BMW 2-Series Active Tourer U06

The BMW 2-Series Active Tourer is the first front-wheel-drive BMW ever made when it was first launched several years ago and of course, being the first FF BMW in history, it caused fire and fury from purists everywhere because it doesn't behave like a BMW but as a family-oriented BMW for those who despise crossovers, it fits through all walks of life. With the second generation, this all-new Active Tourer is going to have some serious explaining to do.

2022 BMW 2-Series Active Tourer

Starting at 36,000 Euros plus additional costs, the second-generation BMW Active Tourer picks up where its predecessor left off and that means, irritating more purists than the last one with new and extreme ways to make scandals on the public. 

First and foremost is the design; and because the new Active Tourer behaves in the new normal BMW design approach, its massive vertical-shaped kidney grille is another proof of why speedo boys are heavily irritated with BMW's design trends of today. To be brutally honest, the front face is a stark reminder of why BMW's terrifying looks are here to stay, like it or not. As the world complains about the new model's front face, it is still similarly sized compared to the previous model. It's still an MPV made for those who despise SUVs.

2022 BMW 2-Series Active Tourer interior

While the exterior design is playing dirty like today's BMWs, the interior is part functional, part comfortable, part spacious, and part annoying. Right and wrong balanced out. The functional topic is all about the range of usable gadgets you can play around with while the comfortable topic focuses on its improved creature comforts fit for a five-seater MPV, the spacious topic focuses on the added space courtesy of its new platform and with the rear seats folded down, there's more room for important stuff, and the annoying part is...there are some like for instance, voice control.

2022 BMW 2-Series Active Tourer

The all-new Active Tourer is offered with a choice of petrol and engines at launch with the additional PHEV model coming this summer. They're all mated to a 7-speed Steptronic double-clutch gearbox. The range-topper for ICE variants is the 223i M Sport Pack with the 2.0L petrol engine that produces 218PS of power and 320Nm of torque. With the xDrive set, it sprints from 0-100kph in 6.9 seconds and onwards to 238kph. Pretty quick for a luxury MPV.

Running on a new front-wheel-drive platform derived from the current 1-Series, the new Active Tourer is not meant to be driven dynamically like a BMW. In fact, it feels hypoallergenic and civilized at the same time, even when kitted out with a sporty suspension setup available. Not enjoyable as such but it's worth getting its groove for an MPV that tries to outsmart its chief rival, the Mercedes-Benz B-Class.

On the topic of safety, the all-new Active Tourer is armed with the most advanced safety features offered including the Driving Assistant Professional with Steering and Lane Control Assistant, giving it Level 2 capability. Speedo boys don't like it but whatever.

The all-new BMW 2-Series Active Tourer continues to irritate purists more than its previous model not only because of its new FF platform but also its terrorizing front face that was slapped on this family-oriented luxury MPV. Either way, there's no denying that the all-new Active Tourer strives to outsmart the B-Class by a long shot. Like it or hate it, the all-new Active Tourer is all about living a life in a day for business-class families. So thank you, BMW, and you're welcome.

Photo: BMW AG