The new BMW 2-series Active Tourer MPV has been spotted winter testing near the Arctic Circle.
Although still camouflaged, this test mule gives us a good view of the shape of the new model, which will become the first front-wheel drive BMW in the company's history. A 225i five-seat variant has also been caught undisguised during an official photoshoot.
The car is likely to go on sale in the coming months as a five-seat model, with the seven-seat version also going on sale by the end of this year. Its styling remains true to the Active Tourer concept seen in Tokyo in 2013. The model has been testing in the UK alongside the i8 electric sports car, 4-series Gran Coupé and M4.
A BMW insider told Autocar this would be "the most functional BMW ever" and that choosing a front-wheel-drive format didn't mean compromises. "It's clearly a premium product," he said "and it has been designed with dynamism and athleticism in mind. It is still a BMW."
While much of the engine lineup is still unknown, sources suggest BMW could utilise a three-cylinder turbocharged unit to power some of the range. In additon, the 235i model will use a 231bhp unit, which should allow it to reach 62mph in 6.9 seconds, with a top speed of 146mph. CO2 emissions should be less than 140g/km, while the car should return more than 39.2mpg.
Inside, the 2-series Active Tourer will have elevated seating with easy access and plenty of space. The rear seats will be split 40:20:40, while the boot should offer around 400 litres of space with the rear seats up, rising to 1200 litres with them down. Both the rear row of seats and the front passenger seat will be able to fold forward, increasing loadable space even more. As seen in these spy shots, a large panoramic roof will also be an option.
The move opens up new target groups for BMW, and will allow the brand to push for new customers. Europe is expected to account for two thirds of customer sales, but interest for the model in Asia and the US is also strong.
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Saturday morning, I was
I said to me the time should have stopped after the E36...
Is it possible to reverse the time?
I think the 90's was the apogee of cars, if we look the compromise between prestations, handling, security, lightness, simplicity, quality, rules and perception in the society.
knew it was coming...
and yes, it makes commercial sense.
and yes, bmw is not a charity
and yes, it probably makes sense that an MPV is FWD.
but why can't poetry win once?
[writing this after driving home on a battered E36 328i, at 200 smilesperhour on average]
Virgilio wrote:...but still a
My thoughts exactly (except the driving bit at the end :) ).
Horrible
Try designing an MPV rather than just badly stretching a BMW saloon.
Mind you, plenty of people buy Porsche Cayennes, when if they had an ounce of taste they'd be buying a Range Rover...