2 Series shaves a few precious centimeters everywhere, in width at the elbows, in rear legroom and in headroom. For the well-being of passengers, the strengths of a minivan like the Active Tourer remain relevant.
On board, welcome to the digital age, with an XXL curved screen reminiscent of the innovative iX. This latest generation device, aesthetically flattering and bringing together all the comfort and multimedia features, will delight technology lovers.
Less the others, for whom the physical buttons are important, especially since iDrive wheel disappeared : you must constantly touch the screen with your fingertip to use the interface. Or talk to your vehicle and request voice control.
Behind its giant bean grille, the Active Tourer gets up to date with plug-in hybrid enginesavailable in France next fall.
The 225e and 230e versions announce a good electric range, going beyond 90 kilometers, thanks to their 16.3 kWh capacity battery. Their electric motor, which acts on the rear axle, carries their respective cumulative powers at 245 and 326 hp.
In the meantime, this series 2 family can be enjoyed in 218d, with a 150 hp diesel, or in gasoline.
The 223i (218 hp), the only four-cylinder petrol proposal with all-wheel drive, will not be not offered in France. Its CO emissions2 would have resulted in an assassin malus for his career.
There therefore remains in the catalog the 218i of 136 hp and the 220i of 170 hp, the only version available for testing so far. The latter, of which the 1.5-litre three-cylinder benefits from micro-hybridizationhas a small electric motor integrated into the gearbox, which offers assistance: a contribution of up to 14 kW during acceleration.
This engine, rather sober despite the relief of our test route, in Spain, already displays serious dynamic performance, well helped by the 240 Nm of torque.
She takes advantage ofa robotic double-clutch transmission and seven reports, which suffers on the other hand from a marked response time during reminders.
And the engine is too present during acceleration, suffering in addition to a very unspecified sound, quite disappointing even for a family vehicle. Fortunately, this 1.5 liter driving the front wheels is perfectly forgotten at steady speed.
At the wheel, we benefit from road services at least equal to those of an SUV. The lower center of gravity benefits the behavior, precise, and you quickly forget that you are on board a minivan. Too bad the direction filters all the sensations.
Worse, the SelectDrive damping of our M Sport version is far too firm. With such a suspension, the baby potty is digested more quickly, but we end up favoring the main well-coated axes over the more sinuous secondary network.
In terms of staffing, the newcomer, produced in Germanyrecovers like many electric cars an autonomous deceleration according to the profile of the road or the traffic.
On getting up, depending on the vehicles in front, or when approaching a roundabout or a red traffic light, the 220i automatically activates very light braking (0.075 g), so at regenerate its very small battery of 1 kWh capacity and smoother driving.
The interest, limited on this version, seems more obvious for the plug-in hybrid versions scheduled for autumn 2022: the level of deceleration will be doubled (0.15 g).
Among the more conventional equipment, you have to snoop around among the options and in the packsas always with the Bavarian manufacturer, to have “hands-free” access, blind spot monitoring or head-up display.
Systems that are often found in series on more accessible vehicles, offered by generalist manufacturers. Even those who no longer produce minivans…
BMW 220i Active Tourer test – our opinion:
Unsurprisingly, but with a polished presentation and good interior space, the new Bavarian minivan, which charges a lot for its services, displays real arguments compared to a compact SUV.
WE love
- Presentation and equipment
- Rear roominess
- Driving pleasure
- Wide mechanical range
We love less
- No 7-seater version
- Suspension too firm
- “All-touch” ergonomics
- BMW Pricing!
Specifications (BMW 220i Active Tourer)
- Engine: front, transverse, 3-cylinder, gasoline, 12 valves, turbo, direct and indirect injection, 1,499 cc3 FAP
- Transmission: traction, robotized, 7 speeds
- Power (hp @ rpm): 170 @ 4,400
- Torque (Nm at rpm): 240 at 1,500
- Empty weight (kg): 1,595
- Long.xlarg.xhaut. (m) : 4,39×1,82×1,58
- Wheelbase (m): 2.67
- Turning circle (m): 11.4
- Max speed (km/h): 221
- 0 to 100 km/h (s): 8.1
- Standard tires : 205/65 R 16
- Test tires: 225/50 R 18 – Pirelli P Zero
- Cons. mixed WLTP (l/100 km): 5.9 to 6.3
- Cons. during the test (l/100 km): 7
- CO2 (g/km): 134 to 142
- Penalty: 190 to 360 €
- 5/2 chest (l): 415/1,405
- Front/rear elbow width (cm): 146/144
- Rear legroom (cm): 76
- Tank (l): 45 (54 optional)
- Country of manufacture: Germany
- Warranty: 2 years/unlimited mileage
- Fiscal horsepower: 8 CV
- Base price: €36,600 (220i)
- Price of the tested version: €40,750 (220i M Sport)
RANGE PROPOSED (BMW Series 2 Active Tourer)
Petrol, 136 to 170 hp, from €34,200 to €40,750
Diesel, 150 hp, from €36,400 to €40,550
RECOMMENDED OPTIONS
- Electric front seats: €700
- Changing codes/automatic headlights: €170
- Drive Assist Pack (blind spot monitoring, rear collision warning, active pedestrian protection with autonomous braking): €600
- Increased tank capacity (from 45 to 54 litres): €55
MAIN COMPETITORS
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