BMW's upcoming compact family van, the 2-series Active Tourer, in all its undisguised glory. Its shape isn't much of a surprise after the brand introduced us to the Active Tourer concept and the Active Tourer Outdoor concept,which accurately previewed the new vehicle. (What is a surprise, however, is that it carries 2-series badging, which seems to contradict the brand’s nomenclature that assigns even-numbered names to coupes and convertibles.) The 2-series AT will be a front-wheel-drive, compact and practical family vehicle with premium fittings and driving dynamics that should surpass anything else in its class—a class it will have to itself in the U.S., unless you take into account Mercedes B-class Electric Drive.The styling was led by Domagoj Dukec, who we suspect was hired away from Citroën precisely for the job of designing a series of tall-roof vehicles for the brand.
BMW hopes the 2-series Active Tourer will help the brand reach a new set of buyers: young families who need space and practicality. (There’s also a significant market for BMW owners who need a roomy second car to complement the executive sedan in their garage.) Company insiders believe that front-drive models will comprise up to half of BMW's sales within a decade. But there’s more than market share at stake, as a front-wheel-drive Bimmer could tarnish all that the brand stands for. Driving dynamics must be superb, or BMW will be accused of selling its soul in the name of chasing volume.
Platform: The 2-series Active Tourer will share its architecture with the
third generation of the Mini developed under BMW ownership. BMW has further front-drive models scheduled to make use of this platform, including larger family haulers and a smaller 1-series.
Powertrains: The high-roof 2-series will be powered by a selection of three- and four-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines from BMW’s new modular engine family.The 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder borrowed from the new Mini is a likely base powerplant, while a detuned version of the brand’s 2.0-liter turbo four is a logical choice for an uplevel option. Hybridization hasn’t been confirmed, but it’s a route the brand will strongly consider. As we’ve mentioned once or twice, front-wheel drive will be standard, but there will an option of all-wheel drive. We’re told that a six-speed manual will be offered, and we expect the six-speed automatic from the Mini will be available, too.
Bottom: BMW Concept Active Tourer Outdoor.
Competition: Mercedes-Benz B-class Electric Drive, sort of.
Estimated Arrival and Price: The 2015 BMW 2-series Active Tourer will launch in Europe next summer before arriving on U.S. shores in early 2015. Pricing will start just below the point of entry for the 2-series coupe, which stickers for $33,025.