There are barely more than two, among the European premium brands, to occupy the segment of family minivans. Previously essential on the market, especially fifteen years ago when the Renault Scenic was the undisputed protagonist, minivans now weigh less than 1% of current sales in Europe. The acceleration and then the supremacy of SUVs is such that even the former star minivans on the market, Renault Scenic and Espace in the lead, have simply become SUVs.
Despite everything in the European market, Mercedes (Class B) and BMW (Active Tourer) have decided to keep the format within their range. Far from representing its best sales, this segment has its loyal clientele, both family and business. And in a market where the dominance of SUVs begins to find limits, where regulatory considerations of mass and format will become problematic, particularly in Europe, the minivan may become an alternative to consider.
The highlight: rediscovering the practical minivan
And the BMW alternative has something to seduce. The Active Tourer, in this 225e XDrive rechargeable hybrid version, is similar to a plump version of the 1 Series, slightly taller and wider. 4.35 meters long, but only 1.56 meters high, which allows it to maintain a fairly compact and elegant format, especially in the M finish tested here. Of course, the recent restyling has made it possible to include a large grille, each time larger according to the design policy of the house, but everything maintains an aerodynamic and compact appearance.
Inside, we’re in a minivan made at BMW. We find these flat floors that we found everywhere in this type of format at the beginning of the 2000s, but which incorporate all the elements of the BMW style, sober and very well finished.
Quality plastics, well-wrapped and comfortable alcatara/leather seats, and plenty of space for the driver and front passenger, as well as for the rear seats, with a large, roomy bench.
Home infotainment is still top notch, with all the home gadgets, interior lighting, high-quality sound system and interior ambience modes (similar to the BMW iX1)… A calm environment and practical details exclusive to the minivans that are not forgotten, multiple storage spaces, in particular in the center console (with a smart induction charger / laptop holder), which here, too, remain true to the segment.
An economical and dynamic traction chain
But the biggest surprise of this 225e Active Tourer remains its remarkable powertrain. Plug-in hybrid, mating a 1500cc 3-cylinder engine to an 80kW electric motor, powered by a 16.3kWh battery, the set develops 244 horsepower and promises to be dynamic to say the least.
It is also its sobriety that is surprising, since the fully electric range reaches 80 kilometers in WLTP standards and seems quite realistic according to the averages observed during the test, making it one of the best on the market. By keeping the more sober driving modes (especially Efficient) and in urban driving, you can easily plan several successive daily trips without recharging. It will only take a little more than 3 hours in a 7.4 kW terminal to refuel (electricity).
But if you opt for the hybrid mode, the traction chain will be very economical, with a fuel consumption that does not exceed 4 liters per 100 kilometers, and you will be much closer to 3 in urban driving. A real strong point for a machine that remains bulky and roomy as desired.
Finally, and this is the bonus treat, the Active Tourer 225e doesn’t lack for dynamism when you start to push it to the more energetic rhythms. The electric motor acts as a true supercharger and all-wheel drive guarantees maximum dynamism. Not to mention true sportiness, we have in our hands a very dynamic machine, capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds and linking turns at a constant pace without lack of traction.
The downside: a high price
Some shortcomings remain to be pointed out, in particular a weight that remains constant at 1.9 tons, and that is felt especially during the braking phases, braking also of a somewhat irregular consistency. We felt a little hesitant in the “adaptive” feature, which slows the car down and recharges the battery, which, combined with the heavy weight and somewhat firm suspension, causes some parasitic reactions.
Note a roomy trunk but with volumes delayed compared to the strictly thermal versions of 406 liters, and above all (lèse-monospace crime) the rear seat is divided into 2/3 but not sliding, which is however the norm for this type of gear.
The price remains, also relatively high at a base price of 48,600 euros (tested model 54,605 euros), which will be compensated if you drive to the maximum with the battery charged to make the most of the remarkable electrical capacities.
A true alternative to the wave of SUVs, highly versatile and great on the road, this BMW 225e XDrive Active Tourer will delight those nostalgic for the good old family minivan. It will also be able to convince new customers, such as companies, by its qualities of economy, dynamism and interior space.
Source: BFM TV
