We drive the brand's first front-wheel drive model, the 218 Active TourerThe two-litre diesel with 150 hp and 33.6 kg of torque works perfectly with BMW's divine automatic transmission and has such a reserve of power and response that makes you believe that it is at least 50-60 horses more powerful than the "papers". The Germans have done a tremendous job on all levels.
To be honest, when BMW first announced that they would be bringing out a front-wheel drive model, many people talked about "degeneration". Of a "BMW that wouldn't be a true BMW". But the Bavarian firm persisted in its revolution. And, when I received it, with the intention of... shouting at the test, I understood why this revolution was worth it after all.
The 218 is neither degenerate nor far from the tradition that has made BMW what it is. It is a true Bavarian brand car oriented towards usability. In summary, the only thing that made me sour on this BMW was when I pushed it to spin. It sounds a bit odd the front wheel spin from a BMW. Otherwise, it's a genuine BMW in all its glory - and so it's no coincidence that this is the sportiest and most luxurious MPV on the market, priced competitively not only for its class, but in general.
The platform
Despite being the first... heretical BMW, the 218 Active Tourer is not an "experiment". The Germans knew exactly what they were doing when they created the first front-wheel drive car in the brand's - laureled - 76-year history, as they used a tried and tested and successful solution: its floor (UKL1 platform) is the same as the Countryman. With an aggressive- sporty look that doesn't hint at... kangaroos however, as it also has the premium element, a good engine and plenty of space, BMW has the formula it was looking for.
And since we're talking about MPVs, practicality is the name of the game. And, combined with the ultimate driving position (a hallmark of the brand), excellent materials, excellent cabin finishes, poetic concealed lighting and ergonomic solutions, makes the 218 the ultimate car for a large family to travel in comfort and pleasure.
The 4.3 m long (2.67 m wheelbase) body of the 218i Active Tourer, with increased height, can carry 5 people and their luggage, and justifies the term "multifunctional" with the possibility of multiple seating arrangements, which changes the interior layout as the rear seats move along the longitudinal axis with fully adjustable backrests.
The easy folding of the rear backrest makes it even easier to make the most of the land, while the luggage space is large enough, with 468 litres to comfortably cover the needs of a family.
At the same time, the space under the floor allows for the transport of smaller items, or items that you don't want to be seen when opening the back door.
In general, the driver will never have a hard time. Combined with the panoramic visibility, with the test car's rich equipment, the 218 helps you brake in time to change lanes. And of course, BMW's self-parking system doesn't just get your hands off, it becomes a... demonstration tool to get the passengers in the mood.
On the road
The Active Tourer's size is small enough for easy parking, but big enough to support the transport needs of your family and hobbies. It's 4.34m long (just 1.8 inches longer than the 1 Series), 1.8m wide and 1.56m tall.
BMW went all out so that its new model wouldn't be the poor relation in driving feel compared to rear-wheel drive models - and it succeeded brilliantly. With a granite-stiff front suspension and a steering wheel that feels natural, excellent precision, strong rebound, understeer at the limit that picks up until you say "kymino" and minimal throttle response, the Active Tourer elicits your positive feedback.
The 2 Active Tourer doesn't just tread well. With a perfectly balanced and precise grip, it puts you in a sporty mood. The weighting is 60/40, which is not particularly front-heavy by front-wheel drive standards, and the steering is up to a touch sharper than you'd like.
The 2 Active Tourer's cornering gradients are reminiscent of another class, as they're not too steep, which adds to the confidence the car gives you, while braking hard and firmly. At the same time the rolling is perfectly acceptable as is the comfort, with the only objection being the rolling noise which is a bit pronounced - due to the demands for sporty grip which requires hard chine blocks and especially the runflat tyres.
The two-litre diesel with 150 hp and 33.6 kg of torque works perfectly with BMW's divine automatic transmission and has such a reserve of power and response that makes you believe that it is at least 50-60 horses more powerful than the "papers". The Germans have done a tremendous job on all levels.
By the time you drive it, however, the cabin has won you over. With a wheelbase of 2.67m, it gives you an impressive amount of space, whether you're sitting in the front or the back. Not to mention that the 468-litre boot is large and the rear seat folds down into three parts. A third person in the back isn't undesirable, but four adults will certainly enjoy it more.
It's clear that BMW invested heavily in the cabin and in the end the investment paid off. Extremely well-built and practical, it makes you feel good. The pockets are ubiquitous (on the doors, console, dashboard, armrest) and large, so they make your life easy. The materials are also exemplary, and so is the assembly with their finish.
