BMW expands its family car story in style with 2 Series model 220d xDrive Active Tourer. The car has M-package, four-wheel drive, which these days underline safety, excellent engine and gearbox, but unfortunately also the price at which a family could get two compact MPV’s somewhere else.

Given the image of this first BMW compact MPV, the opinions are quite divided. It is true that the car equipped with M sport package and painted in eye-catching color raises a lot of attention and looks full of desire. But be aware, that stylish look has its price. The color and M package alone costs over 5,000 EUR. But it is attractive, right? We cannot deny that.

The fact that you are driving a real BMW is felt at every turn. Besides, the BMW 220d xDrive Active Tourer has no serious rival regarding the driving dynamics, engine excellence and the 8-speed automatic gearbox, to seriously compete at the moment. The entire pack you get with this car is really good, but do not forget at what cost.

On the other hand, 2 series Active Tourer is quite an ordinary car in terms of flexibility and spatial planning. Visibility is not at the highest level since the A-pillars along the edge of the windscreen are obstructing vision. In case you have two child seats with Isofix mounted on the rear seats there is no way you can carry the fifth passenger. The length is only about three centimeters longer than, for example, the Opel Meriva and its trunk have 468 liters of space.

If you look at it purely from the family and practical utility perspective (to be clear, here we are not talking about rational buyers), then the reviewed 2016 BMW 220d xDrive Active Tourer leaves quite mixed feelings, even some doubt. With the price of nearly 50 thousand euros can not be put on the shortlist of an average family. With less equipment and more basic drivetrain it may be cheaper (still not cheap), but in that case we face the loss of such a distinct technical advantage and equipment collected in the reviewed car. And as a compact MPV, it is still only mediocre.

But whoever is looking for and willing to pay for technological prestige, associated with the higher sitting position and MPV silhouette and is determined to drive a premium car with the characteristic kidney grille on the front mask, the legendary M sign on the steering wheel and distinctive angel eyes, will truly find everything he needs. And definitely enjoyed it.

400 Nm of torque and xDrive are surely adding an extra bonus in terms of driving pleasure. Yeah, the truth is that the 220d xDrive Active Tourer is a very interesting car, full of contradictions stacked in an attractive manner.

BMW 220d xDrive Active Tourer has only one real “celebrity” competitor

Therefore, it cannot be assessed solely in terms of an average customer who is looking for a compact minivan for the family. Competition in this segment is actually very wide. But if you are among those who want a premium brand and excellent technique, then his real rival is a Mercedes B-Class. B-Class also offers all-wheel drive, noble pedigree, its trunk has actually 20 liters more space. But it is not so distinctly dynamic, 220d xDrive Active Tourer is simply the driving champion of this class.

If we take into account the dual clutch DSG transmission, adaptive suspension, comprehensive range of advanced assistance systems and a choice of different driving programs we can think of another possible competitor, Volkswagen Golf Sportsvan. It is similarly big, a bit more flexible and slightly more generous with the size of the luggage compartment (500 liters). It is also cheaper, but the brand does not belong to the circle of royal automobile blood.

It is also true that for the money you can bring exemplary equipped and possibly even one size larger minivan from Ford, Opel, Renault, Peugeot or Citroen in the garage. And you will still have enough money for a used, a decade old true blood BMW M. Yes, the M that knows how to roar and change rear tires into smoke. Just as a hint, for the soul.

The first BMW minivan knows a few family tricks

Of course, the Bavarians didn’t take the minivan development with the left hand, which is reflected in the passenger compartment of 2-series Active Tourer. ISOFIX anchorages for attaching child seats are easily accessible as this is not entirely self-evident feature with all the cars in this class. The rear bench is split at a ratio of 40:20:40 and the two outer seats in the last row are longitudinally movable.

The electric panoramic roof is a must in such a car on a family trip. For a little convertible feeling in the warmer months. Children will not be disappointed by the view. The width of the rear seat is quite average and having two child seats installed, you will not be able to squeeze even a thin teenager in between. Yes, and the center seat is not very comfortable due to the raised floor, which divides the left and right side of the vehicle. Those most persuasive minivans have leveled floor below. That those in the center seat don’t have to bite their knees.

For those who have three children and you just wish and are able to afford BMW minivan, will have to resort to seven-seat version 2-Series Grand Tourer. Well, and because of the sports seats it is necessary to say goodbye to folding tables in the back.

