2015 BMW 2 Series Active Tourer
SÖLDEN : July 23, 2014 - The BMW Group is breaking new ground by entering the attractive premium compact class with its latest offering, the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer. “The response to the 2 Series Active Tourer has been extremely positive, which makes us confident that this new vehicle will be a resounding success,” said Harald Krüger, board member of BMW AG responsible for production, as the new vehicle was presented in Sölden (Austria) on Wednesday. The BMW 2 Series Active Tourer is due to be launched on the European market on 27 September 2014.
The main markets for the 2 Series Active Tourer will be Europe and
China. Europe is likely to account for some 40 per cent of sales and
China around 15 per cent. “Apart from its amazing agility, unique for
a vehicle in this segment, customers will appreciate the higher
sitting position and spacious interior as well as its compactness,
functionality and convenience,” stated Krüger.
The 2 Series Active Tourer will appeal to new customer groups
“Demand for premium cars in the compact class is developing very promisingly,” Krüger continued. With its MINI brand and the BMW 1 and 2 Series, the BMW Group is already well represented in the small and compact car segment. By expanding its product range, the Group is looking to attract new customer groups to the virtues of the BMW brand, just as it has already done with its successful BMW 1 Series. Around 70 per cent of the first-generation BMW 1 Series cars sold went to customers new to the brand.
“With the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer we mainly want to appeal to customers who may for family reasons have a wide range of needs in terms of functionality and convenience, but at the same time want to enjoy BMW’s typical strengths such as sportiness and innovative design. We are talking about a combination that has not been available on the market in the past and which sets us apart from the competition,” emphasised Krüger. The Active Tourer is the first ever BMW with front-wheel drive and the first core-brand BMW to become available with a three-cylinder engine. The new front-wheel drive architecture – with a transversely installed engine – allows maximum usage of the interior volume in a relatively small vehicle.
Economies of scale due to cross-brand vehicle architecture
The BMW Group has developed two architectures: one for future four-wheel and rear-wheel drive models and one cross-brand front- and four-wheel drive architecture, on which the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer is based. This front-wheel architecture is also the basis for ensuring profitable growth in the premium small and compact car segment: “The standardisation of development and production processes based on the concept of cross-model/brand architectures and engine modules enables us to achieve considerable economies of scale within the Group,” said Krüger.
Moreover, the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer is the first BMW to benefit from the modular engine concept.
The standardised modular engine enables the BMW Group to manufacture 3-, 4- and 6-cylinder petrol- and diesel-powered engines of varying capacities on one single assembly line. The high percentage of identical parts means the Group can greatly reduce costs, both in development and in production.
Growing premium segment
In the foreseeable future, the premium segment is likely to grow more quickly than the basis segment. The BMW Group expects to see increasing demand and an average annual growth of more than 4.5% (2013 – 2020) worldwide. The premium small and compact car segment is also likely to benefit from this growth.
The new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer
The launch of the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer sees BMW bringing the functionality of space and comfort, combined with hallmark BMW dynamics, style and elegance, to the premium compact class. Offering generous levels of space within impressively compact dimensions (length: 4,342 millimetres, width: 1,800 millimetres, height: 1,555 millimetres), the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer represents the perfect response to increasingly exacting mobility requirements.
New turbocharged engines with three and four cylinders, a comprehensive package of BMW EfficientDynamics measures and the extensive connectivity provided by BMW ConnectedDrive ensure a driving experience defined by sporting ability and exemplary efficiency.
Conscious of the need to meet the high level of spaciousness, variability and functionality demanded in the premium compact class, BMW has given the 2 Series Active Tourer a sophisticated front-wheel-drive system capable of delivering the degree of driver engagement expected of the brand’s models. Together with the long wheelbase of 2,670 millimetres and raised roofline, this configuration enables the room inside to be maximised, resulting in an unprecedented feeling of spaciousness. Driver and front passenger enjoy a far higher seating position than in a sedan, which affords a commanding all-round view at the same time as making it easier to get in and out. The wealth of storage facilities and the option of a fold-flat passenger seat backrest are just two examples of the interior’s impressive flexibility and cleverly devised layout. The cabin has a light and spacious feel to it, with all surfaces horizontally structured in a layered look. There is also the option of a large panoramic roof that lets light flood into the interior.
