Combines comfort and functionality with dynamic performance and style: the BMW Concept Active Tourer.
With
the new BMW Concept Active Tourer, BMW presents a vehicle at the 2012
Paris Motor Show which is the first in the premium compact segment to
combine comfort and space functionality with dynamic performance and
style. Annual growth rates of up to five per cent are expected in the
small car and compact segment of the premium class in the years to come.
For this reason, the BMW Concept Active Tourer is a key component in
the ongoing development of the BMW brand and its model portfolio.
As
a plug-in hybrid, the BMW Concept Active Tourer also provides a glimpse
ahead to future drive variants in automobiles of the compact class. The
eDrive concept familiar from the BMW i8 is used here for the first time
in a model of the core BMW brand and will in future be the designation
for all electric and plug-in hybrid drives. It covers all components of
the electric drive, the electric motor developed by BMW, the lithium-ion
battery and the intelligent engine control unit.
Excellent combination of sporty aesthetic appeal and comfort.
The
new BMW Concept Active Tourer combines compact dimensions and an
attractive, sporty design with hallmark BMW quality. With an exterior
length of 4,353 millimeters, a width of 1,834 millimeters and a total
height of 1,560 millimeters, the BMW Concept Active Tourer is geared
towards customers of the premium segment who appreciate a high level of
comfort, a raised seating position and a generous amount of space.
The
BMW Concept Active Tourer will also be attractive to families who
attach importance to functionality and versatility as well as lifestyle
and athletic flair. A long wheelbase of 2,670 millimeters, a high roof
line and a compact transverse engine with front-wheel drive make it
possible to create a generously sized interior. The spacious load
compartment of the BMW Concept Active Tourer provides fully-fledged
everyday suitability since the batteries of the hybrid drive are housed
entirely underneath the load floor.
The design: dynamic and compact.
With
its harmonious proportions the BMW Concept Active Tourer displays
sporty elegance from every angle. It demonstrates how compact
dimensions, functionality and versatility can be skilfully combined with
a dynamic design. The exclusive exterior paint finish in High
Reflection Silver contributes to the refined appearance of the BMW
Concept Active Tourer. Meanwhile, interesting touches are provided by
the additional applications at the front, side and rear. The surfaces
are in high-gloss polish with brushed velvet matt on the under surface.
This subtle shimmering between matt-and-gloss emphasizes the play of
light and shadow created by the new exterior paint finish.
The
BMW Concept Active Tourer unmistakably retains the characteristically
expressive BMW front view. The dominating element here is the
distinctive, slightly front-tilted BMW radiator grille. The striking
twin headlines with LED positioning lights (eyebrows) stretching far
back into the side panels and the multi-faceted front apron combine to
reinforce the sporty presence of the BMW Concept Active Tourer.
Furthermore, the two large outer air inlets below the headlights
emphasize the impression of width created by the front view. Seen from
the side, the elongated silhouette with its suggested wedge shape gives
the BMW Concept Active Tourer a dynamic feel even when stationary -
something which is unique in the class. Integrated door openers and the
strikingly contrasted side sills with their rising shadow line combine
with the large 20-inch wheels to give the BMW Concept Active Tourer its
sporty, elegant appearance. Short body overhangs at the front and rear
and the long wheelbase make for an unusually generously sized interior
considering the vehicle's compact exterior dimensions. The raised roof
line and large doors at front and rear promise convenient access to all
seats.
Meanwhile, the rear section of the BMW Concept Active
Tourer is characterized by athletic elegance. Marked, horizontal body
lines define the rear view of this compact BMW. The large rear light
clusters running well into the side panel highlight the broad wheel
arches, visually underscoring the vehicle's solid road-holding. The
large tailgate with low load sill and wide opening provides convenient
access to the luggage compartment.
The interior: elegant with an unhindered sense of space.
The
generously designed interior of the BMW Concept Active Tourer is both
transparent and refreshingly new. The open-pore laminated wood milled
from a single block provides the visual link between the upper and low
decor surfaces of the instrument panel. This creates a very elegant and
light overall impression in the front section of the interior. The door
trim panels and seats are covered in light, velvety soft full-grain
leather and smooth leather, providing a silky, shimmering gloss which
emphasizes the luxurious, elegant ambiance of the interior. There are
also orange contrasting seams which underscore the vehicle's sporty
character. The BMW Concept Active Tourer offers an entirely new sense of
space. The center console appears to hover between the two front seats
with a smooth transition to the dashboard. This arrangement guarantees
maximum legroom for both driver and front passenger.
The cockpit
with hallmark BMW driver orientation provides optimum accessibility of
all the main controls. The circular instruments in Black Panel
Technology are within the driver's field of vision, as is the monitor of
the central information display. As an optional extra, a full-color
Head-Up-Display appears on a special retracting glass surface between
the steering wheel and windscreen - a first in the compact segment. The
raised seats in the so-called semi-command position also ensure an
excellent all-round view, rounding off the optimum level of operating
convenience and comfort.
"Cool Shade" panorama roof:
changes spatial feel and temperature at the press of a button.
An
innovative panorama sunroof creates a unique ambiance, extending across
the entire roof surface of the BMW Concept Active Tourer. The composite
glass roof with innovative Suspended Particle Device (SPD) technology
means that the desired brightness or temperature effect can be created
at the press of an electric button - either being darkened to the level
of powerful sunglasses or raised to crystal clear brightness. Occupants
can achieve a special lighting effect by manually adding a large-area
leaf structure design to the glass roof. Electrical impulses cause the
molecular structure of the glass to change at continuously varying
levels between light and dark according to preference. The play of light
and shadow thus created highlights the sense of space, thereby
generating a pleasantly atmospheric lighting effect on all seats.
Travel & Comfort System: generous lightness in the rear section.
Rear
passengers likewise enjoy very comfortable seating in the BMW Concept
Active Tourer. The generous leg space created by the long wheelbase and
slightly raised roof gives passengers plenty of freedom for movement.
This also makes it particularly easy to enter and exit the vehicle. The
luggage compartment is highly versatile due to the variable rear
backrests, which can be split 40 : 20 : 40. A flat load floor can be
created by folding down all three backrest sections.
In addition
to these variable luggage space expansion options, the BMW Concept
Active Tourer offers rear passengers additional intelligent details as
part of the Travel & Comfort System. A centrally located vertical
metal track is integrated in the back of the front seats. This
innovative clip-on track system allows folding tables offering a range
of convenient adjustment options to be attached by means of a quick
fastener, and additional storage bags can also be suspended. Use of all
common models of tablet computer is especially convenient from the rear
seats. Tablets can be fixed to the clip-on track system in either
portrait or landscape format and used for internet search, games or
relaxed movie-viewing at eye level.
New information experience: the multifunctional instrument display.
A
particular highlight of the BMW Concept Active Tourer is the
multifunction instrument display. Instead of a conventional instrument
cluster with four analog circular instruments providing the driver with
information on speed, engine speed, fuel level and oil temperature,
there is a 10.25-inch integrated screen which makes for a modern display
experience.
The familiar look with four circular instruments is
still retained, but the use of extended Black Panel Technology gives the
drive a whole new range of display options. For example, the screen
shows the drive experience modes COMFORT, SPORT and ECO PRO with
differing indicators and in distinctive color schemes, thereby ensuring
increased safety and efficiency as well as exemplary driver orientation.
As a result, the instrument cluster provides the driver with
information which perfectly matches the situation on the road.
"Seismic Surf" app for economical driving made easy.
Rear
passengers in the BMW Concept Active Tourer can experience fascinating
technology hands-on with the new iPad app "Seismic Surf". "Seismic Surf"
creates a game world in real time. It is an exciting ecological racing
game which draws on the acceleration figures, engine speed and other
data supplied continuously by the BMW Concept Active Tourer. Each
real-life driving situation is interpreted and used to generate an
infinite variety of new challenges in the computer game.
The aim
of the game is to collect as many points as possible along a virtual
route and record the most efficient driving style. The driver can
directly influence the level of difficulty. Anticipatory driving
simplifies the game, while a sporty driving style creates a winding and
more difficult virtual route in the game. Only perfect interaction
between a fuel-efficient driver and a skilful player at the rear can
maximize the point score and achieve a podium position in the BMW games
universe.
Head-Up Display with brilliant resolution and a full spectrum of colors.
The
BMW Concept Active Tourer is fitted with the latest-generation
multicolor Head-Up Display. It projects all important information in
brilliant resolution directly into the field of vision of the driver via
a retracting glass surface. The intensity of projection automatically
adapts to the light available. The day and night design is the same as
that of the instrument panel. Depending on the driver's preference, not
only the current speed and speed limits can be displayed but also
overtaking bans. The driver can also obtain navigation assistance as
well as a range of warnings. Because of the large number of driver
assistance systems available, the scope of information which can be
displayed in the Head- Up Display has reached a level as yet unequaled
in this class of vehicle.
Central information display in Black Panel look.
An
8-inch display takes care of the familiar menu guidance and route
planning functions in the new navigation system. What is more, the
central information display also visualizes the current operating state
of the hybrid drive. This ensures the driver is constantly informed on
deployment of the combustion engine and electric motor and is able to
track the energy flow within the system. The power electronics of the
hybrid drive is networked with the intelligent Plus navigation system so
as to provide maximum efficiency. Based on the data collected such as
route profile, speed limits and traffic situation, the vehicle is
prepared in advance so as to make the most efficient use of the energy
available.
The drive system of the BMW Concept Active Tourer:
the future begins.
The
drive of the BMW Concept Active Tourer follows the BMW Group's
pioneering philosophy of sustainable mobility. The drive technology of
all BMW plug-in hybrid models and electrically powered BMW i models
bears the designation BMW eDrive, a term which includes all electric
drive components. The BMW Concept Active Tourer has been designed as a
so-called plug-in hybrid - ideally combining the benefits of electric
drive with those of a classic combustion engine. The plug-in hybrid
(PHEV = Plug-in-Hybrid Electric Vehicle) will have a particularly
important role to play in future. This is because plug-in hybrid
vehicles normally have a range of well over 20 kilometers when run on
electricity and can therefore be used efficiently for both short and
long trips as well as in mixed mode. In the case of the BMW Concept
Active Tourer, a state-of-the-art 1.5-litre petrol engine from the BMW
Group Efficient Dynamics family of engines interacts perfectly with a
synchronous electric motor.
PHEV: the best of both worlds for impressive performance.
The
BMW Concept Active Tourer presents a drive concept which is new to the
BMW brand. The 1.5-litre petrol engine does not drive the rear wheels -
as has been the case in BMW models to date - but the front wheels. The
electric motor of the BMW Concept Active Tourer is designed as a
fully-fledged power unit and acts on the rear axle, if necessary
powering the car on its own.
With a system output of over 140
kW/190 bhp, the combination of combustion engine and electric motor
enables the BMW Concept Active Tourer to achieve highly sporty
performance figures while maintaining extremely low fuel consumption and
emission levels. The BMW Concept Active Tourer accelerates in less than
eight seconds from standing to 100 km/h, while the maximum speed
achieved by the dynamic plug-in hybrid is around 200 km/h. In spite of
these impressive performance figures, the average fuel consumption is
less than 2.5 liters per 100 kilometers, with a CO2 emissions level of
less than 60 g/km.
In addition to convincing performance figures,
the innovative drive concept also gives the BMW Concept Active Tourer a
driving response which is both comfortable and dynamic.
New 1.5-litre BMW TwinPower Turbo engine:
high-performance power unit with hallmark 6-cylinder genes.
The
combustion engine of the new BMW Concept Active Tourer is a new
cutting-edge 1.5-litre engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology.
Derived from the multiple award-winning 6-cylinder engine with BMW
TwinPower Turbo Technology, it combines the latest generation of High
Precision Injection with the fully variable valve control system
VALVETRONIC and ultra-modern turbocharging. BMW TwinPower Turbo
Technology will be used in all power units of the BMW Group's Efficient
Dynamics engine family in the future - not least because it does not
depend on total capacity or number of cylinders. The new 3-cylinder
engine in the BMW Concept Active Tourer is one of the first
representatives of this new generation of engines. The compact in- line
engine constitutes an exemplary combination of dynamic performance and
efficiency.
