BMW reveals a new 2 Series Active Tourer

BMW has unveiled the new 2 Series Active Tourer.

As you might already have expected, the prominence of the kidney grille up front has been bumped. And flanking the grille are new and slimmer head lights, giving the car added sporting prowess.

The A-pillar gets a heavier rake compared to its predecessor, and works with the flush-fitting door handles and slim C-pillars to give the car a more crossover-like profile.

And at the rear, the exhaust tailpipes are now integrated into the rear apron and stay out of sight on all model variants.

In the cabin, the new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer takes cues from the BMW iX, for its design, with a slim dashboard, the curved twin display screen and a 'floating' armrest all vying for your attention.

The curved display screen pairs a 10.25-inch information display with a 10.7-inch control display, also runs BMW’s latest Operating System 8 and the new generation of the BMW iDrive control system.

The system is not only Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible, but also offers drivers the option to select from a few 'My Modes', activating pre-saved settings for a variety of options altering the setup of the powertrain and steering, as well as the style of the readouts on the BMW Curved Display and the interior lighting.

The 'floating' armrest also now houses an integrated control panel, freeing up space and clutter from the dashboard and also allowing the area in front of it to house generously sized cup holders and a newly designed smartphone slot. Wireless charging will be available as an option.

Passengers meanwhile, will be pleased to hear that newly developed, multi-adjustable seats can also be ordered in optional Sensatec perforated or Vernasca leather. The seats can be ordered with electronically adjustments as well as a massage function.

There's also a new interior camera that will allow all those on board to take snapshots during a journey and send them straight to their smartphone.

And underneath that cabin, the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer gets enhanced steering precision and agility thanks to changes to its single-joint spring strut axle at the front and the three-link axle at the rear.

Adaptive M suspension is also offered for the car, adding frequency-selective damping, a sports steering and a 15mm drop in ride height.

Petrol variants of the car available at launch start from the BMW 218i Active Tourer, with a 134bhp output. A 220i Active Tourer is also available with a total of 168bhp generated jointly by a 154bhp combustion engine and a 19bhp electric drive system.

There's also a 223i Active Tourer, sporting a new 48V mild-hybrid system offering 215bhp generated jointly by a 201bhp combustion engine and 19bhp electric drive system. All variants are paired with a seven-speed Steptronic dual-clutch transmission.

More information on the 230e xDrive pictured (the car in blue) as well as a second plug-in hybrid model for the range will be revealed in a few months.