BMW 2 Series Active Tourer - Is The Best BMW A FWD MPV? (ENG) - Test Drive and Review

[@apolitis1]

Due to the SUV hype, this car is criminally underrated and it actually looks like a big hatchback not a minivan(wtf?). I'd take this over a huge SUV or a crammed regular hatchback any day. The only thing I'd change is this trend towards touch screens.

[@sapte62]

Got the first iteration, a facelifted 218i. Perfect for the average family, quite frugal on gas and perky enough. More room than a hatchback, better front view due to higher driving position and good ground clearance. The lady at the dealership said that most of her clients were new to BMW. And true enough, it was our first BMW. I would definitely buy it again.

[@ΧρήστοςΔενέχεισημασία]

This is actually an awesome car. It is essentially the replacement of the current gen X2, 11mm shorter ground clearance, but similar dimensions otherwise, yet more modern interior and tech. Since the X2 has been discontinued, until the 2024 model arrives, the Active Tourer is a great replacement. 171mm ground clearance is similar, or even higher, than many other so called "suvs" by other manufacturers... Toyota corola cross for instance, is just 160mm.... If someone is not bothered by the minivan looks, it is a great car to buy, especially for the price, considering it is a BMW.

[@angeloskapetanis6639]

I drive the previous model. It's a really good car for families and gives the driver a satisfaction and confidence as every BMW model does. I find the new model even better and more modern. I do not care if you call it minivan, actually I am keen on your sarcastic comments for every model you drive. It-s a premium all-round car that will give lot of pleasure to it's passengers.

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

I mostly agree. Drove this car and it offers a wonderful experience. Can check my test drive video.

[@cardiffst]

Superb comment on the door handles. I’ve never seen it articulated better. Bravo.

[@ГеоргийНовиков-д5с]

I like the way you presented those door handles:) Back in the days most cars used to have those ones, just like my father’s Daewoo Nexia. Amazing car it was. Everything new is well forgotten old one indeed

[@freestick19822000]

Darn it. Whenever I watch your videos I am simply surprised how perfect car reviews could be 👌👍💐

[@MarekDrivesENG]

You're too kind.

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

Well done. I agree on that. Drop by, you may find it interesting.

[@Pipsicle330]

My current 2AT has been an excellent car. Plenty of them here in the UK

[@janhendrikschuette5225]

I like the looks and i am sure it drives good. We have the old version in our company and it an easy to use car. But I would not like to change it for the new one without the buttons. My private car is the new Duster and while it may not be really fun to drive atleast i can change AC and keep my eyes on the road.

[@BeziSuper]

Now you can ask the car by talking to change the ac or to open your window aha

[@NigelRudyard]

Cracking car, I love the mix of practicality and refinement.

[@bxnlxxng]

Great review, thanks for uploading this, Marek.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

Thanks for watching!

[@stuartthomas4836]

Great video, no buttons, but it does have a wonderful voice control system.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

So I heard. Voice commands don't work in Polish, and as far as I remember even changing the language to English on a Polish spec car doesn't always do the trick. I'll give it a try on the X1 soon, but I think we bricked the voice assistant on the iX3 that way :)

[@cliffcaird1787]

@@MarekDrivesENG None of the last 5 BMWs I have had work with my Scottish accent - so frustrating that I gave up trying to get voice control to work.

[@ericbury6826]

Cars without buttons, knobs or handles are today's fashion... But i only buy a car when i find real buttons, knobs ans handles made for my hands. One day they will understand...

[@numbereightyseven]

I will never buy a car if I have to take my eyes off the road to adjust basics like heating. If that means that I won't ever own a car newer than about 2019, so be it.

[@allosaurusfragilis7782]

I hate touch screens when I'm driving. They banned phones for the same reason I hate touch screens.

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

You are quite right. Everything that lacks those old-fashioned buttons that feel very proven... tech... may fail and after problems may arise is a con. Drove this one and I found it a very refined and well made machine. Can check it.

