New 2022 BMW 2 Series Active Tourer plug-in hybrid MPV unveiled

This is the new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer: the German brand’s compact MPV rival to the Mercedes B-Class, Ford S-MAX and Volkswagen Touran. However, unlike the Ford and VW, the BMW will be available with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The new Active Tourer has launched with a choice of diesel or mild-hybrid petrol engines; these will be followed by two plug-in hybrid options in summer 2022. All are coupled with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The new 225e xDrive and 230e xDrive Active Tourers will produce 241 and 321bhp respectively. In both cases, a three-cylinder petrol engine powers the front wheels, while an electric motor drives the rears for all-wheel-drive and an electric driving range of around 50 miles. Maximum charging speed has increased over the previous generation, from 3.7 to 7.4kW. Those with a home wallbox are now able to fully recharge the battery in two-and-a-half hours.

Inside, the new MPV borrows cues from the BMW iX flagship electric SUV, with a curved display that includes a 10.25-inch digital driver’s screen and 10.7-inch central screen. Underneath is a storage space ideal for your smartphone, which can be fitted with a wireless charging pad.Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard, plus the Active Tourer can also receive over-the-air (OTA) software updates and is compatible with the My BMW app, allowing owners to locate their car and manage charging.

20

While the Active Tourer’s wheelbase is unchanged from before, the new model is larger than the previous generation: 32mm longer, 24mm wider and 21mm higher. Improved cabin space is promised, including more headroom for those in the front and rear. The rear seats feature ISOFIX child-seat anchors, and can be folded in a 40:20:40 split, which in the plug-in hybrid version expands boot space to 1,370 litres. 

Prices for the new plug-in BMW 2 Series Active Tourer have yet to be announced, however, we do know it’ll be available in three trim levels – Sport, Luxury and M Sport – like most of the German brand’s other models.  Sport features 17-inch alloy wheels, sports seats with cloth upholstery, LED headlights, a reversing camera and other kit. Meanwhile, Luxury gets upgraded 17-inch wheels, aluminium exterior trim, leather upholstery and heated front seats.

Finally, M Sport adds a redesigned front bumper, 18-inch alloy wheels, adaptive M suspension, adaptive LED headlights, folding exterior mirrors, heated sports seats with Alcantara upholstery, wireless smartphone charging and an upgraded instrument panel. The list of optional extras includes a panoramic sunroof, 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and safety systems such as active cruise control with stop-go functionality, which can maintain a set speed (between 19 and 112mph) while also keeping a safe distance from cars ahead.

The new 2 Series Active Tourer joins BMW’s already extensive range of plug-in hybrids, which runs from the 3 Series compact executive saloon to the 7 Series executive limousine and X5 SUV. UK pricing starts from £30,265 for the 220i petrol; prices for the two plug-in hybrids will be higher, but are yet to be confirmed.