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2022 BMW 2 Series 223i Active Tourer Review: He-Van

Derryn Wong
23/02/2022
2022 BMW 2 Series Active Tourer 223i M Sport - Singapore - Review - front 3/4 static

BMW 223i Active Tourer M Sport packs a grunty 204hp but power isn’t everything – even if it is fun


Watch our video first look at the inside, outside and technology of the new 2 Series Active Tourer

Photos: BMW, Fabian Kirchbauer, Derryn Wong

Malaga, Spain – Let’s face it, an MPV with more than 200hp is excessive, but the BMW 223i M Sport Active Tourer wears it loud and proud.  

We’ve extensively covered the new 2 Series Active Tourer in our very detailed news story, as well as our drive of the less powerful 220i model in our review.

In a segment rated primarily for how many people you can cram into the box rather than horses into the engine, more power makes less sense. Even big MPVs like the Kia Carnival, Honda Odyssey, and Toyota Alphard have less than the 223i makes (202hp and 179hp respectively).

2022 BMW 2 Series Active Tourer 223i M Sport - Singapore - Review - front grille
M Sport styling kit has the typical ‘three opening’ lower front end


2022 BMW 2 Series Active Tourer
Full details for Singapore: Variants, engines, pricing
BMW 220i Active Tourer Luxury Review: We review the most mainstream version
– BMW 230e Active Tourer PHEV : Not Singapore-bound, but here’s why it’s important..


But in spite of this day and age, damned if having a nice 2.0-litre turbo inline four in a family car doesn’t raise some smiles at least.

2022 BMW 2 Series Active Tourer 223i M Sport - Singapore - Review - engine

Unlike the 220i’s three-cylinder mill, the 223i has a full four-pot engine, as mentioned above, and it makes 204hp. While we can’t say that’s the same power as a Golf GTI (that has 245hp now) it’s still more than an ostensible family man can use, especially now that it’s assisted by an electric motor with 19hp and 55Nm of torque.

In town, it’s good for quick getaways and tyre chirping fun, but more useful on the highway where that extra 40-plus horses over the 220i means a much easier time of fast commuting and overtaking. Like our 220i Active Tourer test car, the 223i had Adaptive M Suspension equipped, and it delivered sporty ride quality without overt discomfort.

2022 BMW 2 Series Active Tourer 223i M Sport - Singapore - Review - on the road driving shot

Up in our now familiar Malaga mountain twisties, the 223i was surprisingly less fun to pilot than the 220i – it’s still agile and good handling, overall, but seemed less eager for the turn-in especially at sharper hairpins.

It’s not just a question of what weight, but where it sits : 1,620kg (DIN kerbweight) over the 220i’s 1,595kg, but perhaps that 25kg sits right over the front axle.

2022 BMW 2 Series Active Tourer 223i M Sport - Singapore - Review - M Sport wheels
18-inch M Sport wheels – our test car also had M Adaptive Suspension

All that still has an important point for Singapore. We don’t think the 223i is likely for our market as it’ll be rather expensive and draw a higher road tax, compared to the 1.5-litre 220i, whose mild hybrid system could possibly mean VES help to remain relatively affordable.  

Interestingly, it does seem to indicate that the 218i might be the sweetest handling 2AT, since it’s a good 50kg lighter than even the 220i, thanks to ditching the mild hybrid bits. 

But back to van excess: We’re pretty sure BMW is not crazy enough to make a M240i Active Tourer, but it would be fun to dream about it. In the meantime, the only alternative is this.

2022 BMW 2 Series Active Tourer 223i M Sport - Singapore - Review - model name


BMW 223i Active Tourer M Sport  

DrivetrainGasoline-electric mild hybrid
Engine 1,499cc, inline 3, turbocharged 
Power204hp at 5000-6500rpm
Torque320Nm at 1500-4000rpm 
Gearbox7-speed dual-clutch 
Electric Motor19hp / 55Nm
BatteryLithium Ion, 0.96kWh
System Power218hp
SystemTorque 360Nm
0-100km/h7.0 seconds
Top Speed241km/h
Fuel Efficiency6.3L/100km (WLTP avg) 
VES Band TBC
AgentPerformance Motors Limited
PriceTBC 
Availability March 2022 (218i)
Verdict Move the family around faster and flashier than the standard 218i, but we don’t think it’s likely for Singapore

Tags:

2 series active tourer 223i M Sport 5 seat 5-door bmw MPV petrol

About the Author

Derryn Wong

CarBuyer's former chief editor was previously the editor for Top Gear Singapore and a presenter for CNA's Cruise Control motoring segment.

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