BMW 2 Series F45 Active Tourer (2014–2023): The Family BMW That Actually Drives Like One
I’ll admit it: when the BMW 2 Series F45 Active Tourer first landed, I wasn’t sure a front-drive BMW people-mover could feel, well, BMW enough. Then I loaded it with a pram, a mountain bike (front wheel off), two grumpy kids, and pointed it at a rain-soaked B-road. Ten minutes later I caught myself doing that little half-smile you do when a car surprises you. It’s a practical family box, sure. But it still carries that familiar Bavarian fizz—quietly, and in comfy shoes.
Quick History: How the BMW 2 Series F45 Active Tourer Changed the Script
The BMW 2 Series F45 Active Tourer arrived in 2014 and promptly broke a few BMW traditions. It was the brand’s first front-wheel-drive model, built on the UKL platform it shares with MINI. Cue pearl-clutching from the faithful. Reality? It worked. The 2018 refresh sharpened the nose, tweaked the lamps, and brought updated infotainment and powertrains. Production wound down as the second-gen model launched in 2022, but you’ll still find late-registered F45s popping up through 2023 in some markets.
Engines and Performance: The BMW 2 Series F45 Active Tourer Still Likes a Back Road
Across its life, the F45 offered a broad mix: punchy three- and four-cylinder petrols, torque-rich diesels, and the neat 225xe plug-in hybrid with electric all-wheel drive. Real-world highlights I’ve tried or seen owners rave about:
- 218i: 1.5L turbo 3-cyl, around 136 hp and 162 lb-ft. Easygoing, surprisingly frugal. Think 0–62 mph in ~9.3s.
- 220i/225i: 2.0L turbo 4-cyl, 192–231 hp. The 225i xDrive feels genuinely brisk—0–62 mph in ~6.6s.
- 218d/220d: 150–190 hp diesels with effortless motorway legs; 0–62 mph ~8.9s (218d) to ~7.3s (220d).
- 225xe PHEV: 224 hp combined, electric assistance up front with a rear e-axle—zippy in town, secure in the wet. 0–62 mph ~6.7s. Later cars got a larger battery with up to 28–35 miles WLTP electric range (in ideal conditions; school runs and winter will trim that).
Handling? Better than you’d expect. The steering’s light but accurate, body control is tidy with adaptive dampers, and xDrive models shrug off foul weather. On rough city streets, I preferred the smaller wheels—ride quality goes from cushy slipper to firm trainer depending on spec.
Interior and Practicality: BMW 2 Series F45 Active Tourer Space That Makes Sense
The cabin is classic BMW: logical layout, clean materials, and a driving position that doesn’t make you feel like you’re perched on a barstool. I noticed right away how easy it is to see out—rare in today’s slit-window trend. A few owner notes I heard more than once: the optional head-up display is worth it, and the base audio is… fine. Get the upgrade if you like your podcasts crisp and your bass solid.
- Boot space: up to ~468 liters (non-hybrid), expanding to around 1,510 liters with seats down; 225xe PHEV is a bit tighter (~400 liters) due to the battery.
- Rear bench: splits 40:20:40 with optional slide adjustment—handy for child seats or weekends away.
- Cabin noise: quiet enough to hear your kids argue about who stole whose snack. You’ve been warned.
- Infotainment: iDrive remains one of the easiest systems to live with; occasional Bluetooth hiccups on older software, so update if you can.
BMW 2 Series F45 Active Tourer Accessories: Easy Upgrades That Matter
Small upgrades genuinely improve daily life with the BMW 2 Series F45 Active Tourer. Floor mats are top of that list: they protect resale value and keep winter sludge from grinding into the carpets.
I’ve used AutoWin mats before—fit is tidy, edges don’t curl, and they’re easy to clean. If you’ve got kids, dogs, or a fondness for beach detours, you’ll appreciate that more than you think.
Prefer a splash of color? There’s a tailored set with a snug, OEM-like fit:
BMW 2 Series F45 Active Tourer vs Rivals: How It Stacks Up
On paper, the premium compact MPV field was never crowded, but the rivals are sharp. Here’s how the F45 compares at a glance (typical figures for popular engines):
| Model | Engines (typical) | Boot (L) | Drivetrain | 0–62 mph (approx) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW 2 Series F45 Active Tourer | 218i/220i/225i, 218d/220d, 225xe PHEV | 468 (non-PHEV) | FWD or xDrive | 6.6–9.5s |
| Mercedes-Benz B-Class (W246/W247) | B180–B250, diesels, mild-hybrid | ~488 | FWD or 4MATIC | 6.8–10.0s |
| VW Golf Sportsvan | TSI/TDI | ~500 | FWD | 8.5–11.0s |
What to Watch For When Shopping Used
- Service history: Regular oil changes are vital on turbo engines; auto gearboxes (Aisin) benefit from fluid changes even if labeled “lifetime.”
- Diesel checks: Verify any EGR cooler recall work. Later B47 diesels are the pick for refinement.
- PHEV specifics: Battery health matters; ask for a recent state-of-health report and verify the charge port latch operates smoothly.
- Infotainment: Update software if Bluetooth or nav behaves oddly—often a simple fix.
- Wheels/tyres: Big rims look sharp but can firm up the ride and raise tyre costs. Choose with your roads in mind.
Key Numbers at a Glance
- Dimensions (F45): length ~4,342 mm, width ~1,800 mm, height ~1,555 mm, wheelbase ~2,670 mm.
- Boot: up to ~468 L (non-hybrid), ~400 L (225xe), max ~1,510 L seats folded.
- Economy (typical): 218i can see mid-to-high 40s mpg (UK) on a light right foot; 218d/220d comfortably into the 50s mpg (UK). 225xe can do short commutes on EV only if you charge at home or office.
- Towing: up to ~1,500 kg braked depending on engine and spec—check the specific car’s plate.
Why the BMW 2 Series F45 Active Tourer Still Makes Sense
As a daily, this premium MPV nails the brief. It’s easy to park, quick enough to make gaps, and calm on the motorway. The cabin’s honest and well screwed together, with just enough BMW sportiness to keep parents sane. And with the right accessories—like tailored mats from AutoWin—it’ll shrug off the mess of real life.
FAQ: BMW 2 Series F45 Active Tourer
Is the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer reliable?
Generally, yes—especially with thorough maintenance. Prioritize full service history; ensure diesel EGR recall work is done and check PHEV battery health on 225xe models.
What’s the difference between the Active Tourer and Gran Tourer?
The Gran Tourer adds a longer wheelbase and a third row for up to seven seats. The Active Tourer (this one) seats five and is easier to park.
When was the F45 facelift?
2018 for the F45. A new generation launched around 2022; some late F45 registrations continued into 2023 depending on market stock.
Which engine should I pick?
For urban life: 218i. For long motorway runs: 218d/220d. For mixed use with short commutes and home charging: 225xe PHEV.
Real-world electric range for the 225xe?
Later cars (from 2019) can see roughly 18–30 miles depending on temperature, route, and driving style. Charge often for best results.
Final Word
If you need space but refuse to surrender the joy of a well-sorted chassis, the BMW 2 Series F45 Active Tourer is a sweet spot. It’s the luxury family car you won’t mind driving solo on a Sunday morning. And yes, it’s still a BMW—just in more sensible shoes.
