Sportier look for a compact van

BMW is preparing a redesign of its 2 Series Active Tourer compact minivan that has never been sold in the United States.

The 2 Series AT was the first BMW to feature front-wheel drive when it arrived in 2014. Given BMW’s traditional production run, this redesigned model is expected to launch next year – and we don’t do not expect it to reach the United States either. .

The redesigned AT Series 2 is similar in size to the current model, but appears to feature a sleeker and sportier design. The wheelbase also appears to be slightly longer, which should translate to more interior space. The design is clearly evolutionary but there are a few noticeable changes, such as the side mirrors moving towards the doors instead of sitting at the base of the A-pillars, and the grille getting larger and larger.

The platform is the BMW Group’s front-wheel drive FAAR design that debuted last year in the redesigned 1-series sedan sold overseas and has since appeared in the 2-series Gran Coupé which arrived on the local scene for 2020. The platform brings improvements in weight reduction and compatibility with electrified powertrains, including battery-electric options. A redesigned 2-series coupe is also being tested, although this model will use the rear-wheel drive CLAR platform from the BMW Group.

It’s unclear which powertrains will feature in the new AT Series 2 Series, but an inline 3 and 4 inline turbocharged engine series is likely. A plug-in hybrid option is also expected to be available and we could possibly see an electric option. Driving will be on the front wheels as standard, but all-wheel drive will be available.

The current 2 Series AT can also be ordered as a Extended Series 2 Gran Tourer with three rows of seats. This pattern is not expected to repeat itself, as customers in larger families increasingly turn to SUVs rather than vans.