The closely related BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer (F46 model code) is a longer three-row version which began production in 2015 and discontinued in 2021, now sold exclusively as a hatchback.

BMW Active Tourer is a plug in hybrid concept vehicle with 1.5 litre turbo three cylinder petrol engine derived from BMW six cylinder engines and a synchronous electric motor, lithium-ion battery, High Reflection Silver body colour, front tilted BMW radiator grille, twin headlines with LED positioning lights (eyebrows) stretching far back into the side panels, multi faceted front apron, integrated door openers, contrasted side sills with rising shadow line, twenty inch wheels.

It also features rear light clusters running well into the side panel, a panorama sunroof with electronically adjustable brightness, 40:20:40 split rear backrests, centrally located vertical metal track is integrated in the back of the front seats, multifunction instrument display with 10.25 inch integrated screen, multicolour Head Up Display with brightness automatically adapts to the light available, navigation system with an eight-inch display, ECO PRO mode with coasting mode.

[6] It is a version of BMW Concept Active Tourer with transversely mounted 1.5 litre petrol engine with front wheel drive, plug in hybrid with electric motor, Gold Race Orange body colour, MoonWhite and MoonRock Grey interior leather upholstery, a carrier system for two bicycles (integrated into the interior).

[26] Production at the BMW Brilliance plant in Shenyang, China started in Q1 of 2016, with the first sales recorded in March.

The Chinese version has different engines names the 218i has the B38A15A 1,499 cc (91.5 cu in) I3 single-scroll turbo with 100 kW (130 hp), mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox.

With the third-row seating option, the boot space decreases to 560 L (19.8 cu ft) with the last row folded down flat to the floor.