BMW CONCEPT ACTIVE TOURER MPV FOR PARIS 2012

The BMW Concept Active Tourer is as long as the Mercedes-Benz B-Class. Clearly BMW is getting into the premium MPV segment and is keen on ticking the class-leader off the list. CAT will be revealed in full at the 2012 Paris International Motor Show and previews the upcoming 2013 1 Series GT. A bit of info then on the concept.

The car is 4.3 metres long, 1.8m wide, 1.6m tall and has a wheelbase of 2.67m. We think the real deal will be of similar proportions when it’s unveiled either at 2013 Detroit or 2013 Geneva Motor Shows. Of course detractors aren’t convinced that BMW should even be thinking about conceptualising cars like this, that it should stick with sporty, luxurious family cars. Sorry to tell you but that ship sailed away way back in 1999 when the first X5 came out.

As for the CAT, it features, among other goodies, a 27cm dashboard information display unit, laminated wood and orange accents, a sunroof with something called Suspended Particle Device technology, which can adjust the amount of light shining through. Yes, it’s similar to Mercedes-Benz’s Magic Sky Control found in the SLK and new SL.

Under the fake bonnet lies a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine which is mated with an electric motor, as well as a lithium-ion battery, all of which combined make 140kW and 200Nm of torque. So obviously the CAT is a hybrid. Seems BMW is now in the habit of hybridising its most unique concepts. A 0 – 100km/h time of under 8 seconds is claimed, while average fuel consumption is said to be less than 2.5 litres per 100km! Plus, the car can travel for up to 30km on electricity alone.

Hopefully many of these claims can be closely translated into reality when the 1 Series GT hybrid goes into production.