2014-2018 BMW 2 Series Active Tourer (F45) 220d (190 Hp)

The BMW 2 Series Active Tourer (F45) 220d (190 Hp) represents a significant chapter in the history of the Bavarian automaker. Produced between 2014 and 2018, this model marked BMW’s entry into the competitive compact Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) segment. More notably, it was one of the first vehicles from the brand to be built on a front-wheel-drive architecture, a departure from BMW’s long-standing tradition of rear-wheel-drive performance cars. The 220d variant, equipped with a powerful and efficient 2.0-liter diesel engine, was positioned as a premium choice for families and individuals seeking a blend of practicality, fuel economy, and the dynamic driving characteristics associated with the BMW badge.

Development and Rationale

The F45 generation of the 2 Series Active Tourer was developed to cater to a new customer base for BMW. The company identified a growing market for premium compact vehicles that offered greater interior space and versatility than a traditional hatchback or sedan. The decision to use the front-wheel-drive UKL2 platform, shared with Mini, was a pragmatic one. This architecture allows for a transverse engine layout, which significantly shortens the front end of the vehicle and maximizes interior cabin space relative to its external dimensions—a crucial factor for an MPV.

While this move was met with skepticism from some brand purists, it allowed BMW to create a vehicle with a high roofline, an elevated seating position (known as a semi-command driving position), and flexible interior solutions, such as a sliding rear bench and a large, accessible boot. The 220d model, in particular, was engineered to provide robust performance and long-distance cruising ability, making it an ideal choice for European markets where diesel engines were favored for their torque and efficiency.

Engine and Performance Specifications

At the heart of the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer (F45) 220d (190 Hp) is the B47D20 engine. This 2.0-liter (1995 cc) inline-four-cylinder diesel engine is a product of BMW’s EfficientDynamics engine family, designed to optimize both power output and fuel consumption.

Engine Characteristics:
The B47 engine utilizes BMW’s TwinPower Turbo technology, which in this application refers to a single variable-geometry turbocharger, combined with the latest generation of Common Rail direct fuel injection. This system allows for precise fuel delivery at high pressure, resulting in more efficient combustion. The engine features a compression ratio of 16.5:1 and has four valves per cylinder.

Power and Torque Delivery:
The engine produces a maximum power output of 190 horsepower (Hp) at 4000 rpm and a substantial peak torque of 400 Nm (295.02 lb.-ft.). Critically, this torque is available from just 1750 rpm, providing strong, immediate acceleration from low engine speeds. This characteristic makes the 220d feel responsive in city traffic and provides effortless overtaking capability on the highway. The power-to-weight ratio is a healthy 135.2 Hp per tonne, and the torque-to-weight ratio stands at an impressive 284.7 Nm per tonne, figures that underscore the vehicle’s dynamic potential.

Acceleration and Top Speed:
The performance figures are impressive for a practical family vehicle. The 220d Active Tourer accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in a swift 7.6 seconds. Its maximum speed is rated at 227 km/h (141 mph), demonstrating its competence as a high-speed cruiser on the German Autobahn and other unrestricted motorways. This level of performance ensures the vehicle never feels underpowered, even when fully laden with passengers and luggage.

Fuel Economy and Emissions

A key selling point for the 220d variant was its exceptional balance of performance and efficiency. The vehicle’s fuel consumption figures were highly competitive for its time, making it an economical choice for daily commuting and long journeys.

Urban Consumption: 5.2 – 5.3 l/100 km
Extra-Urban Consumption: 3.9 – 4.1 l/100 km
Combined Consumption: 4.4 – 4.5 l/100 km

These figures, combined with a 51-liter fuel tank, give the 220d a theoretical range of over 1100 km on a single tank under ideal extra-urban conditions.

Environmentally, the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer (F45) 220d (190 Hp) was compliant with the stringent Euro 6 emissions standard. It was equipped with a diesel particulate filter as standard to reduce soot emissions. The official CO2 emissions were rated between 115 and 119 g/km, placing it in a favorable tax bracket in many European countries at the time of its release.

Drivetrain, Chassis, and Handling

The F45 platform brought not only front-wheel drive but also a sophisticated chassis setup designed to deliver a driving experience worthy of the BMW roundel.

Drivetrain:
The 220d model channels its power to the front wheels through a standard 6-speed manual transmission. The front-wheel-drive layout, while different for BMW, was engineered to provide safe, predictable handling with minimal torque steer, even with 400 Nm of torque available.

Suspension and Steering:
The vehicle employs an independent front suspension with coil springs and a sophisticated independent multi-link rear suspension. This rear setup is more advanced than the simpler torsion beam suspension found on many rivals and plays a crucial role in providing a superior blend of ride comfort and handling agility. It allows for better wheel control over uneven surfaces and contributes to the car’s stable and composed feel during cornering.

The steering is an electric power steering system, offering light effort for easy maneuvering at low speeds and firming up for better feedback and stability at higher speeds. The minimum turning circle is 11.3 meters, making it relatively agile in tight urban environments.

Brakes and Wheels:
Braking is handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear, with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as a standard safety feature. The standard tire size for this model is 205/60 R16, mounted on 7.0J x 16-inch alloy wheels.

Exterior Design and Dimensions

The 2 Series Active Tourer’s design is dictated by its function as an MPV. It features a short bonnet, a long wheelbase, a tall roofline, and a near-vertical tailgate to maximize interior volume. Despite its practical shape, BMW designers incorporated signature brand elements, including the iconic kidney grille, twin circular headlights (available with LED technology), and the Hofmeister kink in the rear side window. The vehicle has a drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.27, a very slippery figure for an MPV, which contributes to its fuel efficiency and high-speed stability.

Key Dimensions:
Length: 4342 mm (170.94 in.)
Width: 1800 mm (70.87 in.)
Height: 1555 mm (61.22 in.)
Wheelbase: 2670 mm (105.12 in.)
Ground Clearance: 165 mm (6.5 in.)

Interior, Space, and Practicality

The interior is where the 2 Series Active Tourer truly excels. The cabin offers seating for five adults in a spacious and airy environment, thanks to the tall roof and large windows. The elevated seating provides excellent visibility for the driver and makes ingress and egress easier.

Cargo and Storage:
The vehicle’s practicality is its main strength. The trunk offers a minimum of 468 liters of cargo space with the rear seats in place. The rear bench can slide forwards and backwards to prioritize either legroom or luggage space. When the 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats are lowered, the maximum cargo capacity expands to an impressive 1510 liters, creating a flat and versatile load floor.

Weight and Towing:
The kerb weight of the vehicle is 1405 kg. It has a maximum permissible weight of 1955 kg, allowing for a substantial payload of 550 kg. The 220d is also a capable tow vehicle, with a permitted braked towing capacity of 1500 kg and an unbraked capacity of 735 kg.