[@christianronn5301]

It could be that the active cruise control is more clever than my 2018 Passat but I fiddle with the distance setting all the time depending on the traffic situation and type of road. It needs its own button for sure.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

No, it's not that clever. In Poland I usually set mine to "tailgating champion", otherwise someone's bound to cut in front, but I also like to have some control over it, rather than set it once, when I buy the car :)

[@peterjussen7143]

As a Countryman owner, how does this compare in terms of driving fun? I always assumed the Active Tourer would be pretty similar to drive due to some similar components.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

My Countryman has a sport gearbox, so when in sport setting (not to be confused with drive modes, which I deleted from my configuration) the whole car wakes up. The 2 Series AT in this configuration doesn't feel as agile. Perhaps the 223i would be a bit more engaging. Also the Countryman feels fine on 17" tires, whereas the 2AT seems to need lower profile tires. Or it just isn't meant for quick cornering.

[@51StPi]

As an 220d X drive Active Tourer driver I always look enviously at Countryman drivers because of the lack of windscreen pillars, btw it drives ok but I miss my Golf GTD which was slower but more fun.

[@laupakhin]

I think that 90% of SUV owners should probably be driving around in something like this instead. Seems quite spacious and luxurious on the inside, and compact on the outside. Still hate the new BMW styling direction though, and is that whole front grille fake?

[@MarekDrivesENG]

The grill is functional. It has active thermal/aero management, so there are flaps that open and close depending on the situation.

[@ΧρήστοςΔενέχεισημασία]

Agree. Unless someone really needs an off road monster (which most suvs really aren't anyway), most people need something like the Active Tourer. But they don't realize it, because fads are fads.

[@robertvoicu5203]

One observation, you may better use the car menu set for English for the English version of the reviews.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

I'd have to change between PL/ENG menu several times during a shoot, and I would get mixed up. If you want to know anything specific about the menu, just give me a timecode, and I'll tell you what's happening.

[@robertvoicu5203]

@@MarekDrivesENG I see. No special need, just notice that would make more sense…

[@summerforever6736]

Where is the minivan shape?

[@stanleyokwekwe339]

I just love this car, it's my ideal hatchback for me and my family

[@MarekDrivesENG]

It is well worth a test drive.

[@extreme8808]

I've never ever seen one of those on the road. Or a B-class for that matter. But the fact that a front-wheel drive car feels agile on initial turn-in says a lot! I've never driven a front-wheel drive car which won't understeer on turn-in. Is it braking the inside wheel like a VW or it's just clever suspension design?

[@MarekDrivesENG]

I think it's just well designed :)

[@51StPi]

@@MarekDrivesENG Having driven an Active Tourer and an X1, the X1 is even worse after the initial sharp turn in.

[@talkandplay]

Will you be reviewing the plugin BMW 2 Series Active Tourer ?

[@MarekDrivesENG]

Probably not. Maybe I'll take one of the siblings X1/Countryman (the new one, when it launches) PHEV for a test drive, but I won't be doing the 2 Series AT again any time soon. BTW, without even driving it, my problem with BMW PHEVs is (I know this is because they focus on the German market, where higher charging speed at home is not allowed) the 3.7 kW max charging speed. This means a longer stop to recharge (I know - home or office, and you're fine), but no point charging at a supermarket for example. And it takes up too much space in a compact car.

[@umutgezer8557]

Hi Marek, what would you recommend to family of 4? VW SV or BMW 2 series?

[@MarekDrivesENG]

I'm assuming you're shopping used. VW will be cheaper to maintain.

[@backwoodsbungalow9674]

I see that in the title you use the old European term of MPV (Multi Purpose Vehicle). That does better describe these vehicles than the American Minivan term. The marketing department at each manufacturer can dream up more attractive sounding names but buyers recognise this vehicle and the B-class as MPVs.

[@mrwilliamhope]

I hate the lack of buttons sadly.

[@dmagllc2003]

❤fx

[@ridgmont61]

I had a version 1 of these whilst my X3 was at the dealers, I hated it but I couldn’t explain why.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

It's much smaller, so maybe that's why. If you had an X1, you probably would feel at home in this one.

[@rimmerblues1586]

When I was at the dealership looking at this car I found that it was easier to access the rear seats that the X3 as the X3's wheel arch was large as rear door relatively small.

[@mert2mert]

Hi Marek. No buttons approach is a very harmful design decision. It should be illegal. Maybe governments can take action. You know, police wil give you a ticket for using your phone while driving but it is ok to use your car's touchscreen. Unbelievable.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

I thought I replied, but that comment seems to have disappeared (Edit: my other account got flagged as spam ;p). Anyway, a guy in Germany got fined, after he got into a crash, while trying to activate windscreen wipers in his Tesla. www.bbc.com/news/technology-53666222 Yes, some controls be physical.

