BMW has unveiled its first front-wheel drive five-seat MPV called the 2-series Active Tourer before its official showcase at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show 2014.
The 2-series Active Tourer adopts a transversely mounted engine and standard front-wheel drive. This layout has never been used by a fully fledged BMW series-production model before but it is set to underpin an impressive assembly of new BMW models.
It will also be the first BMW to be offered with three-cylinder power - a compact new turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine, as featured in the new Mini hatchback.
The proportions of the 2-series Active Tourer differ greatly from those of traditional rear-drive BMWs, especially around the front end, which receives a comparatively short and heavily angled bonnet. The tall glasshouse also has a distinctive cab-forward influence not usually associated with BMWs.
At 4342mm in length, 1800mm in width and 1555mm in height, the 2-series Active Tourer is 17mm longer, 55mm wider and 135mm taller than BMW’s 1-series hatch. To put it into perspective, the Mercedes-Benz B-class, a similarly conceived front-drive MPV, is 4360m long, 1785mm wide and the same 1555mm tall.
The new MPV is the first BMW to utilise the company’s high-strength steel entry-level platform, as first unveiled by daughter company Mini on its new third-generation hatch.
The modular structure supports at least three wheelbases and variable track widths. This makes it suitable for a wide range of new models, including a successor to the BMW X1 and a new front-drive, entry-level 1-series saloon - both under intensive development at BMW Munich-based engineering HQ right now.
The interior aims to provide more flexibility than traditional BMWs because of the space-saving potential of the transverse engine layout. The front seats are at roughly the same height as those in the X1 but they are more upright to free-up space behind them.
Boot capacity for the initial standard-wheelbase model is 468 litres, rising to 1510 litres when the rear seats, which split 40:20:40, are folded down.
Initially, the 2-series Active Tourer will have a three-pot direct-injection petrol and four-cylinder common-rail diesel engine shared with the new Mini for global markets. Further engines, including four-cylinder petrol and three-cylinder diesels, are planned from early 2015.
Front-wheel drive and a six-speed manual gearbox will be standard, with an eight-speed auto optional. Some variants will get four-wheel drive.
Underpinning, the 2-series Active Tourer is a predominantly aluminium chassis with MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link rear. BMW says that this makes it “the most dynamic front-wheel-drive model in its segment, with agile and sporting characteristics”.
Together with the standard suspension, BMW also plans to offer an M-Sport set-up with a 10mm-lower ride height and firmer settings.