Brand values are extremely important to any automaker. They represent the core attributes that a potential customer can expect after purchase. That said, BMW has, over the years, established an enviable reputation for its naturally aspirated engines, rear-wheel-driven products. The first bastion of this traditional strength fell many years ago and the second only recently with the introduction of the Active Tourer – the firms first dedicated people mover with front-wheel drive. We got behind the wheel of the 220d to find out first-hand if BMW has indeed sold its soul to the bean counters…
The business case
Active Tourer is BMW’s take on the traditional MPV market; a value-for-money segment that has seen a decline in popularity over the last couple of years as the SUV/crossover has found popularity. By taking the segment to the premium market, however, BMW is aiming at a new, affluent customer who prefers a road-biased people mover that nevertheless offers some handling prowess and efficiency to boot. Further encouragement would have been found in the fact that BMWs traditional rival, Mercedes-Benz, has been luring potential BMW customers to its fold with the likes of the B-Class and previous-generation A-Class.
Why front-wheel drive?
The main reason is packaging. With a front-engined, rear-wheel-drive vehicle like the BMW 3 Series, you have a longitudinal mounted engine/transmission and a prop-shaft running underneath the cabin that infringes on cabin space. Therefore the front-wheel drive set-up makes sense from a space perspective. An Active Tourer is 282 mm shorter than a 3-Series but offers comparable rear legroom if the bench is moved rearward. Granted the boot is smaller but a higher roof line creates an feeling of space missed in the cabin of a 3.
Styling
It must have been a challenge for BMW designers to infuse its trademark design language cues into essentially a square block. That said, they have been mostly successful; the famous kidney grill up front a focal point with a strong shoulder line denoting dynamism. The rear reminds of an X3 and is maybe not its best angle. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder but the blue-and-white propeller at either end plays a big part in lifting the overall appeal…
Inside
Inside the BMW theme is well executed and the optional interior package (sport seats and black dash inserts) adds to a premium feel. Soft-touch surfaces, leather upholstery and excellent fit and finish accentuate this. Clever storage spaces are provided in the centre console and door pockets while the rear seats fold flat to aid practicality. The driver and passenger seats are mostly comfortable yet rear legroom is slightly compromised once the rear bench is in its forward most position. The view through the windscreen is aided by an elevated driving position.
How does it go?
In terms of both performance and efficiency the BMW 2,0-litre turbodiesel is one of the most accomplished engines in the segment . It may sounds a tad agricultural on start-up and at low speeds but once on the move 400 N.m of torque combines with the 8-speed auto transmission to provide impressive performance. A claimed 0-100 km/h time of 7,5 seconds does not tell the full story as in-gear performance is where the real competence lies. Cruising is a relaxed affair.
BMW claims just 4,3 litres/100 km, very optimistic considering an average weekend spent with the test car returned closer to 7,0 L/100 km. The downside of front-wheel-drive is that with all the torque on tap, the front wheels tend to scrabble for grip during hasty take-offs and the steering wheel tugs lightly in the hand – not a trait expected from a BMW…
Ride and handling
The ride is well-damped if somewhat on the firm side for a family transporter. BMW was may have been slightly too conscious of its “sheer driving pleasure” slogan during development resulting in the comfort attribute being eroded. Yes for the type of vehicle handling is impressive but is definitely not as important as providing a plush ride.
Summary
There is no denying the Active Tourer with the turbodiesel powertrain is a very accomplished vehicle. Traditional BMW enthusiasts will sneer at the concept of front-wheel drive (and rather opt for the 320d) but that is less of a concern for the target market. The ride could have been more compliant and the sticker price cheaper but the Active Tourer now allows BMW to expand into a new segment by offering a quality product to a new group of customers.
