2015 BMW 2 series Active Tourer 218i POV test drive

2015 BMW 2 series Active Tourer 218i

If you are looking for a compact luxury car with lots of space and comfort, you can now also go to BMW for the 2 series Active Tourer. We went out with the 218i in a sporty finish and discovered that a BMW with front-wheel drive is also fun to drive.

engines

We drove the 218i Active Tourer with the optional Steptronic automatic gearbox (€29,790). This is a three-cylinder petrol engine with a displacement of 1.5 liters and a power of 136 hp. If you want a lot more power, you can opt for the 225i Active Tourer. This four-cylinder is equipped as standard with an 8-speed Steptronic automatic gearbox (€37,100) and has a power of 231 hp. You reach 100 km/h in 6.6 seconds and the top speed is 240 km/h. In between we find the 220i Active Tourer with a power of 192 hp from € 30,250 with a manual gearbox.

For diesel drivers there is the choice between the 214d Active Tourer (26,850 €) with 95 hp and the 216d (28,100 €) with 116 hp, both only available with a manual gearbox. From the 218d Active Tourer you can also opt for an automatic transmission. The 218d is a four-cylinder with a power of 150 hp and a torque of 330 Nm. Sprinting to 100 km/h takes 8.9 seconds. and the top speed is 208 km/h. This car is equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard (€29,750). Optionally, you can also choose an automatic transmission with 8 gears Steptronic (€31,940). At the top of the range we find the 220d Active Tourer with a power of 190 hp. From €31,900 it is available with a manual gearbox and for the Steptronic you have to pay €34,090.

Contrary to what you would expect from BMW, the Active Tourer is equipped with front-wheel drive. However, if you need extra grip, you can also opt for the 225i xDrive Active Tourer or 220d xDrive Active Tourer. Both these models are equipped with xDrive, BMW’s intelligent all-wheel drive.

Comfortable and versatile

To make the driver’s life as pleasant as possible, you can equip the Active Tourer with a number of nice options. For example, you can choose to open the suitcase hands-free by waving your foot at the bottom of the suitcase (see demo in video). This also worked on the first try. Still handy when you’re packed and ready to get to your car. You can also close the trunk lid electronically at the push of a button.

BMW has thought of a practical solution to easily fold down the rear benches. In the case there are switches on the left and right. If you press these switches, you can fold the rear seat from the trunk.

In our test car we also found a large panoramic translucent sliding roof. This allows you to bathe the interior in sunlight or, if you want some fresh air, open the first part of the sliding roof electronically.

We found a Head-Up Display in the Active Tourer. This display consists of a small tinted window that extends into the driver’s field of vision. On this color display you can read data relevant to you, such as the current speed, speed limit information, but also information about the cruise control, or you can also select the radio station via the buttons on the steering wheel in combination with the Head-Up Display .

We also found the Cruise Control with Stop&Go function to be a nice extra. This ensures the desired speed at a speed between 0 and 140 km/h. You can also set the distance to the vehicle in front with “blocks” using a button on the steering wheel. The Stop&Go function controls the speed and stops the car after briefly pressing the accelerator pedal, e.g. in traffic jam, leave automatically again.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a practical car with attention to luxury and comfort and a beautiful finish inside and outside, then the 2 series Active Tourer is certainly worth considering. The Active Tourer can also appeal in terms of options, including comfort access for the suitcase, a handy Head-Up display or a large panoramic roof.