The model is the first modern era front-wheel-drive BMW, breaking with a tradition for rear-wheel-drive cars.
The company expects the Tourer to win customers who would otherwise buy vehicles such as the Mercedes-Benz B class or Volkswagen Touran. They believe the car will lure younger families to the marque who often stay customers of the brand as they get older.
They also forecast that demand for luxury compact cars like the Active Tourer will grow faster over the next 10 years than for the overall premium market.
In looks, the 2-series Active Tourer has BMW's trademark kidney grille flanked by twin circular headlights. The front and rear overhangs are very short.
Three petrol and three diesel engines will be offered to European customers for the model when it goes on sale in Europe in September with German prices starting at €27,200. The car shares its platform with the latest-generation Mini through which they have more than 10 years experience with front-wheel-drive cars.
BMW later plans to launch a longer version of the Active Tourer with three rows of seats for seven passengers. A plug-in hybrid will follow with nine more BMW-brand derivatives off its front-wheel-drive architecture planned for the future.
