BMW enters unchartered waters at the Paris Motor Show with the debut of a plug-in hybrid concept called the ‘Active Tourer’. Looks like a production version is just around the corner with BMW saying the Active Tourer is a key component in its plans for the premium compact segment.
Significantly, the Active Tourer takes the plug-in hybrid drivetrain of the BMW i8 into a core model. Also significant for a BMW, it’s front-wheel-drive.
The BMW Active Tourer can cover 30kms on pure electric power and the generator engine is BMW’s 1.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol – output is 140Kw.
Measuring 4353mm in length and, with a high roofline, standing 1560mm high, the BMW Active Tourer provides a raided seating position and abundant interior space as it targets premium segment family buyers. Housing the batteries underneath means the BMW Active Tourer also provides the luggage space demanded by families – accessed by tailgate with a low sill for easy loading.
Styling shows the traditional BMW cues but with a forward slant for the kidney-shaped grille. The car shown in Paris is painted in an interesting mix of matt and gloss High Reflection Silver and features a panoramic glass roof with ‘Suspended Particle Device’ (SPD) technology which means the driver can flick a switch to make it clear or dark.
Short body overhangs and large 20-inch alloy wheels provide the usual BMW sportiness.
Inside, BMW has maximized the passenger space and those in the rear enjoy impressive legroom and a track in the back of the front seats allows installation of tables.
Traditional analogue instrumentation has been jettisoned – replaced with a 10.25-inch screen with Black Panel Technology which provides all of the information in a more modern format. Another eight-inch screen covers navigation and audio.
