Road Test Review: BMW 2 Series Active Tourer M Sport
Independent review by John Murdoch
5-minute read
Highlights
- High-performing
- Packed with equipment
- Spacious and practical
- Great handling
Introduction
There are two models in the BMW 2 Series line-up, and they could not be more different.
A 2-door sports coupé is probably the most attractive, but the Active Tourer - a compact family MPV - is also very popular and has its own loyal audience.
Following a facelift to both models, they received upgraded powertrains and the latest on-board technology.
The 2 Series Active Tourer gives customers a choice of three trim levels called Sport, Luxury and M Sport. The version we drove was the top-level M Sport specification.
Engines and Performance
The Active Tourer has reached over 430,000 global sales since its launch in 2014 and is now powered by a choice of two petrol engines and one diesel with the second-generation of 48V mild hybrid technology. Plug-in hybrid models are also available.
The car featured the 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder, mild-hybrid, petrol engine developing 215bhp. It can tackle the sprint from 0 to 62mph in just 7.0 seconds and is good for 150mph. It is fairly economical delivering a combined 47.1mpg and more on longer runs with emissions of 143g/km.
The 2 Series Active Tourer in M Sport form provides a really nice drive and thanks to its slightly elevated seating position, there is excellent all-round visibility, while all the controls, dials, and readouts are easy to operate and read.
The 7-speed Steptronic dual clutch transmission delivers smooth and responsive gear changes and if you want more fun you can opt to use the steering wheel paddles.
It offers impressive grip through twisting country lanes, cruises at 70mph on motorways and is deceptively agile in busier city centre settings.
John Murdoch
The driver can select from Personal, Sport, and Efficient drive modes that alter the mannerisms of the vehicle, and Adaptive M suspension with mechanically controlled adjustable dampers is standard on the M Sport car that we tried.
This set-up sees a 15mm reduction in the car’s ride height and, along with M Sport steering, means the vehicle is well controlled in and out of bends with most road surface bumps and dips smoothed out along the way too.
Design and Practicality
The Active Tourer features BMW's large trademark kidney grille, full LED headlights as standard (with adaptive LED headlights on the M Sport version), tinted windows and a number of M Sport design elements. There are 19-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, folding exterior mirrors, along with a panoramic sunroof as an optional extra.
Longer, wider and taller than its predecessor, it is also better looking and there is more room inside.
There is enough space for five to travel in comfort and the boot can handle 415 litres of luggage, increasing to 1,405 litres with the 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats folded.
Equipment and Technology
The spacious interior features good quality materials and BMW’s very latest infotainment system. There is a control display measuring 10.7 inches along with a 10.25-inch information display that BMW has positioned together behind a glass surface that curves towards the driver, and the result is very attractive and modern.
The traditional iDrive rotary controller has been dumped, and the driver now uses the steering wheel buttons or the clever personal assistant to access the on-board tech. Voice the magic “Hey BMW” password and the personal assistant system is activated and helps with functions like navigation, finding radio stations, accessing phone contacts and lots more if you have time to work it all out.
Summary
It may not be the most glam model in the BMW range, but the Active Tourer is ideal for family transport and fine to drive, as well as good value provided you do not choose too many optional extras.
The range-topping M Sport trim is also a great option to provide that added bit of performance and luxury to this model.
