BMW Set To Reveal First Front Wheel Drive Model At Geneva, 2-Series Active Tourer
BMW’s first front wheel drive Ultimate Driving Minivan Machine is set to debut at Geneva next month. It rides on the BMW Group’s new UKL platform, which is also the same platform for Mini’s third generation Cooper and the next generation BMW X1. The top engine in the 225i is said to be a 231 horse power 2.0L turbo four cylinder, while a diesel powered 218d is optional; and power is routed though a standard six speed manual (yay) or automatic transmission for all engines.
The 2-Series moniker comes from its larger size and price over the 1-Series variants sold overseas.
Styling can be best described as the BMW of minivans, but is pleasant and well proportioned, keeping the family resemblance strong. Front overhang is minimal, and over all exterior dimensions are tidy at 170.9 inches in length, 61.4 inches tall, and 70.9 inches wide, and with a wheel base of 105.1 inches; aiming square at the Mercedes Benz B-Class. Interior room is said to be enough to seat five comfortably, and is highly configurable with not only a flat-folding rear seat, but front seat as well.
An all wheel drive model is expected to arrive later this year, as well. A future M-Sport package and hybrid model are in the pipeline as well.
The 2-Series is a big step in BMW product, expanding beyond what is typically defined as BMW’s idea of the Ultimate Driving Machine. But with the success of their X-series models, who can fault BMW for wanting to bring their vision to the MPV market?
More by Phillip Thomas
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This is all I'm saying #Kia http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/2013-kia-carens-paris.jpg
As if soft suspensions, vague steering, and turbo 4 cylinders weren't enough of a sign that BMW has jumped the shark, then this thing seals the deal. Clearly even BMW now believes all that matters is that badge on the hood, and all that wonderful stuff that used to make that badge mean something special is meaningless. My family has had 5 BMWs since the late 90s,because the steering feel, the way E car turns, the handling, the way it sounds all make you feel like the best driver on the planet. If all of that is gone, why would people choose BMW over anything else? After driving the F11 5 series, and now seeing things like this FWD minivan monstrosity, I think I can confidently say I will never buy another. I might be able to forgive a FWD minivan if I could still buy a 3 that is perfect in every way, but can't even do that anymore... It's a shame. Reminds me of Honda in the late 90s losing their way as well. Loved loved loved the 90s Hondas we owned. Maybe it's me? The special brands with that little something extra all eventually slide downhill? And what to buy instead? It isn't like Audi or Mercedes or Lexus are really any better... Cadillac?? Screw you BMW. I understand the need to make money, but I don't have to like the way you're deciding to do it.