What It Is: An artist’s impression of what a stretched version of BMW's upcoming 2-series Active Tourer,
developed with the U.S. in mind, could look like. It will likely be
sold alongside its slightly more compact sibling, which sports just five
seats. While it is wildly popular in Europe, the tall-roof wagon is a
rare breed in the North American market. It is significantly more
compact than full-fledged minivans such the Toyota Sienna or the Honda Odyssey,
and we fully expect it to drive and handle with the same finesse as
other BMWs. It’s slated to start production in 2015 and debut as a 2016
model.
Why It Matters: BMW's heritage is with rear-wheel-drive vehicles,
but increasing energy prices and looming fuel-economy regulations mean
that many future offerings will be smaller and front-wheel-driven as
well. We fully expect front-wheel drive to account for up to 50 percent
of BMW's production, although the company won't speak publicly of that
increasing above 30 percent. The brand has proven it can be stretched to
include SUVs, and it has survived a lot of controversy (Bangle butts,
iDrive, and shark-nosed Z4s spring to mind, and we haven’t seen the
entire i3 and i8
saga play out yet). Why not offer compact and fuel-efficient
front-wheel-drive cars for aspirational young families, or as a second
or third car for happy owners of its traditional cars? BMW Group
engineers have proven with the Mini that they can create convincing
front-drivers that can pass muster with some, if not all, enthusiasts.
While the compact tall-wagon segment is small in the U.S., it matters
globally. In Europe, this model will compete with offerings from
Volkswagen, PSA, and a number of Asian manfacturers. It's a market too
large not to tackle.
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Platform: The stretched version of the 2-series Active Tourer shares its platform with its five-seat sibling; it’s closely related to the new Mini Hardtop, the next-gen Countryman, and further upcoming models such as the next-gen BMW 1-series and a possible Z2 roadster.
The platform features a multilink rear suspension, and it an
electromechanical power-steering system. A lightweight material mix
keeps weight down to acceptable levels. And it will offer something rare
among SUVs and crossovers: a usable third row of seats.
Powertrains: The stretched 2-series Active Tourer will be built
with a range of three-and four-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines; for
the U.S., however, we expect to see only the top-of-the-line 225i with a
228-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline turbo. Down the road, a diesel
could follow. And the platform would allow BMW to add all-wheel drive
and hybridized powertrains.
Competition: Audi Q3, Buick Encore, Fiat 500L, Ford B-Max, Mercedes-Benz B-class Electric Drive, Mini Countryman.
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