BMW targets B-Class

BMW's first front-wheel drive model will be more dynamic, better specified and at least as quick, powerful and efficient as all versions of its only direct competitor in the compact premium people-mover segment -- the Mercedes-Benz B-Class -- but it won't be as cheap.

That's the message from BMW Australia, which this week revealed first local specifications for the all-new 2 Series Active Tourer that is now being launched in Europe before it arrives here in late November.

Four highly specified versions of the 2 Series wagon will be offered in Australia – powered by three petrol engines and a diesel – priced between just under $45,000 and just under $55,000.

That will make the entry-level 218i, powered by a 100kW/220Nm three-cylinder 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine that was first seen in the new MINI and consumes just 4.9L/100km, about $4000 more expensive than the base B-Class (the B 180, priced from $40,900).

However, like the four-cylinder 220i and 225i petrol models and the diesel-powered 218d, BMW says the 218i will offer better handling, more power, more torque, better 0-100km/h acceleration and lower fuel consumption than the equivalent B-Class model.

As a measure of just how seriously BMW Australia wants a slice of B-Class sales, which numbered almost 2000 last year and more than 1100 to June this year, all 2 Series Active Tourer models come with even more standard equipment than both the B-Class and entry versions of BMW's own 3 Series.

"The fastest growing part of the luxury vehicle segment is small cars. The Mercedes has shown there's room in the market for a car like this," said BMW Group Australia Marketing General Manager, Toni Andreevski.

BMW expects no less than 75 per cent of 2 Series Active Tourer buyers to come from other brands including Mercedes-Benz and mainstream marques, but admits a quarter of customers will come at the expense of other BMW models, including the 1 Series, X1 and X3.

It forecast two main buyer types: young families with an active lifestyle and what it calls the 'silver ages' – older people who may be existing BMW buyers but want a higher seating position in a smaller vehicle with more practicality but no sacrifice in luxury.

To that end, in Australia all 2 Series Active Tourers will come as standard with BMW's Sportline package, which will be a no-cost option on the Luxury-spec 225i flagship, which sprints to 100km/h in 6.8 seconds.

Standard features across the range will include a powered tailgate and power-folding rear seatbacks, allowing drivers to load large items in the rear at the push of two buttons.

If optioned with Comfort Access, the tailgate will open with the swipe of your foot, while a folding front passenger seat – a first for BMW -- will be another load-carrying option.

All models come standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission (six-speed on the base 218i), reversing camera, LED daytime running lights, front and rear parking sensors, automated parking, 6.5-inch colour monitor, iDrive controller, USB and Bluetooth connectivity, satellite-navigation and 40/20/40-split folding rear seats that slide and recline, keyless entry/start, climate-control and an electric parking brake.

Also standard will be BMW Driver Assistant including forward collision warning with autonomous braking, lane departure warning and pedestrian protection, plus BMW ConnectedDrive services including emergency call and teleservices.

The mid-range 218i and 218d will be identically specified, including 17-inch wheels, while the 220i adds 18-inch alloy wheels.

In addition, the top-shelf 225i Luxury will offer full Dakota leather trim (standard only from 328i level in the 3 Series), sportier front seats, adaptive damping, variable sport steering, performance control (inside wheel braking), chromed window surrounds, chromed grille and foglight bezels, and LED headlights.

First-in-class options will include a head-up display, panoramic sunroof, electronic damper control (standard on 225i) and LED headlights (standard on 220i and 225i).

Other options will include a heated steering wheel, automatic cruise control and an M Sport Package across the range.

BMW says the 2 Series Active Tourer is the most spacious model in its range at the same length. It measures 4342mm long, 1800mm wide and 1555mm high, making it about 15mm longer, 55mm wider and some 135mm higher than the 1 Series hatchback.

Andreevski admitted the front-drive 2 Series departs from BMW's long history of rear-drive models, but says it will be more dynamic than any other small luxury people-mover.

"It's BMW's first front-wheel drive model, so it certainly breaks with tradition in terms of which wheels are driving," he said.

"It may not drive like an M3 maybe, but one thing it won't break tradition with is it will be the sportiest model in its class.

All-wheel drive xDrive variants will eventually be offered in Europe but not Australia and the five-seat 2 Series Active Tourer (codenamed F45) will be joined next year there by the longer seven-seat Family Active Sports Tourer (F46), which motoring.com.au understands is also unlikely to be made available here.