BMW didn't invent the 'Tourer' - which is like a German mix between the MPV and a high-speed autobahn cruiser. However, it certainly moved the game forward with its practical 2 Series Active Tourer and Gran Tourer hatchbacks.
Despite the continued rise in popularity of the SUV segment, BMW is apparently working on a brand new model already. However, it's at least four years away, according to a report from German magazine Auto Bild.
The schedule makes perfect sense, as the 2 Series Active Tourer is currently testing its Life Cycle Impulse changes. So what can we expect from the second generation? Well, pretty comprehensive changes, including superior styling, more space, a modern cockpit and the possibility of an M Performance version.
Codenamed U08, this car will ride on a revised front-wheel-drive platform. Because the unsuccessful 3 Series Gran Tourer will be taken off the shelves in four years, the 2er AT will be allowed to grow significantly, thus partially filling the gap.
According to our source, the i Inside Future Concept of the CES is the preview in the interior department. You'll see fancy screens and modern materials everywhere. A head-up display with augmented reality might also be installed. Brake-by-wire will also be fitted for economy and safety reasons.
We're not too keen on letting go of the steering wheel and reading a book just yet, so the powertrain changes are a bit more exciting. Both petrol and diesel mills will be available, with most being fitted with a 48-volt electrical system.
In place of the current 228i Active Tourer, BMW is going to offer an even more powerful 230i model that's expected to produce 252 HP. However, the real cherry on the cake is a M235i version with standard xDrive that's powered by the new 300 horsepower 2.0-liter turbo being prepared for the X2.
We'd say these are some of the most comprehensive changes considered for a BMW in the past decade. However, it will take a while before they are confirmed.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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