The brand identity with its overriding sense of dynamism is clearly present in the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer too. It shines through in trademark features such as the slightly forward-slanting BMW kidney grille at the front end flanked by the distinctive twin circular headlights. The short front overhang in particular is highly unusual for a front-wheel-drive car, and is just as much a classic BMW styling cue as the short overhang at the rear, the long wheelbase, the Hofmeister kink in the rear side windows and the L-shaped rear lights. Crisp contours and an eye-catching swage line at the sides give added impact to the wheel arches and inject the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer with forward thrust even when stationary. Moving inside, the controls for the radio, air conditioning and air vents are angled towards the driver in another unmistakable BMW design trait.
Maximum versatility and functionality
The versatile luggage compartment, whose capacity can be enlarged from 468 to 1,510 litres, and the 40:20:40 split-folding rear backrest fitted as standard exemplify this model’s excellent everyday practicality. Flexibility is further enhanced by a sliding rear seat which allows legroom in the rear or the load compartment capacity to be increased as required. One particularly smart touch is the foldable boot floor that conceals a storage compartment with a handy multifunction tray. The rear backrest can be adjusted as an option to offer either added comfort for the three rear seats or extra luggage space. Access to the luggage compartment couldn't be easier thanks to the large, broad, wide-opening tailgate. This can be optionally specified with pushbutton automatic opening and closing or – for supreme ease – touchless gesture control.
Latest-generation engines running on three or four cylinders
The new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer is being launched with a choice of three powerful, light and fuel-efficient three and four-cylinder drive units that form part of a new generation of engines. They are installed transversely and boast a compact design along with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, at the same time as complying with the EU6 emissions standard.
The new three-cylinder petrol unit stands out for its exceptional efficiency and great performance abilities. This cutting-edge powerplant is receiving its premiere in a model from the BMW core brand in the guise of the BMW 218i Active Tourer (fuel consumption combined: 5.2–4.9 l/100 km [54.3–57.6 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 120–115 g/km) with six-speed manual gearbox.
The engine has a displacement of 1.5 litres, generates 100 kW/136 hp and excels with its spontaneous throttle response, hearty appetite for revs and high pulling power. The design of three-cylinder engines means they are not subject to first and second-order inertia forces, while the balancer shaft included on the BMW unit ensures that it operates even more smoothly over the entire rev range.
Topping the bill at market launch is the BMW 225i Active Tourer (fuel consumption combined: 6.0–5.8 l/100 km [47.1–48.7 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 139–135 g/km)* with a standard-fitted eight-speed Steptronic gearbox. With an output of 170 kW/231 hp, a time of 6.6 seconds for the 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) dash and a top speed of 240 km/h (149 mph), the model’s four-cylinder engine raises the bar for dynamic performance in its class.
Hard at work under the bonnet of the BMW 218d Active Tourer (fuel consumption combined: 4.3–4.1 l/100 km [65.7–68.9 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 114–109 g/km)* is a four-cylinder diesel engine. A member of the same new engine family as its two petrol counterparts, it delivers 110 kW/150 hp while mustering up peak torque of 330 Nm (243 lb-ft). This powerpack serves to reaffirm the exceptionally dynamic performance qualities of diesel engines from BMW, propelling the BMW 218d Active Tourer with standard six-speed manual gearbox from standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 208 km/h (129 mph). An eight-speed Steptronic gearbox will be available as an option for this model variant.