[@goncalo33]

@@MarekDrivesENG Both replies appear for me.

[@christopperlondel3318]

I am deliberating over the BMW “minivan” or the Mercedes B class.? Any advice please.?

[@MarekDrivesENG]

Have you taken both on a test drive?

[@christopperlondel3318]

@@MarekDrivesENG Not as yet but was wondering if there was any hidden surprises I might overlook.?

[@MarekDrivesENG]

I can't think of anything I haven't mentioned in both reviews.

[@kevinn1158]

I rented a BMW 3 series wagon at the Zurich airport but when they found out I was going to visit Italy they said the 3 series was not allowed to go into Italy (too many thefts) so they gave me an Active tourer. This was the previous Active Tourer diesel. My kids loved the space but I thought it was meh. Maybe it was the downgrade of engine that bothered me from the 3 series wagon to this. Anyways, this doesn't come to Canada. Honestly, with the X1, I'm not sure why this thing exists.

[@rimmerblues1586]

Smaller, not an SUV and more importantly cheaper! Well, at least the last gen was.

[@kevinn1158]

@@rimmerblues1586 it seems like the X1 and Active Tourer start at the same price. Funny, they got rid of the 3 series wagon in Canada (frowny face on me) because everybody just went and bought. the X1. The X1 has even cut into the X3 sales here.

[@rimmerblues1586]

Thanks for the proper review, Marek. I have the [now] last gen AT, and yes it does have it's flaws but it is a great package of practicality, performance & style for good value and fit perfectly between the 3-Series Touring and last gen 1-Series. This new version looked good in your vid but I won't get on because of predominantly touch-screen control and too much cloud-based usage. I don't get it as the target market is obviously older couples unlikely to be interesed in such fancy gizmos or school-run mums who don't have time to faff with cumbersome menus. Also not a fan the instrument graphics hexagonal style. Seems like a concept car. Speccing optional extras is not good too as sometimes you have to get expensive Packs. Currently the only BMW I'd consider that's affordable, practical, sporty and easy to spec is the current F40 1-Series which is based on the same last-gen AT UKL platform. Otherwise I can't see myself buying another BMW anytime soon even if they do drive well, or a Merc, or VW(?). Mazda does buttons....

[@MarekDrivesENG]

Couldn't agree more about the infotainment. I also don't know who's it for. Mercedes does their infotainment much better IMO.

[@rimmerblues1586]

Also I'm surprised they still slot it into the 2-Series line-up when that's really for roadsters and coupès, maybe put it with the 1 Series or called it an X0 instead.

[@anan7s294]

Does the FWD have torque steer under hard acceleration?

[@MarekDrivesENG]

Not really.

[@r.gelmers6580]

Not enough spunk in the engine to cause that ;-)

[@viki6or]

Nobody actually uses the adaptive cruise control. They specify it but then never use the options. Thats why the dont care where are the options hidden

[@MarekDrivesENG]

Why not?

[@rocketdreamer]

I appreciated the review, a bit less the car but that's my bad: 'bmw' and 'whateverVan ' is to me a pain to think about, Beemers are defined by rwd bias in the spine, that's what I think. It is a sensible choice. A true bmw must be a choice w/o adjectives I believe.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

Interesting perspective. I always thought of BMW as practical, and good to drive. If I find a BMW not practical, I don't care if it's good to drive. Alfas are good to drive, and crap at everything else :)

[@charliewax846]

We have Renault Grand Scenic/7-seater 1.6 diesel from 2018 and next year is time for a change. I’m somehow avoiding BMW for their expensiveness. @Marek would you be able to include in your future videos additional information about servicing costs (oil, filters etc), any possible faults please and warranty? I believe it would be greatly beneficial info for your viewers on what they can expect when it comes to car upkeep, and running costs? Thanks man and keep up the great work 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@MarekDrivesENG]

I wish I had a crystal ball, and could predict what will go wrong in a brand new car :) Servicing costs will vary from country to country, and my German isn't good enough to call around Germany and ask them for their service prices :) I wish such data was available on a dealer's website. It would make things so much easier, and more transparent.

