Based on the 2 Series Active Tourer.
Auto Sohu has the most revealing spyshots of the 7-seater version of the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer. Based on the same front-wheel drive UKL architecture of the 2 Series Active Tourer which went on sale last year, the MPV will essentially come with third row seating.
The design of the MPV is identical to the 5-seat Active Tourer until the end of the rear doors. The C-Pillar receives a noticeable extension, and ends with a bootlid which is again similarly designed as the 2 Series Active Tourer.
With a front wheel drive platform, and a transversely mounted engine, engineers have been able to extract more interior space on the 2 Series family, than a comparable rear wheel drive architecture/longitudinal setup.
Power for the MPV could start from the 1.5-liter three-cylinder petrol and diesel range, and include four-cylinder 2.0-liter units. The engines would be paired to 6-speed manual and 8-speed automatic units, while BMW's xDrive AWD feature could be optional on certain variants.
Also read: BMW 1 Series Facelift revealed with newly designed front and rear fascias
As of now, the 7-seat Active Tourer has no competition from Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Volvo or even JLR. BMW's statement of 'pioneering new segments' indeed holds true, it would seem.
Launch date: This year
[Spyshots from Auto Sohu]