BMW presents new hybrid hatchback concept in Germany

More than interior space management, the BMW Concept Active Tourer Outdoor plug-in hybrid also offers a preview of drive variants that will feature in future compact class vehicles. The BMW eDrive concept akin to the BMW i8, allows cars to run on electric power alone and will cover all the brand's electric and plug-in hybrid drive systems in the years ahead.

eDrive spans all the components of the cars electric drive system, such as the electric motor, the high performance lithium-ion battery and the intelligent energy management system.

The concept's lithium-ion battery can be recharged from a standard 220V domestic socket with energy recovery possible from both axles and fed back into the batteries.

With an exterior length of 4,350mm, width of 1,833mm and height of 1,576mm, the plug-in hybrid blends compact dimensions with an attractive, sporty design and hallmark aesthetics. The transversely mounted engine sends its power to the front wheels.

The variable rear compartment offers both everyday usability and sufficient space for outdoor sports equipment - as the hybrid drive system's batteries are fitted underneath the load compartment floor. Despite decent performance figures, the car returns 40km/L and emits just 60g/km of CO₂.

A striking element on the front is the slightly forward-leaning kidney grille, complete with orange accent strips for two of the grille bars. The headlamp clusters extend far into the front wings and, together with the multifaceted front apron, strengthening the presence of the concept. The large rear lights extend well into the car's flanks to highlight the broad face of the wheels, lending visual emphasis to the car's consummate road presence. The large tailgate offers convenient access to the load compartment, thanks to its low loading sill and wide aperture.

In the cabin, the Alu Mesh MoonGrey trim surface, made from a premium aluminium-fronted material, provides a visual connection between the instrument panel's upper trim surface in MoonRock Grey Steron and lower surface in MoonWhite leather.

The same materials headline the door trim and front seats, while the brightly perforated leather seat inlays and leather door armrests are particularly durable and easy to clean.

In order to meet the challenges presented by leisure activities - in any weather - the load compartment floor covering comes in a robust, easy-to-clean, studded plastic material in MoonRock Grey.

One example of the concept's clever utilisation of space is the carrier system for two bicycles. In contrast to conventional solutions, this carrier is integrated into the interior to save space. And when not in use, the carrier system disappears away into the side structure of the car or the load compartment floor, without restricting interior space.

The carrier system consists of a rail system with a pivoting bracket. The rail is fitted with two mounts which hold the top tube of each bicycle in place. The bikes' saddles must be removed and front wheels detached before they are secured in place. The wheels can be stowed in a separate holder, which is integrated into the right-hand rear backrest and simply folded out when needed.