The world upside down.
Introduced by generalist manufacturers who had made it one of their specialities, the compact MPV has become the domain of specialist brands.
Faced with the drop in sales, no manufacturer takes the risk of renewing this family genre, with the exception of BMW and Mercedes.
That of the Bavarian brand will point the end of its hood in a few weeks.
To discover
Our list of the best electric cars under 40,000 euros
What responsibility at the wheel of an “autonomous car”?
Tom Kirkpatrick
The Series 2 Active Tourer is based on a new platform that allows the integration of new connectivity and electrification technologies.
We find monovolume forms that we know well and which have won over 405,000 customers, mostly Europeans.
The change of generation is accompanied by the adoption of the latest aesthetic codes: smooth sides, domed and flared grille, black or chrome depending on the version, and stern inspired by the Mercedes B-Class with its thinned lights.
This new minivan takes the opportunity to lengthen by 32 mm, widen by 24 mm and rise by 21 mm.
This has no effect on the aerodynamic Cx which displays a correct value of 0.26.
Tom Kirkpatrick
The revolution deaf to the opening of doors that can be unlocked via his smartphone.
The interior ambience is inspired by that of the iX electric crossover.
The instrumentation cap typical of the Munich models gives way to a large curved shelf consisting of a customizable 10.25-inch display screen and a 10.7-inch infotainment screen.
As on all the brand's models, the counters are replaced by a digital display in the form of two half-octagons.
Reading was better with the old system.
Similarly, navigating the multimedia screen was easier before with direct access to the various functions.
From now on, we have a double navigation, by scrolling the main menus horizontally by simply scanning the screen with a finger.
The other, vertical,
Tom Kirkpatrick
From the iX, we also find the central block raised and independent of the dashboard.
It includes a closed storage space as well as the controls for the 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox, driving modes and adjustment of the sound level of the radio and music.
Unlike the other models, the head-up display integrated in the Innovation Pack (+ €3,300) is not projected onto the windscreen but onto a translucent blade, similar to that fitted to the old Peugeot 3008. navigation with augmented reality is available but it is displayed on the central screen and therefore forces you to take your eyes off the road.
Tom Kirkpatrick
Seating comfort has been revised with seats with reinforced lateral and lumbar support that can be enhanced with the optional massage function.
From the older generation, this minivan has retained the 40/20/40 rear bench seat, the sliding seats, except for the plug-in hybrid versions, over an amplitude of 130 mm and the reclining seat backs.
Still, the narrow central square can only be for troubleshooting: a shame for a family-oriented vehicle.
The increase in length mainly benefits the capacity of the trunk, which extends, in the best case, from 470 to 1,455 litres, rear seat retracted.
With the Cargo function which raises the seat backs vertically, the Active Tourer gains 90 litres.
One way to compensate for the non-renewal of the 7-seater Gran Tourer version.
Tom Kirkpatrick
In terms of engines, the minivan does not really reduce its lifestyle.
Compliance with the next depollution standards and the reduction of consumption required a complete overhaul of the blocks.
BMW still offers a 218d for big wheels.
Its 4-cylinder 150 hp claims a consumption of 4.8 l/100 km (125 g/km of CO).
The gasoline range revolves solely around the German group's 1.5-litre 3-cylinder: 218i with 136 hp and 220i with 170 hp that we tested.
There are no small savings.
Its 48 V mild hybridization system based on a 19 hp and 55 Nm of torque electric machine integrated into the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and a 1 kWh battery saves 0.3 l/100 km and lowers emissions of CO by 7 g/km (133 g/km) compared to the 218i.
Lower consumption but higher performance justifies a price difference of 2,400 euros.
The electrified 3-cylinder 1.5 l, which now operates according to the Miller cycle, is also the common denominator of the two rechargeable hybrid versions of 245 and 326 hp launched next summer.
Tom Kirkpatrick
Lowered driving position, thick M steering wheel rim, reassuring balance: it doesn't feel like driving a minivan.
It's so true that in Sport mode, the engine response is a little too nervous.
With each acceleration, the boost from the electric motor is felt, helping to make overtaking easier.
The system is really smart: the battery recharges with each deceleration and braking.
The “My Modes” button on the center console even allows you to manage recovery based in particular on traffic.
Autonomously, the car regulates its speed to the vehicle in front.
As often on an electrified vehicle, braking is not easy to dose, the pedal being signaled by variations in assistance due to the regeneration system.
All in its desire to take care of the dynamism,
On paper, the Series 2 Active Tourer minivan is condemned to evolve in a narrow lane, between the sedan, the station wagon and the SUV.
In reality, motorists who refuse to appear behind the wheel of an SUV could be seduced by this vehicle which offers the same services - great functionality and a raised seat - in a more discreet dress.
They will not be disappointed as this new model incorporates the latest technology from the manufacturer.
Technical sheet
Engines: 3-cylinder, 1,499 cc, 156 hp, 240 Nm + 1 electric motor of 19 hp
Transmission: traction, auto box.
7-speed dual-clutch
Dimensions (LxWxH): 4,386 x 1,824 x 1,576mm
Trunk: 415 liters
Weight: 1,520 kg
Performance (0 to 100 km/h): 8.1 seconds
Speed: 221 km/h
Consumption: 5.9 l/100 km
CO2 emissions: 133g/km
Price: from €36,600