[@quixomega]

I find it strange that they make this and the x1 and x2, all on the same platform. They're all very similar.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

Apparently people don't mid buying the same car in 3 different body styles :)

[@jamesmedina2062]

You are nuts man. That is a hatchback. Did you never see a minivan?? Go to minute 2:15 here 👉kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZvRk4SHos2gp5I smaller 3 rows, able to walk inside it...some features of a van

[@MarekDrivesENG]

Everything is bigger in the US.

[@ΧρήστοςΔενέχεισημασία]

It IS actually a COMPACT minivan.... If you need longer and 3 row, you get the Gran Tourer. Sadly the Gran Tourer hasn't been updated yet.

[@jamesmedina2062]

@@ΧρήστοςΔενέχεισημασία I suppose....if you live in a bubble

[@r.gelmers6580]

Nice looking car but loosing all the buttons is a big fail to me. ACC distance adjust through the screen? Come on, that's just borderline criminal. Also, FWD on a BMW while that has always been their main identity trait, is sad.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

I assume the team realised a BMW driver will set it once to tailgating distance, so there's no point adding extra buttons :)

[@shoarectube]

The best looking new bmw right now…sad

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

Not a lot of people in Europe buy minivans nowadays.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

It's a damn shame, because they are the best cars.

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

@@MarekDrivesENG But if you go to Japan, China or south east Asia, you will see more options for minivans.

[@williamegler8771]

Yet BMW and Mercedes have sold enough of them to make the substantial investment in a new generation.

[@MarekDrives]

@@williamegler8771 I totally get it. It's not much more in monthly payments to have a premium badge in the driveway instead of a VW.

[@metoo3773]

I know they dont its a shame... I am still rocking my MPV Toyota corolla verso from 2004. I wish they still made them, they legit are just as practical as an SUV, better fuel economy, and easier to park. No better traveling comfort than in a van. Nothing comes even close...

[@Hurdy_guy]

It is much better with x-drive with plug-in tech. FWD is not as good.

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

Well done. Lovely car and not really in line with the BMW tradition. This is also the title of my test drive video of this car. Got my like bro. p.s. Drop by to check my content. You may like it. :)

[@entlim]

Touch screen buttons? UGH! Pointless and poorly designed centre armrest... useless 'Bugger the trendy....'🤣 Brilliant?

[@MarekDrives]

I really had a good time driving this car. It was just right for a road trip: it was quite, comfortable, looked the part in front of a fancy restaurant.

[@InsEngineered]

They should not call it a tourer without a spare wheel

[@MarekDrivesENG]

Not many brands in Europe offer a spare. The idea is the roadside assistance network is so developed there's no point losing space and carrying extra weight. Also 18-19 inch wheels don't help.

[@InsEngineered]

​@@MarekDrivesENG With my expereince roadside assitance is good in cities but dont expect them to be quick in a east european road trip. Atleast a space saver wheel is always better than nothing(tyre sealant)

[@fordgalaxie3726]

I will never buy a car with an operation concept focused on touch displays and/or speech commands.

[@jdmguy44]

Why do German car makers persist with shitty (cheaper to make) touch capacitive controls and big screens that are distracting and affected by glare issues. Bring back physical controls.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

It's not just the Germans. It's a general trend in the automotive world these days. The assumption is that it's easier to activate certain preinstalled features, which you will be able to rent and try, rather than buy. With physical buttons you either have a button or you don't. With that said, I don't necessarily like this vision of the automotive future, but unless people vote otherwise with their wallets, this is what's coming.

[@summerforever6736]

They are pushing this crappy digital display come with a ton of glare! Also this is a hatchback!

[@HuyTran-sk3py]

BMW? FWD? Best? This is just sad

[@ΧρήστοςΔενέχεισημασία]

FWD is best if you don't care about sporty performance. More efficient, and shorter length. Plus safer. Not everything needs to be RWD.

[@gerrywhelan7426]

Hideous looking car. Over styled cars are cluttering up the roads. Unfortunately, most car 'journalists' haven't a clue about pure simple design.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

What's your minivan design icon?

[@ΧρήστοςΔενέχεισημασία]

It is actually one of the best looking minivans around....