Published on October 6th, 2021 | by Subhash Nair

A New BMW 2 Series Active Tourer Has Been Revealed

The BMW 2 Series Active Tourer has been renewed once more.

The BMW 2 Series Active Tourer was never the most popular model in Malaysia (even though there are some interesting manual units around), but in Europe, its success cannot be denied. Since its introduction more than 7 years ago, it has gone on to sell more than 400,000 units. 80% of 2 Series Active Tourer customers were new to the BMW brand, so it has been a great way for BMW to grow their customer base. Which is probably why BMW have decided to renew the model for another round – giving it a complete redesign, more high-tech equipment and a chassis that can take new electrified forms.

Let’s start with the powertrain and chassis. As before, this is a natively front-wheel driven vehicle with a transversely-mounted engine up front. So far, pure petrol variants include the 218i and 220i, with a mild hybrid 223i coming as well. All these petrol engines feature a new combustion process and dual injection. The BMW 223i will have a combined power output of 204hp, with 19hp coming from the transmission-mounted electric motor. All of these send power to the front wheels with a new-generation 7-speed Steptronic dual-clutch gearbox. By this time next year, BMW will add 2 plug-in hybrid variants to the mix with 5th gen eDrive tech.

The chassis has been engineered for better rigidity, a longer wheelbase and wider tracks than the preceeding model could offer. Steering precision has been improved thanks to an update on the front single-joint spring strut axle and rear three-link rear axle. The standard near-actuator wheel slip limitation function improves both traction and directional stability. The new integrated braking system and the extra, lift-related damping for the front axle. An optional adaptive M suspension includes frequency-selective damping, sport steering and a 15-millimetre drop in ride height.

In terms of design, the new 2 Active Tourer sports familiar proportions with cleaner, reduced surfaces. The biggest change to the shape of the new car comes in the form of more raked A-pillars, and newly designed door shoulders with slimmer C-pillars. There are also flush-fitting door handles this time around. The kidney grille is enlarged and the headlights are slimmer and contoured.

Exhaust tailpipes are integrated into the rear apron, indicating a less agressive style. Rim sizes range from 16″-19″ and trim choices are either standard, Luxury Line or M Sport at launch. This generation of 2 Series Active Tourer offers LED headlights as standard, but customers can option in Adaptive LED headlights, cornering lights, matrix high beams, urban lights, a motorway beam pattern and a bad weather light if they desire.

Inside we see the biggest improvements to the 2 Series Active Tourer. The cabin has been completely redesigned with cues from the iX and fewer physical buttons overall. The BMW Curved Display makes an appearance here along with a floating armrest with integrated control panel. There’s also much better use of space, with loads of storage areas, a wireless charging slot for a smartphone up front, a sliding, adjustable, folding rear seat row and better ergonomics overall. A powered tailgate comes as standard.

BMW have also fitted their in-house Maps system as standard along with four USB-C ports, a couple of 12V power socket in the centre console and in the boot. Other nice to haves include dual zone auto climate control, a sport leather steering wheel, a rain sensor, auto headlights and loads of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems.