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.

A dynamically styled plug-in hybrid (PHEV) with a spacious, versatile and airy interior, the BMW Concept Active Tourer contains a raised seating position for up to five people within an overall length of just 4,353mm. 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 190hp to ensure the sporty performance expected of a BMW. The electric motor alone can deliver 200Nm of torque from standstill, allowing the Concept Active Tourer to accelerate from zero to 62mph 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 113mpg and CO2 emissions of less than 60g/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 high-precision direct fuel injection, fully variable valve control, VALVETRONIC and turbocharging to help maximise efficiency. A raft of BMW EfficientDynamics technologies, including Auto 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 per cent.

Dynamic, sporty design with a spacious and versatile interior

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.

A long wheelbase of 2,670mm, combined with the transverse front-engined layout guarantees generous interior space for up to five people, while the rear seats are split 40:20:40 for maximum versatility. The batteries of the electric drive system are housed beneath the boot floor to maximise available space.

Exuding luxury, the interior is trimmed in soft full-grain leather with orange contrasting seams, while laminated wood milled from a single block links the upper and lower sections of the dashboard. The centre console, which appears to hover between the front seats, has been designed to maximise legroom. The instruments display features Black Panel technology, and there is the option of a full-colour head-up display on a retracting glass surface. An innovative panoramic glass roof featuring suspended.

Particle Device technology, electrical impulses which change the particle structure of the glass, allows the light intensity in the cabin to be changed at the touch of a button.

Rear passengers can make use of a metal track which clips on to the back of the front seats as part of the Concept Active Tourer’s Travel & Comfort system. The track provides anchorage for additional storage bags, folding tables or tablet computers in portrait or landscape format.

The exterior is finished in High Reflection Silver with a combination of high-gloss polish and brushed velvet matt highlights. Familiar BMW features are the forward-leaning double-kidney grille, twin headlights with LED ‘eyebrows’, a prominent front apron with two large air outlets, short overhangs, broad arches wrapped around 20-inch wheels, strong horizontal rear lines and wrap-around rear light clusters.

Ready for the connected age

The BMW Concept Active Tourer is fully prepared for the era of increased connectivity, with a new-style multi function instrument display, an optional head-up display and the availability of a ‘Seismic Surf’ app which creates an ecological racing game in real time.

The traditional four circular instruments cluster uses Black Panel technology to offer a new range of display options, with alternating colour schemes depending on the drive system operating mode. Conventional analogue instruments are replaced by an integrated 10.25-inch colour screen. Menu guidance and route planning are displayed on a second, eight-inch Black Panel screen which can also display the current operating mode of the hybrid drive system.

The optional head-up display, on a retracting glass panel between the steering wheel and windscreen, not only informs the driver of the Concept Active Tourer’s speed, the local speed limit and any overtaking restrictions, but can also show navigation assistance and a range of warnings in full, sharp colour resolution.

The ‘Seismic Surf’ iPad app for rear passengers creates an exciting set of challenges in a computer game, based on data supplied by the Concept Active Tourer. The aim is to collect points on a virtual route by driving in the most economical style.