Three-Cylinder Engine + Electric Motor Plug-in Hybrid | BMW

BMW Concept Active Tourer |
BMW Concept Active Tourer

Three-cylinder engine plus electric motor plug-in hybrid

At the Paris Motor Show (commonly known as Paris Salon), opening on September 27,BMWwill globally premiere its plug-in hybrid concept car, the "Concept Active Tourer."

Text by AKIZUKI Shinichiro (OPENERS)

First introduction of "i8" technology

BMW will hold the world premiere of its plug-in hybrid concept car, the "Concept Active Tourer," at the Paris Motor Show later this month. BMW is making a new move in the premium compact car market, which is expected to grow by up to five percent annually over the next decade.

The "Concept Active Tourer" has two main features. The first is that it is a new style of premium compact car, unlike anything in the company's lineup to date. The second is that it is a plug-in hybrid car that incorporates the "eDrive concept" from the "i8," announced in 2011, for the first time.The "i8" announced in 2011for the first time.

The powertrain features a latest-generation 1.5-liter three-cylinder twin-power turbo gasoline engine, derived from the company's traditional inline-six, mounted transversely. This is combined with an electric motor developed independently by the BMW Group. The engine drives the front wheels and the electric motor drives the rear wheels independently, allowing for all-wheel drive operation when necessary.

The combined system output of the engine and electric motor is officially stated to exceed 140kW (190ps), with 0-100km/h acceleration in under 8 seconds and a top speed of approximately 200km/h. Average fuel consumption is 2.5 liters per 100km (approximately 40km/liter), with CO2 emissions below 60g/km. The maximum cruising range on electric power alone is over 30km. The lithium-ion battery can be charged from a standard European 220V household outlet.

BMW Concept Active Tourer | BMW Concept Active Tourer

Even as a compact car, the "Concept Active Tourer" offers a spacious interior. Its body dimensions are 4,353mm long, 1,834mm wide, and 1,560mm high, almost identical to the new "B-Class" (4,365mm long, 1,785mm wide, 1,540mm high).Mercedes-Benz B-ClassBy lengthening the wheelbase and placing the plug-in hybrid system's battery under the floor, it achieves a comfortable rear seat space with ample legroom without sacrificing luggage capacity.

Meanwhile, the cockpit area has been revamped from the traditional analog instrument panel, featuring a 10.25-inch multifunction display. It adopts a driver-oriented design that enhances safety and efficiency, allowing for customization of the display format to suit the driver's optimal view depending on the driving mode, such as "COMFORT," "SPORT," and "ECO PRO."

The head-up display is the latest full-color, high-resolution type, capable of displaying not only vehicle speed, speed limits, no-passing zones, and navigation guidance, but also expandable information based on the equipped assistance systems.

The rear seats offer unique "playful" features. A racing game app for iPad, named "Seismic Surf," reflects real-time data such as the car's acceleration and engine RPM during driving, allowing players to compete in eco-driving.

If the driver adopts a gentle driving style, the difficulty decreases, while a sportier approach increases the difficulty by adding more curves to the in-game route. It appears to be a new type of game that requires cooperative play with the driver.

Although it is a concept car, the "Concept Active Tourer" has a styling that is remarkably close to a production vehicle. Further details will be revealed at the Paris Motor Show, opening on September 27.