The 2 Series Active Tourer will go down in history as the first production model of BMW based on a front-wheel drive platform. Since its launch about six years ago, the compact minivan has been followed by other front-wheel drive models, including the X1 and X2 crossovers, as well as the 1 Series sedan, 1 Series Sedan and 2 Series Gran Coupé.
While the prospects of a BMW front-wheel drive minivan shocked enthusiasts when the car was released, sales figures have shown that the company made the right choice. 2016 was the best year in the Series 2 Active Tourer, with sales reaching 100,502 units if we include those of the seven-seat Gran Tourer model. Admittedly, they have since declined, with demand nearly halving in 2019 when 55,874 minivans were sold, according to figures released by CarSalesBase.
This is still enough to justify a second generation family transporter, which has now been spotted during winter testing in Northern Europe to prepare for combat with another chic German minivan, the Mercedes B-Class. the front wheel drive of the prototype is noticeable, as we can see the test vehicle spinning its front wheels several times, but this is a problem that models equipped with xDrive will not have.
While the Active Tourer will live to see a second generation, this will not be the case with the seven-seat Gran Tourer model, as BMW will abandon the larger version due to the drop in sales caused by the craze for SUVs . The surviving model will roll on the company’s FAAR platform used by the aforementioned 1 Series tailgate and GC Series 2, from where the family car will adapt the interior to better fit a minivan. Its wheelbase could be a little longer for extra legroom closer to the Gran Tourer version, but that remains to be seen.
Even if the prototype is completely camouflaged, we have the impression that the BMW design team has created a more visually appealing Active Series 2 Series. We notice that the side mirrors are now positioned on the doors rather than at the base of the A-pillar, while the kidney grille seems to follow the trend by increasing in size. The greenhouse has also undergone some modifications and the headlights have a more elegant shape.
All the oily chunks should be transferred from its FAAR siblings, so look for the new BMW minivan to start with a 1.5-liter three-cylinder petrol engine. The three-pot diesel will be abandoned by the company, as keeping it alive under more stringent emission regulations would be too costly. There will also be a selection of four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines shared with the Mini models, as well as most likely a new plug-in hybrid following the 225xe variant.
The Series 2 Active Tourer could be revealed later this year before sales begin in 2021.
The 2 Series Active Tourer will go down in history as the first production model of BMW based on a front-wheel drive platform. Since its launch about six years ago, the compact minivan has been followed by other front-wheel drive models, including the X1 and X2 crossovers, as well as the 1 Series sedan, 1 Series Sedan and 2 Series Gran Coupé.
While the prospects of a BMW front-wheel drive minivan shocked enthusiasts when the car was released, sales figures have shown that the company made the right choice. 2016 was the best year in the Series 2 Active Tourer, with sales reaching 100,502 units if we include those of the seven-seat Gran Tourer model. Admittedly, they have since declined, with demand nearly halving in 2019 when 55,874 minivans were sold, according to figures released by CarSalesBase.
This is still enough to justify a second generation family transporter, which has now been spotted during winter testing in Northern Europe to prepare for combat with another chic German minivan, the Mercedes B-Class. the front wheel drive of the prototype is noticeable, as we can see the test vehicle spinning its front wheels several times, but this is a problem that models equipped with xDrive will not have.
While the Active Tourer will live to see a second generation, this will not be the case with the seven-seat Gran Tourer model, as BMW will abandon the larger version due to the drop in sales caused by the craze for SUVs . The surviving model will roll on the company’s FAAR platform used by the aforementioned 1 Series tailgate and GC Series 2, from where the family car will adapt the interior to better fit a minivan. Its wheelbase could be a little longer for extra legroom closer to the Gran Tourer version, but that remains to be seen.
Even if the prototype is completely camouflaged, we have the impression that the BMW design team has created a more visually appealing Active Series 2 Series. We notice that the side mirrors are now positioned on the doors rather than at the base of the A-pillar, while the kidney grille seems to follow the trend by increasing in size. The greenhouse has also undergone some modifications and the headlights have a more elegant shape.
All the oily chunks should be transferred from its FAAR siblings, so look for the new BMW minivan to start with a 1.5-liter three-cylinder petrol engine. The three-pot diesel will be abandoned by the company, as keeping it alive under more stringent emission regulations would be too costly. There will also be a selection of four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines shared with the Mini models, as well as most likely a new plug-in hybrid following the 225xe variant.
The Series 2 Active Tourer could be revealed later this year before sales begin in 2021.