The new BMW TwinPower Turbo 3-cylinder offers
character-specific benefits: running smoothness, revving power,
spontaneous response and a dynamic, sporty sound. Since there are no
first and second-order inertia forces, it offers an especially high
level of comfort in terms of noise and vibration. The level of roll
torque is lower than that of a 4-cylinder and is compensated for by a
single counterbalance shaft. Among other things, this helps keep the
engine extremely smooth-running in the low engine speed range, too.
Synchronous electric motor: additional power without emissions.
The
synchronous electric motor in the BMW Concept Active Tourer was also
developed by the BMW Group. With a fully charged battery, the BMW
Concept Active Tourer has a maximum range of over 30 kilometers when
running on electric power alone. This means that the majority of
day-to-day trips dispense with local emissions entirely. What is more,
the boost function can be applied to use the power provided by the
synchronous electric motor for such things as highly dynamic
acceleration manoeuvres. In both cases the drive power is made available
spontaneously and without delay. The maximum torque of 200 Newton
meters is available from standing. The lithium-ion battery of the BMW
Concept Active Tourer can be charged at any 220 volt household power
socket. Power can be drawn from both axes of the BMW Concept Active
Tourer and fed into the lithium-ion battery so as to enhance the
efficiency of the plug-in hybrid. While the electric motor automatically
recuperates maximum energy at the rear axle during deceleration, a
high-volt generator connected to the combustion engine additionally
charges the battery whenever needed.
Hybrid drive with intelligent energy management.
As
part of the BMW Group's Efficient Dynamics strategy, the BMW Concept
Active Tourer also features a measures package specially geared towards
the plug-in hybrid to increase efficiency. For example, an anticipatory
operating strategy optimizes the efficiency of the electric motor and
the high- performance battery. The system draws on data provided by the
navigation system, calculating in advance the most suitable sections of
the route and driving situations in which to apply electric drive or
charge the battery. This optimized charging strategy saves up to ten per
cent of energy so as to extend the amount of travel time during which
the vehicle runs on electrical power alone.
Wide portfolio of additional BMW EfficientDynamics measures.
The
new BMW Concept Active Tourer naturally includes numerous other
features of the BMW EfficientDynamics strategy, too. In the case of the
BMW Concept Active Tourer, these are all mainly geared towards
maximizing the range of the vehicle when running purely on electricity.
This involves optimizing the energy consumption of the ancillary units.
Every kilowatt of stored energy saved is thus instantly available to
power the electric motor.
Other BMW EfficientDynamics measures
include an automatic engine start/stop system geared especially towards
the plug-in hybrid drive and the second generation of air flap control.
ECO PRO as standard further enhances efficiency.
The
BMW Concept Active Tourer is fitted with the ECO PRO mode which is also
available in current BMW serial production models. This additional
method of cutting fuel consumption remains globally unique in the
automotive sector to date in this form. At the appropriate
opportunities, ECO PRO mode reduces the power of the interior air
conditioning and other electrically powered comfort functions, ensuring
drive components operate on maximum efficiency according to the current
situation on the road.
ECO PRO mode also provides the driver with
valuable advice. To this end, this system is linked to the navigation
system. Based on the calculated route data and the driver's individual
style of driving, ECO PRO mode is able to indicate how to reach a given
destination with the lowest level of fuel consumption, for example. The
preview assistant gives the driver tips such as "Remove foot from
accelerator" if a tight bend or speed limit is approaching which the
driver cannot even see yet. The preview assistant can take into account
such features as bends, built-up areas, roundabouts, T junctions and
motorway exits. At the same time, an anticipatory transmission assistant
optimizes the electronic transmission control system for imminent
situations.
ECO PRO mode can also activate the so-called coasting
mode at two levels between 50 and 160 km/h. Here the system completely
deactivates the combustion engine at speeds of up to 125 km/h. It also
decouples the engine from the drive-train up to a speed of 160 km/h,
allowing comfortable driving while making full use of the kinetic energy
already generated.
