BMW is entering into a whole new market segment with the Philippine launch of the first-ever 2 Series Active Tourer. Known as a staunch supporter of the traditional driver’s car layout—rear wheel drive—the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer is the German brand’s first front-wheel drive vehicle. As such, it’s aimed more towards a new breed of BMW buyers who’re looking for a practical family car that doesn’t sacrifice spirited performance.

Not to be confused with the regular 2 Series, which keeps a front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout, the 2 Series Active Tourer rides on an all-new platform that’s actually shared with the MINI Cooper. The reason behind the shift to front-wheel drive is simple: it allows the 2 Series Active Tourer to have high levels of versatility and functionality. It taps on the growing segment of premium MPVs, especially in family-centric markets such as the Philippines.



Despite a compact length of 4,342 millimeters, it has an ultra-long wheelbase of 2,670 millimeters. It’s has a roomy and practical interior with rear seats that offer extreme flexibility. With the 40/20/40 split-fold seats down, it boasts of 1,510 liters of luggage space.

Other than more interior room than what its exterior dimensions suggest, the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer has a semi-elevated driving position for a commanding view of the road and good traffic visibility. More than that, it keeps the usual BMW driver-centric interior with intuitive controls. Front and center is the BMW iDrive system that offers unparalleled multimedia and connectivity options for everyone on board.



Outside, it combines traditional BMW styling cues and an MPV body. The signature double kidney grille is flanked by twin LED headlights with corona rings. The elongated silhouette and discreet wedge shape adds more depth to its appearance. From the back, it has BMW’s trademark L-shaped tail lamps.

For the Philippine market, the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer will be offered solely as the 218i. This means, it’s powered by BMW’s first-ever three-cylinder gasoline engine. With TwinPower Turbo technology, the 1.5-liter powerplant produces a peak horsepower of 136 at 4,400 rpm and 220 Nm from 1,250 rpm. Mated to this is an 8-speed automatic which is good for a 0-100 km/h time of 9.2 seconds while consuming just 21.73 km/L. It also comes standard with EfficientDynamics that includes idle start/stop, brake energy regeneration, and such. It also has the Driver Experience Control that alters drive settings between ECO PRO, SPORT, or COMFORT.

The BMW 218i Active Sport Tourer is now available at a retail price of P 2,950,000.