BMW Series 2 Active Tourer: the first front-wheel-drive BMW

These days the news in the motoring world doesn’t let up for a second. With the Geneva Motor Show approaching, manufacturers are working hard to show us their latest creations in all their glory.

Such is the case of BMW, which has started 2014 loaded with new models, each with its own individual approach, such as this Series 2 Active Tourer.

The BMW Series 2 Active Tourer is, without a doubt, one of the brand’s most eye-catching models. It is not the BMW’s most beautiful, nor the fastest, nor the greenest, but it reaches our roads combining technologies never before seen from the Bavarian manufacturer.

Starting with the very concept of the body, the Active Tourer presents itself as an MPV. Yes, BMW has created an MPV. We are sure some of the most devoted fans will be pulling their hair out, but the brand’s move makes a lot of sense.

BMW has never before had for sale a vehicle with such family pretensions as this new Series 2 Active Tourer.
Although the body shapes are easily recognisable as those of a family vehicle, it is undeniable that this new model is a true BMW. The front end, the headlights, the grille, the rear… there is no mistaking it.

The Active Tourer arrives with fairly compact dimensions, with a length of 4.34 metres and a height of 1.55 metres, which ensure a very roomy cabin for 5 passengers.
Speaking of the cabin, the interior of the Series 2 Active Tourer features a new design halfway between a Series 1 and an X5, with materials that are very pleasant both to the eye and to the touch.

One of the points the brand emphasises most is the modularity of its interior, where all the seats can be folded -except the driver’s- in different combinations, as well as the rear bench can slide longitudinally to create a truly large cargo space.

The other major novelty is front-wheel drive, making it the first BMW in history to have this technical layout.
The brand assures that this allows for better use of the body and interior space, while the dynamic qualities that are expected of any BMW are barely diminished.

Speaking of dynamics, the Active Tourer will initially arrive with 3 engines, two petrol (218i and 220i) and one diesel (218d). Further options such as the 216d, 220d and 225i will be added later, as well as the possibility of all-wheel drive.

Source | BMW