Excellent engine and gearbox

220d xDrive Active Tourer is motorized with the two-liter turbo charged diesel engine. With 190 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque it has more than enough power in terms of higher travel speeds on the highway, or a very dynamic driving exercise on curvy roads.

The range of fuel consumption is quite interesting. In combination with the ECO pro driving program, start and stop system and taking the elements of eco-driving into account, this BMW is satisfied with under 5 liters of diesel for every 100 kilometers. In the normal driving conditions and average driving style the consumption is between 6.8 and 7.5 liters, depending on the ratio of kilometers traveled on the open road and in town. And when the father has a single night out and decides to spend the time on his favorite curves outside town, the fuel tank is less full by 8.5 liters per 100 km. Very solid.

Really good 8-speed automatic transmission perfectly cooperates with the engine. It is never late and never confused. Gear changes are instant and refined, even in manual mode via the lever on the steering wheel. It perfectly adjusts to different driving programs: sport (dynamic mode), comfort (comfort mode) or ECO PRO mode (saving mode).

The driver quickly gets a smile on his face behind the wheel

The driver of the car quickly gets a smile on his face between turns. Slightly higher center of gravity is quite manageable with the help of precise steering, the intelligent all-wheel drive Xdrive, sporty set chassis with dynamic traction control (DTC) and electronically controlled dampers (EDC).

Best of all is the driving comfort to remain intact for a long time, or in other words, the driver has to take turns really dynamically before the rear seat passengers will interrupt the exercise due to sickness. The aforementioned higher center of gravity will be felt only if the driver performs serious exaggeration. But such a journey no longer falls within the framework of the family car purpose.

How xDrive works in combination with a front-wheel drive?

In 220d xDrive Active Tourer the four-wheel drive is based on the new lightweight components. This drive brings together a very moderate 61 kilograms to the total weight of the vehicle. The engine power is transmitted from the front onto the rear axle through an angle gear (power take-off) on the front differential and dual cardan shaft. The central component of this all-wheel drive is electro-hydraulically controlled clutch within the drive mechanism of the rear axle, which allows fully variable distribution of torque between the front and rear axle.

The corresponding commands are, on the basis of numerical parameters of the Dynamic Traction Control System DTC (vehicle speed, lateral and longitudinal acceleration, steering angle, wheel speed, longitudinal tilt, position of the accelerator pedal…), transmitted through the electronic control unit, which is mounted on the rear axle. Such precise and always active torque distribution between the two axles can effectively prevent the loss of strength and traction due to wheel spin and further improve the stability and maintaining the direction of travel.

BMW 220d xDrive technical specification

Vehicle Class:

lower middle class; compact MPV; 5 doors, 5 seats

Engine:

2.0-liter 4-cylinder diesel, liquid-cooled, TwinPower Turbo; maximum power: 140 kW/190 HP at 4000 rpm; maximum torque: 400 Nm at 1,750 rpm

Transmission and tires:

four-wheel drive xDrive; 8-speed automatic transmission Steptronic; tires: 245/45 R18 W

Dimensions, weight:

length: 4342 mm, width 1800 mm, height: 1,586 mm; wheelbase: 2,670 mm; unladen mass: 1585 kg; luggage compartment capacity: 468-1510 l

Performance and consumption:

top speed: 223 km / h; acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h: 7.3 s; urban driving consumption: 5.4 l/100 km, on the open road: 4,5 l/100 km, combined: 4.8 l/100 km; average autonomy: 1133 km; fuel tank capacity: 51 l; emissions: 122 g CO2/km

Safety:

front and side airbags for driver and front passenger, SRS airbags; Isofix; ABS; DSC; Auto braking; Electronic Damper Control (EDC); NCAP safety rating: 5 stars

Equipment:

remote central locking, automatic air conditioning, electrical and automatic opening all windows, split rear seats (40:20:40), GPS navigation, cruise control and speed limiter, pressure and temperature control in the tires, driving dynamics setting (3 levels) , power sliding panoramic roof, gear indicator, Start/Stop function, sports leather steering wheel, radio Professional, Bluetooth, BMW iDrive control system with a controller on the center console and the 6.5-inch Control Display, thermal protection glass

BMW 220d xDrive Active Tourer possible competitors:

• Mercedes B-Class
• VW Golf Sportsvan

Image credit: BMW