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BMW previews plug-in hybrid for Paris Motor Show (pictures)

The BMW Concept Active Tourer perhaps previews a plug-in hybrid version of an upcoming 1-series hatchback -- ideally combining the benefits of electric drive with those of a turbocharged combustion engine.

Antuan Goodwin
Antuan Goodwin gained his automotive knowledge the old fashioned way, by turning wrenches in a driveway and picking up speeding tickets. From drivetrain tech and electrification to car audio installs and cabin tech, if it's on wheels, Antuan is knowledgeable.
Antuan Goodwin
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BMW Concept Active Tourer

BMW gives us a pre-Paris Motor Show peek at its Concept Active Tourer.
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1-series preview?

This compact concept gives us an idea of what to expect from an upcoming enlarged version of the BMW 1-series hatchback. Perhaps a 1-series GT is in the cards?
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Front-wheel drive

The concept is partially powered by a 1.5-liter, 3-cylinder gasoline engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology that spins the front-wheels only.
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Plug-in hybrid

The Active Tourer is also a plug-in hybrid, with a lithium-ion battery that can be charged via a 220-volt outlet.
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Electric rear axle

The electricity from the lithium-ion battery turns an electric motor on the rear axle, essentially making this an all-wheel-drive vehicle.
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Power and efficiency

The vehicle can travel about 19 miles under full electric power before switching over to gasoline power. Drivers can also mat the pedal to access the combined system output of 190 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque to reach 62mph in less than 8 seconds.
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Almost 100 mpg

At best, fuel consumption is estimated at an average 2.5 liters/100 km (about 94 converted mpg). We're assuming that's with ample and regular recharges of the lithium ion battery pack.
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Interior

Inside, the Concept Active Tourer features a decidedly over-the-top concept car interior, but there are a few features that may make an appearance in a production model.
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Cabin tech

Features like a head-up display and indirect, ambient illumination already make appearances in current BMW models, as does the large 8-inch wide-screen infotainment display.
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Glowing bits

However, I doubt we'll see a glowing steering wheel and center console on a production car anytime soon.
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ECO mode

The color scheme of the cockpit illumination and the infotainment system changes depending on the vehicle drive mode. So along with the engine program, throttle response, and other vehicle systems adjusting for ECO driving, for example, the cabin will glow with a calming blue.
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Sport mode

Switch to Sport mode and the vehicle becomes more responsive and the cabin glows red with anger. Notice that the rear infotainment displays can also be looped into this change.
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Rear seat

Rear passengers benefit from the increased headroom of the GT form factor, rear-seat entertainment, and fold-down trays that can accommodate a laptop.
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Cool Shade glass roof

A "Cool Shade" glass roof uses Suspended Particle technology to adjust from nearly completely clear to translucent. This is similar to Mercedes-Benz' Magic Sky Roof on the 2013 SL 550 Roadster.
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BMW's Golf fighter

The BMW Concept Active Tourer will bow in the the sheet metal at the 2012 Paris Motor Show in just a few days. Stay tuned.

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