Despite being MINI-based, the front-drive 2015 BMW Active Tourer will be a 2 Series Stateside

By Davis Adams Published January 29, 2014

BMW’s nomenclature has been confusing since, well, the beginning of time. But it’s gotten especially challenging in the past few years.

In an attempt to offer a bit of clarity, the brand has tried to simplify things: sedans start with odd numbers (3, 5, 7, i3). Coupes and convertibles lead with even numbers (2, 4, 6, i8). SUVs start with ‘X’ and end in an odd number for traditional shapes (X1, X3, X5). And even numbers for the raked/coupe-like versions (X4, X6). Except, that’s not completely true, either. For example, the 6 Series has a four-door GranCoupe version, and we’re expecting to see the same thing from the 4-Series, too. So much for simplicity.

It won’t come as a surprise, then, that BMW’s next big announcement will be a pint-sized crossover (nay, microvan) based on the Active Tourer Concept, and it’ll wear the 2 Series monicker. With four doors. And a hatch. And front-wheel drive.

We recently had the chance to take a spin in the deliciously sporty M235i, and, despite the 2-Series Active Tourer’s name, the vehicles have virtually nothing in common with each other. In fact, the Active Tourer isn’t built on the RWD M235i and 228i’s chassis at all; it instead shares its platform with the new generation of MINIs, according to Top Gear. Call it a BMW Countryman, if you will.

The 2 Series Active Tourer will be BMW’s first foray into the front-wheel drive marketplace, and we’re eager to see how it performs. While many will toss their hands up and claim that real Bimmers should only be offered with rear- (or all-) wheel drive, we have reason to believe that most BMW drivers will be happy just to pilot a piece of Bavarian engineering.

And hey, we’d be lying if we said that MINIs weren’t about as much fun as you can have with front-wheel drive, so there’s hope for this new model. We’re just not sure that calling it a ‘2 Series’ will make life any easier on the rest of us.

Former Contributor

Whether you're talking about gadgets or cars, Davis always seems to prefer "next year's models." He's a neophile to the core…

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Toyota unveils 2026 bZ: A smarter, longer-range electric SUV

toyota bz improved bz4x 2026 0007 1500x1125

Toyota is back in the electric SUV game with the 2026 bZ, a major refresh of its bZ4X that finally delivers on two of the biggest demands from EV drivers: more range and faster charging.
The headline news is the improved driving range. Toyota now estimates up to 314 miles on a single charge for the front-wheel-drive model with the larger 74.7-kWh battery—about 60 miles more than the outgoing bZ4X. All-wheel-drive variants also get a boost, with up to 288 miles of range depending on trim.
Charging speeds haven’t increased in terms of raw kilowatts (still capped at 150 kW for DC fast charging), but Toyota has significantly improved how long peak speeds are sustained. With preconditioning enabled—especially helpful in colder weather—the new bZ can charge from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes. Also new: Plug and Charge support for automatic payment at compatible stations and full adoption of the North American Charging Standard (NACS), meaning access to Tesla Superchargers will be standard by 2026.
Under the hood, or rather the floor, Toyota has swapped in higher-performance silicon carbide components to improve efficiency and power delivery. The AWD version now produces up to 338 horsepower and sprints from 0–60 mph in a brisk 4.9 seconds.
Toyota didn’t stop at just the powertrain. The exterior has been cleaned up, with body-colored wheel arches replacing the black cladding, and a sleeker front fascia. Inside, a larger 14-inch touchscreen now houses climate controls, giving the dash a more refined and less cluttered appearance. There’s also more usable storage thanks to a redesigned center console.
With the 2026 bZ, Toyota seems to be responding directly to critiques of the bZ4X. It’s faster, more efficient, and more driver-friendly—finally bringing Toyota’s EV efforts up to speed.

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Cheaper EVs ahead? GM and LG say new battery cells are the key

2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV front quarter view.

General Motors and LG Energy Solution have announced a new phase in their ongoing partnership: developing a new battery cell chemistry that could significantly lower the cost of electric vehicles. The joint effort centers on lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP) battery cells, a variation of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) that’s gaining popularity for being more affordable and less reliant on expensive materials like nickel and cobalt.

This is a big deal because battery costs are still the single largest expense in producing EVs. According to GM and industry experts, LMFP cells could help bring the cost of electric vehicles close to — or even on par with — gas-powered cars. The goal? Making EVs accessible to a broader range of drivers without sacrificing range or performance.

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Waymo recalled 1,200 robotaxis following collisions with road barriers

Waymo Jaguar I-Pace

Waymo’s autonomous-car technology has made great advances over the years to the point where it’s now allowed to offer paid robotaxi rides in select locations in the U.S.

But the development of the technology is ongoing, and the robotaxi rides continue to gather valuable data for Waymo engineers to pore over as they further refine the driverless system to make it as reliable and efficient as possible. Which is why glitches will sometimes occur.