There is a common belief shared by automakers that every new model, regardless of shape, body, category or price, should spend significant time on different circuits all over the world. While some may argue that this has resulted in less comfortable rides, the obvious benefit is that (most) modern cars have greatly improved and safer driving dynamics.

This story is about the new generation BMW 2-Series Active Tourer, a front-wheel drive small minivan. And while we doubt that anyone who buys such a car has a thought buried deep inside that they will put it through its paces on an open-track day, BMW finds the Nurburgring the ideal place for fine-tuning.

Obviously, we cannot report on the driving dynamics yet, but we can tell you that it will incorporate some styling cues from crossovers even though it remains a minivan, because, well, that’s what people want these days. Compared to the current model, the roofline is more arched behind the B pillars and the rear window line has gone up in an attempt to make it look sportier. This prototype also rides closer to the ground, so we’re probably looking at a possible M Sport model.

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The interior has been modernized too, with previous spy shots revealing a dual display setup. The dashboard panel, center console, steering wheel and most buttons and knobs have been renewed.

Set to be revealed in the coming months, the 2021 2-Series Active Tourer will be based on an updated version of the FWD UKL platform, found in the X1, X2 and 1-Series. It will be a tad bigger compared to its predecessor, and that’s understandable, given that the longer 2-Series Gran Tourer will reportedly bite the dust. Five-seating should be offered as standard.

A challenger to the likes of the Mercedes-Benz B-Class, the 2-Series Active Tourer is understood to employ the power units of the new 1-Series hatchback. The petrol and diesel mills are believed to be joined by plug-in hybrid options, but don’t look for an M235i sporty model, with 302 HP, as it won’t happen.

BMW Is Honing The New 2-Series Active Tourer Minivan On The ‘Ring
BMW Is Honing The New 2-Series Active Tourer Minivan On The ‘Ring
BMW Is Honing The New 2-Series Active Tourer Minivan On The ‘Ring
BMW Is Honing The New 2-Series Active Tourer Minivan On The ‘Ring
BMW Is Honing The New 2-Series Active Tourer Minivan On The ‘Ring
BMW Is Honing The New 2-Series Active Tourer Minivan On The ‘Ring
BMW Is Honing The New 2-Series Active Tourer Minivan On The ‘Ring
BMW Is Honing The New 2-Series Active Tourer Minivan On The ‘Ring
BMW Is Honing The New 2-Series Active Tourer Minivan On The ‘Ring
BMW Is Honing The New 2-Series Active Tourer Minivan On The ‘Ring
BMW Is Honing The New 2-Series Active Tourer Minivan On The ‘Ring
BMW Is Honing The New 2-Series Active Tourer Minivan On The ‘Ring
BMW Is Honing The New 2-Series Active Tourer Minivan On The ‘Ring
BMW Is Honing The New 2-Series Active Tourer Minivan On The ‘Ring
BMW Is Honing The New 2-Series Active Tourer Minivan On The ‘Ring
BMW Is Honing The New 2-Series Active Tourer Minivan On The ‘Ring
BMW Is Honing The New 2-Series Active Tourer Minivan On The ‘Ring
BMW Is Honing The New 2-Series Active Tourer Minivan On The ‘Ring
BMW Is Honing The New 2-Series Active Tourer Minivan On The ‘Ring
BMW Is Honing The New 2-Series Active Tourer Minivan On The ‘Ring
BMW Is Honing The New 2-Series Active Tourer Minivan On The ‘Ring
BMW Is Honing The New 2-Series Active Tourer Minivan On The ‘Ring
BMW Is Honing The New 2-Series Active Tourer Minivan On The ‘Ring
BMW Is Honing The New 2-Series Active Tourer Minivan On The ‘Ring
BMW Is Honing The New 2-Series Active Tourer Minivan On The ‘Ring
BMW Is Honing The New 2-Series Active Tourer Minivan On The ‘Ring
BMW Is Honing The New 2-Series Active Tourer Minivan On The ‘Ring
BMW Is Honing The New 2-Series Active Tourer Minivan On The ‘Ring
BMW Is Honing The New 2-Series Active Tourer Minivan On The ‘Ring
BMW Is Honing The New 2-Series Active Tourer Minivan On The ‘Ring
BMW Is Honing The New 2-Series Active Tourer Minivan On The ‘Ring
BMW Is Honing The New 2-Series Active Tourer Minivan On The ‘Ring
BMW Is Honing The New 2-Series Active Tourer Minivan On The ‘Ring
BMW Is Honing The New 2-Series Active Tourer Minivan On The ‘Ring
BMW Is Honing The New 2-Series Active Tourer Minivan On The ‘Ring
BMW Is Honing The New 2-Series Active Tourer Minivan On The ‘Ring
BMW Is Honing The New 2-Series Active Tourer Minivan On The ‘Ring
BMW Is Honing The New 2-Series Active Tourer Minivan On The ‘Ring
BMW Is Honing The New 2-Series Active Tourer Minivan On The ‘Ring
BMW Is Honing The New 2-Series Active Tourer Minivan On The ‘Ring
BMW Is Honing The New 2-Series Active Tourer Minivan On The ‘Ring
BMW Is Honing The New 2-Series Active Tourer Minivan On The ‘Ring

Photo Credits: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien for CarScoops