Driving BMW 220i Active Tourer: Bavarian recipe

Η BMW has deservedly established itself in our consciousness as a brand with its distinction in dynamic and sporty cars. But is there room in its range for a multi-modular vehicle without altering its DNA? The weekly symbiosis with the BMW 220i Active Tourer gives an answer to this question! 

Meet

BMW was late to embrace the trend of multi-modular cars. The first attempt was only made in 2014 with the first generation of the 2 Series Active Tourer. Even though, the MPVs are now obsolete and most manufacturers are abandoning the category in favour of crossovers, BMW dared and as of October 2021 introduced the second generation of the 2 Series Active Tourer, differentiating it aesthetically from both the outgoing model and the other MPVs!

External design

Designed in white paper, the new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer retains only the name of its predecessor. The uniform oval shape with its muscular surfaces looks modern and contemporary! 

At the front, the large BMW trademark grille takes up the widest part of the front end and is flanked by thin wedge-shaped headlamps with LED graphics that make it look even more majestic. 

Its profile is particularly interesting, as the muscular surfaces and the upward nerves, which start from the lower part of the front wings and are integrated into the edges of the rear windows, give it its characteristic and recognisable silhouette. 

The rear end looks simpler and more serious, with the vertical fifth door incorporating the horizontal wedge-shaped lights. 

The test car had the M Sport package, which means 18-inch wheels, chunkier bumpers, with the rear end sporting a distinctive aerodynamic diffuser. Also, the small spoiler on the fifth door couldn't be missing. However, what we appreciated most is the panoramic dual roof! 

All in all, the new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer is well-balanced in design, projecting a sporty and dynamic character for the first time in an MPV. 

Internal

The design of the cabin is modern and futuristic, as passengers feel as if they are stepping into another dimension, taking a trip into the future! The first feature is the "BMW Curved Display", which houses the two colour screens in the partially curved and single frame. The first for the instrument panel is 10.7-inch and the console 10.25-inch, compatible with Apple AirPlay and Android Auto! 

The second feature is the floating, aviation-style armrest, with its clever pockets, the switches for the automatic transmission selector, the electric starter switch and the audio system! In front of the armrest and under the console screen is a stand for your mobile phone or tablet! 

As befits a BMW, the choice of materials is top notch with a good touch feel! The dashboard and door trim is soft leather, combined with aluminium details. The interior trim is luxurious with a very good fit and finish, with a sense of quality in mind!  

Although BMW avoids calling it an MPV and likens it to a crossover, the one-volume bodywork betrays the family character of the car! With a focus on practicality and ergonomics, BMW designers have created a pleasant interior with a plethora of solutions to meet the needs of the modern family man! The split rear seat is sliding up to 13 cm, increasing the boot capacity, which ranges from 415 to 1,405 litres depending on the configuration with the seats fully folded! 

The leather bucket seats in the M Sport package offer the ideal support for the passengers' bodies, with a wealth of adjustments and memory positions! 

All in all, spaciousness and comfort are the strong advantages of the BMW 220i Active Tourer. It is worth mentioning that the airy cabin, thanks to the double panoramic roof, bathes the interior with plenty of light!  

Engine

Under the bonnet we find the mild hybrid set 48 volts Twin Power Turbo, consisting of the familiar turbocharged three-cylinder 1.5-litre petrol engine with an output of 156 hp / 4.700-6.500 rpm. and torque 240 Nm/1.500-4.400 σ.α.λ. και έναν ηλεκτροκινητήρα – γεννήτρια 19 ίππων και 55 Nm torque, mounted inside the gearbox! Combined power output is 170 horsepower and the maximum torque of 280 Nm. The hybrid system provides drive to the front wheels via the seven-speed automatic transmission.

On the road

Are you wondering if an all-rounder with the propeller on the bonnet can be worthy of the Bavarian brand? We just have to experience it in real conditions!

In the city moves flexibly thanks to its compact dimensions. The high driving position combined with the single volume bodywork offers excellent peripheral visibility. At the same time, the cameras that offer 360-degree vision make parking a game and make driving in congested traffic easier, as it helps manoeuvring and making the most of every last centimetre of available space! 

On the provincial and mountain network the behaviour is worthy of a car with the propeller on the bonnet. The driver feels that it has a very good grip on the road, favouring dynamic driving, even though it is a BMW with the drive on the front axle. At the same time, the new robust chassis is highlighted "FAAR" ("front drive architecture"). 

On the motorway its traveling character becomes apparent. The ride quality and sound insulation is at the highest levels in the class, with comfort being top-notch even on long journeys. Finally, the absence of aerodynamic noise even at very high speeds will be appreciated by the driver.   

General the BMW 220i Active Tourer, despite its height and a bulky body, offers a dynamic drive in line with the Bavarian company's standards. The handling is excellent, but if pressed it has tendencies to oversteer, while remaining predictable and getting the adrenaline pumping! In any driving condition, passengers will appreciate the exemplary ride quality, offering aviation-style comfort, with the suspension absorbing every bump in the road. As for fuel consumption, it reached 8.2 litres/100 km! 

Who it is aimed at

BMW has created a car ideal for active family drivers who love to travel, love dynamic driving and seek space, ergonomics and safety. 

Price

For those interested in acquiring it, the price of the BMW 220i starts from 36.450 euros! 

Technical characteristics