BMW 2 Series Active Tourer pricing and specification announced

BMW has announce pricing and engine details of its first ever front wheel drive model, the 2 Series Active Tourer. Scheduled to reach Australian showrooms in December this year, the 2 Series Active Tourer is also the brand’s first ever minivan, despite Munich calling it the Sports Activity Tourer (SAT).

The new 2 Series Active Tourer is built on a completely new architecture, based on a front-wheel drive layout, designed to provide a spacious interior in a versatile and functional package.

Shawn Ticehurst, head of product and market planning for BMW Group Australia, is confident the new 2 Series Active Tourer will open up new opportunities for the brand.

“With its combination of elegant design, enhanced functionality, powerful yet economical performance and acclaimed BMW driving characteristics, the 2 Series Active Tourer will facilitate the company’s entry into a whole new customer segment,” he said.

“And, with the high level of specifications standard on every vehicle, we’re sure they will be very happy customers indeed!”

Standard specification levels on the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer are indeed impressive. High-end features such as BMW’s Driving Assistant, which includes Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning and Light City Braking will be standard on all variants, as will a rear view camera, Navigation System, Sensatec upholstery, a BMW Design Line Package and an automatic tailgate.

At launch, the 2 Series Active Tourer will be available in three variants, based on the three different engines. The entry level 218i Active Tourer will be priced from $44,400 plus on-road costs, while the 218d Active Tourer will be available from $47,800. The top-of-the-range 225i Active Tourer will get a sticker price of $54,900.

Traditionally rear-wheel-drive only BMW has gone down the path of equipping the 2 Series Active Tourer with a sophisticated front-wheel-drive system was in response to demand for high level of spaciousness, variability and functionality in the premium compact class.

BMW promises that its first front-wheel drive model will retain its hallmark driving dynamics. The range will eventually be joined by BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive models.

Together with a long wheelbase of 2,670 millimetres and raised roofline, the FWD configuration enables the interior to be maximised, resulting in an unprecedented feeling of spaciousness. Driver and front passenger enjoy a far higher seating position than in a sedan, which affords a commanding all-round view and easier access and egress. The cabin has a light and spacious feel, with all surfaces horizontally structured in a layered look.

The new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer will be launched with a choice of three fuel-efficient turbocharged three and four-cylinder drive units that form part of a new generation of engines.

The three-cylinder petrol unit – the first ever three-cylinder for BMW – is found in the BMW 218i Active Tourer. Mated to a standard six speed automatic transmission, the 1.5 litre turbocharged engine generates 100kW of power and 220 Nm of torque, with fuel consumption at 5.2 litres per 100 km.

Topping the bill at market launch is the BMW 225i Active Tourer, a two litre four-cylinder petrol engine which generates 170 kW and 350 Nm of torque with drive through an eight-speed Steptronic sport transmission. Fuel consumption is rated at 6.1 litres per 100 km.

The four cylinder diesel engine found in the 218d Active Tourer generates 110 kW of power and 330 Nm of torque. Teamed with a standard eight-speed Steptronic transmission, fuel consumption is a frugal 4.2 litres per 100 km.

The 2 Series Active Tourer rides on a newly developed chassis, comprising a single-joint spring strut axle at the front and a multi-link rear axle.

BMW’s EfficientDynamics technology is also employed in the 2 Series Active Tourer. It includes an Auto Start Stop function, Brake Energy Regeneration, Optimum Gearshift Indicator, on-demand operation of ancillary units and the integral Air Curtain, which uses two vertical air inlets in the front bumper to direct the airstream along the front wheels.

BMW ConnectedDrive, which provides access to a comprehensive range of in-car services and apps for improved connectivity, will be available in the 2 Series Active Tourer. This means all models in the range will come equipped with a permanent SIM card installed with BMW Teleservices and Intelligent emergency call activated.

The new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer will be available in Australian showrooms from November 2014.