BMW 2 Series Active Tourer 218i Essential AT (2015) vs BYD Tang DM-i (2026)
A full spec-by-spec comparison of BMW 2 Series Active Tourer 218i Essential AT (2015) vs BYD Tang DM-i (2026) — engine, performance, dimensions, features and price, with the differences highlighted to help you decide.
| Specification | BMW 2 Series Active Tourer 218i Essential AT (2015) BMW ₱2,290,000 | BYD Tang DM-i (2026) BYD ₱2,148,000 |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Model Year | 2015 | 2026 |
| Warranty | Unlimited/2-years | 6 years or 150,000 km |
| Availability | Current | Current |
| Engine & Drivetrain | ||
| Engine Type | Inline-3 | Inline-4 |
| Displacement | 1499cc | 1498cc |
| Valvetrain | DOHC 12-valve | DOHC 16-valve |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | Turbocharged |
| Fuel Type | Gas | PHEV |
| Max Power | 136 PS @ 4500-6000 rpm | 271 PS |
| Max Torque | 220 NM @ 1250 rpm | 315 Nm |
| Transmission | 6-Speed A/T | Automatic 6-Speed |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| Body & Dimensions | ||
| Body Type | MPV | Midsize Crossover SUV |
| Segment | M | Crossover |
| Construction | Unibody | Unibody |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seating Capacity | 2+3 | 2+3+2 |
| Length (mm) | 4342 | 4870 |
| Width (mm) | 1800 | 1950 |
| Height (mm) | 1586 | 1720 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2670 | 2820 |
| Curb Weight (kg) | 1435 | 2130 |
| Exterior Colors | — | Moonstone Grey, Pearl White, and Silver Sand Black |
| Fuel Tank (L) | — | 53 |
| Chassis, Wheels & Brakes | ||
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut w/Coil Spring |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-Link | Multi-link with Coil Spring |
| Front Wheels | 16-inch alloys | 20 |
| Rear Wheels | 16-inch alloys | 20 |
| Front Tires | 205/60/R16 | 255/55R20 |
| Rear Tires | 205/60/R16 | 255/55R20 |
| Front Brakes | Disc | Ventilated Disc |
| Rear Brakes | Disc | Solid Disc |
| Steering Type | Hydraulic | EPS |
| Steering Column | tilt | Tilt & Telescope |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring | No | Yes |
| Differential Lock | No | No |
| Safety | ||
| Anti-lock Braking (ABS) | Yes | Yes |
| Electronic Brakeforce Distribution | Yes | Yes |
| Brake Assist | Yes | No |
| Parking Sensors | No | No |
| Stability Control | Yes | No |
| Traction Control | Yes | No |
| Vehicle Dynamic Control | No | Yes |
| Forward Collision Mitigation | No | No |
| Blind Spot Warning | No | No |
| Hill Start Assist | No | Yes |
| Hill Descent Control | No | Yes |
| Auto Stop/Start | No | No |
| Driver Airbag | No | No |
| Knee Airbag | No | No |
| Passenger Airbag | No | No |
| Front Curtain Airbags | No | No |
| Rear Curtain Airbags | No | No |
| Rear Side Airbags | No | No |
| Security Alarm | Yes | Yes |
| Door Locking | Central Locking | Central Locking |
| Engine Immobilizer | — | Yes |
| Comfort & Convenience | ||
| Air Conditioning | Manual Aircon | Automatic Climate Control Dual Zone |
| Rear A/C Vents | No | Yes |
| Seat Material | Fabric | Leather |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | EPB |
| Key Type | Keyless Entry | Keyless Entry |
| Push-Button Start | No | No |
| Cruise Control | No | Yes |
| Multi-Info Display | Yes | Yes |
| Paddle Shifters | No | No |
| Reverse Camera | No | No |
| Auto Headlights | No | No |
| Power Windows | Yes | Yes |
| Power Seats | No | Yes |
| Remote Trunk Release | No | Yes |
| Eco Mode | No | No |
| Antenna | yes | yes |
| Infotainment & Audio | ||
| Touchscreen | No | Yes |
| Navigation | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Apple CarPlay | No | Yes |
| Android Auto | No | No |
| USB | Yes | No |
| AUX Input | Yes | No |
| AM/FM Radio | Yes | Yes |
| CD Player | Yes | No |
| DVD Player | No | No |
| MP3 Playback | Yes | No |
| iPod Support | No | No |
| SD Card Slot | No | No |
| Speakers | — | 12 |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlights | Halogen + Foglamps | LED |
| Fog Lights | Yes | No |
| Daytime Running Lights | — | Yes |
BMW 2 Series Active Tourer 218i Essential AT (2015) vs BYD Tang DM-i (2026): which should you buy?
For a Filipino buyer weighing cost, power and practicality, the BYD Tang DM-i edges out the 2015 BMW 2 Series Active Tourer despite a slightly lower price tag. The BYD costs ₱2,148,000 versus ₱2,290,000 for the BMW, and it delivers a far stronger drivetrain – 271 PS and 315 Nm compared with the BMW’s 136 PS and 220 Nm – while still using a similar 1.5‑litre turbocharged engine architecture. The Tang’s PHEV system adds electric‑assisted efficiency, which the gasoline‑only BMW cannot match, and its three‑row, 2+3+2 seating layout offers genuine seven‑seat capacity, making it more family‑friendly than the BMW’s 2+3 arrangement. Both are front‑wheel‑drive unibody builds with five doors, but the BYD comes with a longer warranty (6 years/150,000 km) versus the BMW’s limited 2‑year coverage, giving peace of mind for a newer model. The BMW’s shorter length (4,342 mm) may aid city maneuverability, yet the Tang’s modern 2026 design and available color options add appeal. In summary, choose the BYD Tang DM-i if you need more power, extra seats, better fuel economy and a longer warranty at a lower price. Opt for the BMW only if you prioritize a compact footprint and a classic premium badge, and are comfortable with a higher price and older warranty.
Frequently asked questions
Which model is cheaper?
The BYD Tang DM-i is priced at ₱2,148,000, which is ₱142,000 less than the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer’s ₱2,290,000 price.
Which vehicle offers more power?
The BYD Tang DM-i produces 271 PS and 315 Nm of torque, far surpassing the BMW’s 136 PS and 220 Nm.
Which car is more practical for a larger family?
{The BYD Tang DM-i seats 2+3+2 (seven passengers) while the BMW only seats 2+3 (five passengers), making the BYD more practical for bigger families.
What are the warranty differences?
The BYD offers a 6‑year or 150,000 km warranty, whereas the BMW provides only a 2‑year unlimited mileage warranty.