We all breathed a sigh of relief when the all-new BMW 2 Series was spared the giant grille treatment of its 4 Series sibling. By contrast, BMW has unveiled the next-generation 2 Series Active Tourer in Europe, and the styling is a drastic departure from its standard sibling, sporting larger kidney grilles than the outgoing model. To be fair, the bolder styling gives the new 2 Series Active Tourer more presence than its predecessor. While it won't go on sale in the US, the new 2 Series Active Tourer will take on the Mercedes B-Class in Europe.
When it launched in 2014, the Active Series Tourer was controversial for being the first-ever front-wheel-drive BMW. Despite this, BMW's first minivan was popular enough to spawn a successor. In addition to the larger grille, the styling is revamped with flush door handles for a cleaner look, raked a-pillars, and sleeker LED headlights.
Adaptive LED headlights are also available. At the back, the exhaust tailpipes are integrated into the rear apron. Available in Luxury Line or M Sport trims, the new 2 Series Active Tourer rides on 16-inch or 17-inch alloy wheels as standard, or larger 19-inch wheels can be fitted.
Inside, the interior design is inspired by the flagship iX electric SUV, incorporating a curved display with a 10.25-inch digital driver's display and a 10.7-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system running the latest iDrive 8 software. There's also a "floating" center console with an integrated control panel. The rear seats can slide forwards by over five inches and be folded flat with a 40:20:40 split.
Cargo capacity ranges from 470-1,455 liters in the BMW 218i Active Tourer and BMW 218d Active Tourer and 415-1,405 liters in the BMW 220i Active Tourer and BMW 223i Active Tourer. An automatic tailgate comes as standard, and an electrically operated trailer tow hitch can be ordered as an option.
As for engine options, the 218i is powered by a 1.5-liter turbo engine producing 136 horsepower and 171 lb-ft of torque. More powerful 220i and 223i variants are rated at 170 hp/206 lb-ft and 218 hp/265 lb-ft respectively. If you prefer diesel, the 218d packs a 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine producing 150 hp and 265 lb-ft. Regardless of the trim, power is sent to the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Next summer, two plug-in hybrids will join the lineup. In Europe, sales for the new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer start in February 2022.