The BMW among front-wheel-drive cars
Like all BMW models, the new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer makes its mark with great driving dynamics and the sort of driving experience the brand is renowned for. The newly developed chassis, comprising a single-joint spring strut axle at the front and a multi-link rear axle, combines agility and directional precision with excellent handling stability and suspension comfort. The front drive axle in the new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer has undergone extensive fine-tuning, ensuring that it endows the car with optimum driving dynamics and wonderfully precise steering feedback. The electromechanical steering and the system’s functional arrangement combine to produce a driving sensation that is devoid of interfering torque steer.
The intelligent use of high-tensile and ultra-high-tensile multi-phase steels makes a decisive contribution to safety standards in the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, while also helping to keep the vehicle’s weight down. Apart from being a crucial factor in the model’s exceptional driving dynamics, this lightweight engineering is just one among many BMW EfficientDynamics technology elements. These also include the Auto Start Stop function, Brake Energy Regeneration, Optimum Gearshift Indicator, on-demand operation of ancillary units and the integral Air Curtain, which uses two vertical air inlets in the front bumper to direct the airstream along the front wheels.
Five model variants designed to meet individual customer requirements
In addition to the standard model, BMW also offers the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer in four other variants with an interior, exterior and specification tailored even more closely to customer requirements. Standard equipment for the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer already comprises the Radio Professional including a hands-free telephone facility with Bluetooth interface, the BMW iDrive control system with controller on the centre console and 6.5-inch Control Display, a rain sensor and automatic headlight activation, a sports leather steering wheel, the Intelligent Emergency Call system and Collision Warning with City Braking function. The Advantage, Sport Line and Luxury Line variants also feature two-zone automatic climate control, Park Distance Control at the rear, front foglamps, cruise control with braking function and a multifunction steering wheel.
The Sport Line model highlights the dynamic character of the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer with special alloy wheels and sports seats. The high-gloss black kidney grille bars, model-specific air intakes and the accent strip on the rear apron underline the car’s presence. And in keeping with the look, the exhaust tailpipe comes in an electroplated black chrome finish.
The Luxury Line model majors on elegance and exclusivity, as underlined by subtle chrome applications for the exterior before you climb aboard and the exquisite leather trim including heated seats for the driver and front passenger once inside.
The BMW 2 Series Active Tourer will also be available with the M Sport specification from the end of 2014. With its M aerodynamics package, High-gloss Shadow Line trim, M Sport suspension, 17 or 18-inch M light-alloy wheels, M leather steering wheel and sports seats with bespoke upholstery, the M Sport model of the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer displays unbeatable road presence. The launch of the M Sport model will coincide with the addition to the range of variants equipped with the intelligent all-wheel-drive system xDrive. The BMW 2 Series Active Tourer will be available in Germany from 27 September 2014 priced from €27,200.
High degree of connectivity for enhanced safety and comfort.
Standards of safety and comfort aboard the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer are boosted by the assistance systems and various infotainment features that are collectively known as BMW ConnectedDrive. Take, for instance, the Traffic Jam Assistant, which works using a mono camera. It makes motorway driving less stressful under monotonous conditions: in dense traffic at speeds of up to 60 km/h (37 mph) it lets the car “go with the flow”, enabling the driver to progress through the congestion in a more relaxed state. It automatically maintains the desired distance from the vehicle ahead and autonomously controls the car’s speed all the way to a standstill while providing active steering input. In this way the vehicle helps drivers to stay in lane as long as they keep at least one hand on the steering wheel.
BMW ConnectedDrive Services & Apps bring smartphone applications into the vehicle and allow innovative features like the Concierge Service or Real Time Traffic Information to be added. These can also be booked at a later date and, in many cases, for flexible periods of time. In this way, the functionality of the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer can be vastly enhanced and updated by the owner at any time.
The BMW 2 Series Active Tourer is the first model in the premium compact class to be made available with a Head-Up Display, which projects all relevant driving information into the driver’s field of vision in full colour. Instead of being displayed on the windscreen itself, the information is shown on a screen that extends out between the steering wheel and windscreen. This enables drivers to view all key information without having to divert their attention from the road.
Images : 2015 BMW 2SERIES Active Tourer
[Source : BMW]
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