The diesel minivan was the star of the 2000s. If today customers prefer SUVs and policies, electric motors, the new BMW 218d Active Tourer still shows the validity of the formula.
Car tested: BMW 2 Series ActiveTourer 218d 150 hp M Sport DKG7
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From€40,550
190 € penalty
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Introduced by general manufacturers, the minivan only survives today thanks to premium brands. Peugeot has long since switched its 5008 to SUV mode, Citroën announced the discontinuation of its C4 SpaceTourer, and Renault will transform its iconic Scénic into an electric SUV for the next generation. Same dark fate for the Volkswagen Touran, the most “dad’s minivan” of all.
So you have to go to BMW and Mercedes to find compact minivans. After the Class B in 2019, it is the turn of the Series 2 Active Tourer to renew itself with this second generation model. After the first test of a gasoline version, here we are at the wheel of a 218d model with its thirstless diesel. The vehicle is presented here in M Sport finish, and it immediately sweeps away the criticism often made of minivans on their too bland silhouette. With its collected profile and its worked body panels, the German even looks good!
2022 BMW 218d Active Tourer Price
Only one diesel is available in the Active Tourer range. Available from €36,400, the 150 hp 218d peaks at €40,550 in the M Sport finish of our test model. In exchange for this steep price, BMW sprinkles its minivan with a good dose of equipment (see details on the next page) but leaves a few optional treats such as the head-up display, the charging of the smartphone by induction, the sunroof or the sliding seat.
Driving
Sweep away what you know of the old Active Tourer, as the new benefits from a completely redesigned and rather successful driving position. The latter combines modernity and ergonomics while retaining the semi-high driving position appreciated by minivan users. We therefore dominate the road, but also the large horizontal slab formed by two screens in a row. The floating center console is well studied with the small gearbox lever at its end which falls conveniently to hand.
This furniture forms a high-tech whole, but the multimedia part is made up of too many menus to be practical and intuitive. We will find this layout in the next generation of the BMW X1 since the two models have the same electrified platform which will give rise to thermal, plug-in hybrid and electric proposals. The version that interests us here is the 218d engine with its 150 hp four-cylinder. Rather discreet in town and inaudible at steady speed on the road, this 2.0 diesel is also efficient. The torque of 360 Nm available from very low engine speeds ensures solid acceleration and good flexibility at all speeds in conjunction with the seven-speed automatic gearbox, of the dual-clutch type, supplied as standard on all versions of the model.
The chassis cash without flinching engine performance with precise guidance of the front axle and body movements well controlled in the sinuosities. You won’t get bored at the wheel of this BMW minivan, but a little more feeling in the steering would have raised the level of dynamic driving. Without providing the softness expected of a family car, the comfort proved to be correct on our test version with classic suspension and not with the SelectDrive variable damping, recently offered as standard on the M Sport to replace the DirectDrive suspension (firmer damping and lowered chassis) which degrades comfort too much.
Besides, our model was also without this equipment… but fitted with 19-inch rims (optional), which have an impact on the firmness felt in the rear seats when the coating is of poor quality. To be avoided therefore for the most sensitive to comfort. When passing at the pump, painful at the moment, the frugality of this 218d is appreciable. On 320 km of secondary roads without adopting eco-driving, the BMW claimed only 4.6 l/100 km. And on the highway, at regulatory speed, it is just as sober, sipping only 5.1 l/100 km. With its 45 l tank, the Active Tourer thus ensures comfortable autonomy, so trips without having your eyes glued to the fuel gauge.
On board
Competition
As we have seen, manufacturers have deserted this segment of compact minivans to join the ranks of SUVs. The battle is therefore only played out with the Mercedes B-Class. The starred model is also available in diesel, even offering a wider choice than the BMW (116, 150 and 190 hp). The B200d 150 hp version with AMG Line Edition finish is displayed at the same price as the BMW 218d M Sport: €40,500 on one side, 40 €550 on the other.
2022 BMW 218d Active Tourer test report
With its beautiful living space in its compact size of 4.39 m and its modular interior (provided you check the sliding bench seat option), the Series 2 Active Tourer skillfully recalls the advantages of the compact minivan. It adds a muscular style to give change to SUVs, especially with the M Sport outfit. The performance, the torquey engine and the frugality of this 218d will delight big riders, but its significant price difference with the 218i version makes it long to pay for itself.
WE love
- Space on board in a compact size
- Modern presentation and quality of finishes
- Very sober diesel in all circumstances
We regret
- Comfort a little firm but not brittle
- Multimedia system to simplify
- Many options
Technical sheet BMW 218d Active Tourer
| Dimensions and weight | |
| Length | 4.39m |
| Width without mirrors | 1.82m |
| Height | 1.58m |
| Wheelbase | 2.67m |
| Trunk volume | 470 to 1,455 liters |
| Tank capacity | 45 liters |
| Tires on test model | 225/45 R19 |
| Unloaded weight | 1,545kg |
| Power and performance | |
| Type of engine | Four-cylinder, diesel |
| Displacement | 1995cm3 |
| Powerful | 150 hp at 4000 rpm |
| Couple | 360 Nm at 1,500 rpm |
| Transmission | to the front wheels |
| Gearbox | auto, double clutch 7 sp. |
| 0 to 100 km/h | 8.8s |
| Maximum speed | 220 km/h |
| Consumption – CO2 – Malus | |
| Mixed WLTP | 4.8 to 5.1 l/100 km |
| CO2 emissions | 126 to 134 g/km |
| CO2 penalties – 2022 | 0 to 190 € |
| Weight penalty – 2022 | none |
| Fiscal power | 8 HP |
| Guarantee | 2 years, unlimited km |
| country of production | Germany |
Price and equipment BMW 218d Active Tourer
- Basis: €36,400
10.25” digital instrument panel and 10.7” center screen
Navigation. Dual-zone automatic air conditioning
Leather-wrapped multifunction sport steering wheel
Automatic lights and wipers
Keyless start. Electric tailgate
Reversing camera. Front and rear parking sensors
Automatic parking system
Cruise control and speed limiter. Driving modes
40/20/40 split-folding bench seat with adjustable recline
4 USB-C ports (2 front, 2 rear)
LED spotlights. 16” alloy wheels
- Luxury: €38,500
in addition
Sensatec imitation leather upholstery
Eucalyptus wood decorative inserts
17” alloy wheels
- M Sport: €40,550
in addition
M exterior package. M interior elements
Alcantara/Sensatec upholstery with blue stitching
Advanced front seats
Leather-wrapped M steering wheel. M aluminum trim
SelectDrive suspension. Steering wheel paddles
18” alloy wheels
Options
Metallic paint: €890
Sliding bench seat: €360
Tinted rear window: €410
Panoramic glass sunroof: €1,450
Premium Pack (full LED headlights, hands-free access, electrochrome mirrors, induction charging, Luxury dashboard trim): €2,100
Innovation Pack (Park Assist Plus, head-up display): €3,300
Drive Assist Plus with adaptive cruise control: €800
Leather upholstery: €1,950 (€1,350 on Luxury and M Sport)
Electric front seats with memory: €700
Smart high beams: €170
Harman Kardon Hi-Fi system: €810
Space-saving spare wheel: €160
19” alloy rims: €950
