During the International Media Launch of the new second generation BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, I drove a total of three variants - the top-of-the-range 230e, the 220i, as well as this 223i model that effectively slots between the two.

The main thing to know is that this car is functionally very similar to the 220i, unlike the 230e that is a plug-in hybrid. This is strictly a petrol-only car. But, what else is different?

So it's just a different engine?

The key difference is under the bonnet. This 223i gets a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine, coupled with a 48V mild-hybrid system. It has got a power advantage over the 220i to the tune of 215bhp and 360Nm of torque, and it's certainly a brisk car, with 0-100km/h taking just 7 seconds.

On the road, that extra power is certainly welcome, as it makes the drive feel more effortless. Overtaking cars on the highway or climbing the switchback mountain roads feels easy. This is also helped by the fact that the car feels very planted onto the tarmac. I will admit that the front-end doesn't feel quite as sharp as the 220i (it's the extra weight), but it still handles with much more verve than you'd expect for an MPV.

Are there equipment differences?

The other difference (compared to the 220i) that keen eyes may spot is this 223i comes with some additional visual flourishes in the form of the M Sport package. You get a slightly sharper-looking exterior along with some M badging, and I really don't think the car looks half bad at all.

The interior also feels a little more sporty. You've got Alcantara on the seats, a sleeker and more muted interior with ample leather and contrast stitching, and it's a lovely space to be in. Of course, you get all the modern amenities of the new Operating System 8 as well, which makes this car feel a lot more expensive than it's positioning would suggest.

As far as equipment goes, both the 220i and 223i that I drove were basically identically full-spec (including optional features like the massage seats and Harmon Kardon sound system), and had the same full suite of assistance systems, so I can't compare the two. However, it's to be expected that the basic spec of the two cars will likely differ.

Who's buying the 223i?

Just like the 220i and 230e that I drove, this 223i is an impressive offering. And that's really down to the fact that I think this new generation 2 Series Active Tourer has a lot to offer. It looks pretty good, the interior is fantastic and expensive-feeling, and it drives quite well (in fact better than you'd imagine an MPV too). It really does all the things you need a family car to do, and does them quite well indeed.

However, this 223i is certainly the less obvious choice of the bunch. The 230e gives you the option of electric driving, so that's its own proposition. Between the 220i and 223i, I'm sure more people will opt for the 220i, on account of it being the cheaper choice. And, as the M Sport package is also optionally available on the 220i, what you're really paying for here is the bigger, more powerful engine. What this 223i does do is show people what's possible and available, for those that want the 'more' option - more power and more kit.
 
 
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