BMW 2 Series Active Tourer (2014 – 2021) Review

February 2014

BMW 2 Series Active Tourer unveiled

Measuring just 4,342mm long (only marginally longer than a BMW 1 Series), 1,800mm wide and 1,555mm in height, the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer combines compact dimensions on the outside with a spacious feel on the inside, making it perfectly suited to the increasing challenges of urban mobility.

Wheel and tyre sizes: 16-inch wheels with 195/65 R16 tyres; 16-inch wheels with 205/60 R16 tyres; 17-inch wheels with 195/55 R17 tyres; 17-inch wheels with 205/55 R17 tyres; 18-inch wheels with 225/45 R18 tyres or 19-inch wheels with 225/40 R19 tyres.

It is the first BMW badged model to have front wheel drive, and the first BM model to utilise BMW's 1.5 litre chain cam 3-cylinder and 2.0 litre chain cam 4-cylinder modular petrol and diesel engines.

The tailgate, with its low sill and wide aperture, gives easy access to the load compartment, while vertical air-deflecting aeroblades on either side of the rear window along with a rear spoiler add style while contributing to impressive aerodynamic efficiency. The dynamic look is even carried over to the rear windscreen wiper, which at rest remains hidden inside the rear spoiler. The result is that the new BMW 218i Active Tourer has a drag coefficient of just 0.26.

Despite the compact exterior dimensions, the interior is light and surprisingly spacious, with comfortable seating for five people. A large glass area ensures the cabin is light and airy throughout - an effect further enhanced by the optional panoramic roof and by the A-pillar triangle window, both of which also improve all-round visibility.

Driver and front passenger also enjoy a far higher seating position than in a saloon giving commanding all-round view as well as making it easier to get in and out.

For the first time BMW has introduced front-wheel-drive into its model range, but in order to do so, and retain the sporty characteristics necessary in every one of its cars, it chose to start with a blank sheet of paper. The result is a new, state-of-the-art, front-wheel-drive system on the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer that balances comfort and agility.

With the optional electronically controlled dampers, the chassis characteristics can be adjusted to different driving situations with a choice of two different settings, making for even further improved ride comfort and driving dynamics. Optional Variable Sports Steering and the introduction of M Sport models from later in 2014 will add to the sporty handling and character of the car.

The BMW 218i Active Tourer has an all-new three-cylinder engine. This ultra-low-friction, all-aluminium core engine is part of a newly developed modular family comprising light weight, high-performance and fuel-efficiency, equipped with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. The result is CO2 emissions of only 115g/km, yet peak power of 136hp.

Completing the two engine line-up at launch is a new four-cylinder diesel engine in the BMW 218d Active Tourer. Turbocharged and common rail direct-injected, optimised performance with optimised efficiency see CO2 emissions as low as 109g/km, power of 150hp and a peak torque of 330Nm.

May 2014

BMW 2 Series Active Tourer opened ordering

Prices started at £22,125 OTR for the 218i SE Active Tourer.

Standard specification confirmed and included: Automatic tailgate, two-zone automatic air conditioning, rear Park Distance Control, BMW Emergency Call, 40:20:40 split folding rear seat with electronic folding functionality and 60:40 sliding rear bench. Additionally Bluetooth with USB interface and audio streaming functionality, BMW Professional radio with single CD player and 6.5-inch monitor, DAB digital radio, Performance Control, Comfort Go keyless engine start, Drive Performance Control with ECO PRO, Comfort and Sport modes, rain sensor with automatic headlight activation, Sport multi-function leather steering wheel and additional 12V power socket are also included as standard.

Sport models got 17-inch Sport alloy wheels, Sport front seats, LED ambient lighting, Black High-gloss trim and Sport enhancements to the exterior styling. Sport models cost £1,250 over the SE specification.

Luxury models have 17-inch Luxury alloy wheels, Dakota leather upholstery, LED ambient lighting, Chromeline exterior, Fineline Stream wood trim and Luxury enhancements to exterior styling. Luxury models cost £2,000 over an SE.

February 2016

BMW 225xe Active Tourer hybrid announced

Shares BMW eDrive system previously seen in the BMW X5 xDrive40e. Producing a total output of 224hp (a combination of the three-cylinder 1.5 litre combustion engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, 136hp and an electric motor developing 88hp). The combustion engine sends its power to the front wheels via a six-speed Steptronic transmission and produces a peak torque of 220Nm but under heavy acceleration from rest and for overtaking manoeuvres, the power from the two drive systems combines to gives a peak torque of up to 385Nm. Its combined NEDC fuel consumption is 141.2mpg.

The electrified xDrive system allows the driver to call on electrified all-wheel drive up to speeds of 78mph. With the electric motor and combustion engine only driving one axle each, the electrically driven rear axle is added to the conventionally powered Active Tourer’s front-wheel drive, traction is increased and the BMW 225xe’s handling remains neutral for longer than the models with only front-wheel drive can claim. A further improvement in driving dynamics is the result.

As a PHEV, the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer with eDrive can charge its lithium-ion high-voltage battery (gross capacity: 7.6 kWh) by either brake energy recuperation during a journey or when plugged into a domestic power socket (in three hours 15 minutes from empty) or the optional BMW i Wallbox (two hours 20 minutes from empty).

May 2016

225xe Active Tourer now part of iPerformance range

Externally, iPerformance cars are identifiable only by eDrive badges on the C-pillars, the charging point flap on the nearside front wing and, in some cases, i badges on the front wings. Customers can, however, specify iPerformance exterior styling at no additional cost. This consists of blue slats on the BMW kidney grille and blue alloy wheel hubs. Internally, iPerformance models have eDrive menus in the black panel display and, in most cases, eDrive designation on the door sills.

An M Sport version of the BMW 225xe Active Tourer Plug-in-Hybrid has been introduced at £34,405 OTR before Government Plug-in Car grant. There are revised colour options for several models.

May 2016

BMW 2 Series gets latest iDrive interface and enhanced connectivity services

Incorporated into the BMW Professional media system, the latest iDrive interface and enhanced connectivity provides a simpler menu navigation requiring fewer clicks to move between key sections such as map view, messages, entertainment and media and an increase in RAM to improve performance. This new system also allows the wireless integration of selected third party applications from a compatible mobile device.

In addition to the already standard Bluetooth connectivity this can be further enhanced by opting for the new Enhanced Bluetooth which alongside the upgraded BMW Professional Navigation system now includes Wireless Charging, WiFi Hotspot preparation and an additional USB socket. The new Enhanced Bluetooth with Wireless Charging is offered as standard on all BMW 6 Series and 7 Series models as well as the M3, M4, X5M and X6M.

Accessing a library of over 30 million tracks available to stream at any time as part of BMW Online Entertainment is now even easier thanks to the new Connected Music feature. This introduces the additional option, when listening to the radio, of recognising the track, artist or album. The listener can then search for and stream other music by that artist or music of the same genre.

March 2019

Improvements announced to BMW 225xe Active Tourer

Electrically powered range increased by 25% to up to 57 kilometres. Retaining the same dimensions as before, the new lithium-ion battery now has a gross energy content that has been increased from 7.7 to 9.7. The combined fuel consumption of the BMW 225xe Active Tourer is at least 1.9 litres per 100 kilometres, its combined power consumption is at least 14.7 kWh per 100 kilometres and its emissions level is at least 43g/km.