BMW 2 Series Active Tourer MPV - Interior & comfort

The new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer is among the first cars to get BMW’s latest iDrive 8 media system, which has been updated with extra functionality. Two screens are joined together in a curved unit, one for the driving information and one for the navigation and infotainment functions.

BMW doesn’t seem to have skimped on many of the materials. A lot of soft-touch materials and solid-feeling panels are fitted inside, so the 2 Series feels like a quality product. It’s why the five-seat 2 Series is a similar price to seven-seat SUVs like the Skoda Kodiaq and SEAT Tarraco.

BMW 2 Series Active Tourer dashboard

One of the first things existing owners will notice in the new car is how spacious the front feels. This time around, BMW has made the centre console a lot less cluttered and more open, giving an airy feel. Ahead of the cupholders is a place to put your phone; higher-spec cars get a wireless phone charger here, too.

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The central armrest now appears to float, with an integrated cubby being replaced by an open storage area. Poking out the front of it is a control panel with a number of buttons, putting them within easy reach and decluttering the dashboard. 

You will have to control the air conditioning through the 10.7-inch infotainment screen, though, and BMW has done away with the old rotary infotainment dial. Now, you’ll be prodding the touchscreen a bit more, which some buyers might find frustrating. We liked the sensible rotary dial as it was easy to use and didn’t put greasy fingerprint marks on the screen.

The infotainment screen and the 10.25-inch digital dial cluster next to it both feature impressively sharp graphics, while the usability of the touchscreen is improved by easy widgets.

Equipment

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The line-up kicks off with the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer Sport trim, and even this version has a strong standard equipment list. Those large screens are standard (you have to upgrade for the best screens on the Mercedes B-Class), while other features include LED headlights, alloy wheels, two-zone air conditioning, cruise control and a reversing camera.

Opt for the Luxury spec and you get heated leather seats and aluminium trim. We think the Luxury suits the 2 Series Active Tourer quite well, but the M Sport is likely to be popular with UK buyers. It brings a more sculpted body kit, bigger wheels, adaptive suspension and better headlights.

Options

BMW has often been known for its lengthy options list, and there are plenty of extra features that can be added to the 2 Series. A Comfort Pack adds electric seats and a heated steering wheel, while there are two Technology Packs that add features like keyless entry and folding wing mirrors.

Some of these features can be added individually, and you can also add things like a panoramic sunroof, a larger fuel tank and a Harman Kardon surround-sound system.