BMW ActiveE (photos)

The BMW ActiveE is being billed by the company as a no-compromise electric vehicle. A zero tailpipe emissions vehicle theoretically means zero guilt, and yet you still get the same luxury interior and somewhat similar driving experience for which the BMW brand is known.

Performance-wise, the ActiveE can accelerate from 0-60 in under 9 seconds, which is on par with the Nissan Leaf, maybe even slower. Nissan doesn't provide 0-60 stats for its vehicles, but independent testing by Green Car Advisor clocks the Leaf's 0-60 at 7 seconds.

The car is based on the 1-Series, but under the hood of the ActiveE is a 32-kWh electric motor that delivers 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. A 7-kW on-board charger provide fast 240-volt charging of the battery with active thermal management that should consistently provide an estimated 100-mile range regardless of weather. Performance-wise, the ActiveE can accelerate from 0-60 in under 9 seconds, which is on par with the Nissan Leaf, maybe even slower. Nissan doesn't provide 0-60 stats for its vehicles, but independent testing by Green Car Advisor clocks the Leaf's 0-60 at 7 seconds.

The BMW ActiveE concept was revealed at the Detroit auto show last year. New on the ActiveE production vehicle is a hood bulge to accommodate the 32 kWh battery, toned-down (but standard) graphics, and slight interior changes.

The production ActiveE received new Dakota Pearl Gray leather with blue contrast stitching.

BMW will build upon the My BMW Remote app to let customers control electric charging.