17.9.2012 BMW Concept Active Tourer revealed

BMW's innovative approach to new car concepts and ultra-efficient alternative powertrains will be given a new direction at the Paris Motor Show with the introduction of the Concept Active Tourer.

The Concept Active Tourer will use plug-in hybrid (PHEV) technology with the capability of 20 miles of pure electric driving. With more than 190 bhp, it will return 113 mpg and less than 60 gCO2/km.

With sales of small and compact cars expected to grow by five per cent annually in the next few years, the Concept Active Tourer presents a real opportunity for the continued growth of the BMW brand.

The Concept Active Tourer is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) based on the drivetrain of the BMW i8 concept car. This combines a new transversely mounted 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine mounted at the front, with an electric motor driving the rear wheels. The electric motor is capable of driving the Concept Active Tourer for almost 20 miles on battery power alone.

Combined, the two power systems deliver more than 190 hp to ensure the sporty performance expected of a BMW. The electric motor alone can deliver 200 Nm of torque from standstill, allowing the Concept Active Tourer to accelerate from zero to 62 mph in less than eight seconds and onto a top speed of 125 mph.

The PHEV powertrain is also extremely fuel-efficient, with a combined fuel economy of 113 mpg and combined CO2 emissions of less than 60 g/km. The batteries can be recharged from any 220-volt domestic power socket, however they also recuperate energy from the electric motor during deceleration, while the petrol engine also incorporates a high-voltage generator to charge them on demand.

The smooth and spontaneous new three-cylinder 1.5-litre TwinPower Turbo petrol engine, derived from BMW's six-cylinder power unit, features direct fuel injection, fully variable valve control, VALVETRONIC and turbocharging to help maximise efficiency. A raft of BMW EfficientDynamics technologies, including automatic start-stop and ECO PRO mode, help to achieve such remarkable efficiencies.

The drive system can even anticipate its energy needs using data provided by the satellite navigation so that it can calculate the best times to charge the battery or apply electric drive. This can result in energy savings of up to 10%.

The BMW Concept Active Tourer is aimed at customers who enjoy premium quality within a compact and sporty car, which provides outstanding space, versatility and a raised seating position that offers a commanding view of the road. The long wheelbase, combined with the transverse front-engined layout guarantees generous interior space for up to five people. The batteries of the electric car system are housed beneath the boot floor to maximise available space.

BMW