The ‘ultimate driving MPV’ sharpens its game.
When BMW first introduced the 2-Series Active Tourer, quite a number of people were taken aback, particularly brand purists. While contemporaries Mercedes-Benz have long offered vans and people-movers, the idea of a high-roofed 5-seater hatch was sacrilegious to BMW fans. And that was before its front-wheel drive powertrain was taken into consideration.
Fast forward to today, and the 2-Series Active Tourer is an engrained member of the lineup, much to the chagrin of aforementioned detractors (who, notably, didn’t take to BMW SUVs for a long time too). BMW’s refreshed the 2-AT for our market for the new model year, packing more tech and (marginally) smarter looks to keep appealing to people who want MPV-practicality with BMW drivability.
From launch, the 2-AT will arrive in 220i Luxury Line form as standard. There are new bumpers on either end, with an enlarged kidney grille up front flanked by headlights that now sport hexagonal ‘Corona ring’ light signatures. At the rear, the new bumper is signed off with larger exhaust pipes (90mm outlets now, up from 75mm previously).
There are also new 18-inch alloy wheels, and a smattering of Chrome Line exterior bits and bobs.
Opt for the M-Sport pack and you gain five alloy wheel options as well as the choice of having your 2-AT finished in signature Estoril Blue, in case the standard assortment of 13 paint finishes isn’t enough for you.
The cabin changes are centred around the new infotainment system. iDrive6 features in the new 2-AT, with its new customisable tiles that make sifting through functionality that much easier. However, there’s no mention of Apple or Android smartphone mirroring, which is a shame.
The iDrive6 system is presented either on the standard 6.5-inch screen, or an optional 8.8-inch unit. The cabin itself is now available with a choice of five interior trims, with fine-wood ‘Fineline Stream’ and Dakota leather standard on the Luxury Line models. M-Sport cars get ‘Aluminium Hexagon’ interior trim, for a sportier feel.
Under the bonnet, there’s a 2.0-litre turbo-four petrol mill, with power going to the front wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch auto. Power is rated at 141kW and torque at 280Nm, with the century sprint dealt with in 7.4-seconds.
The 220i Active Tourer gains, above the M-Sport pack we mentioned earlier, two more options in the form of the Innovations and Comfort options. The former adds a smart heads-up display, BMW ConnectedDrive with Concierge, active cruise with traffic jam functionality, lane-keeping aid, and rear cross-traffic alert, as well as that 8.8-inch screen. The Comfort pack adds keyless entry and go, electric passengers’ seat, and electric lumbar support for the driver. Oh, and seat heating up front.
The BMW 220i Active Tourer is available now, from $49,500 before on-road costs.
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