.::sports and home: BMW Active Tourer PHEV Concept::.

BMW Active Tourer PHEV Concept With German rivals Mercedes and Audi preparing to unleash a number of premium, front-drive vehicles, it was only a matter of time before BMW joined the fray. Set to debut at the upcoming Paris auto show is the BMW Concept Active Tourer, which combines the functionality of a subcompact crossover with a fuel efficient plug-in hybrid powertrain. The hybrid equation starts under the hood with a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder gas engine that is transversely mounted to drive the front wheels. Should this concept make to production in some form, it could be the first-ever front-drive BMW. Supplementing the engine is a BMW-sourced electric motor, which drives the rear wheels. The system has a combined output of 190 hp, propelling Concept Active Tourer from 0-62 mph in less than eight seconds, BMW estimates. Recharging the lithium-ion battery is done via regenerative braking or a plug. BMW says the concept can run solely on electric power for about 12 miles.

BMW Active Tourer PHEV Concept

BMW Active Tourer PHEV Concept

BMW Active Tourer PHEV Concept

The concept's eDrive powertrain is similar to the i8 concept unveiled last year, although the sleek coupe is more powerful and faster with an estimated 0-62 mph time of less than five seconds. BMW Active Tourer PHEV Concept Rear Three Quarters Inside, the BMW Concept Active Tourer includes an advanced, multicolor head-up display, a panoramic sunroof that changes transparency at the push of a button, an 8-inch infotainment screen, and a 10.3-inch customizable screen replacing a traditional instrument cluster. BMW says the eDrive system gathers information from planned navigation routes and assists the driver to drive more efficiently. For example, if the system detects an upcoming blind, downhill turn, it will alert the driver to let off the throttle. Furthermore, the concept features a "Seismic Surf" game that collects driving data, which affects the gameplay for rear-seat passengers using the app on an iPad. BMW Active Tourer PHEV Concept Front End BMW Concept Active Tourer left rear view 02 300x187 imageIn the styling department, the Concept Active Tourer appears production ready, especially compared to the futuristic i concept cars. The side profile casts an unmistakable crossover silhouette, while the front sports BMW's familiar corporate face with a twin-kidney grille and angular headlights. The lower front bumper features large and aggressive airdams, while the rear is fitted with taillights that are similar to the X3 and X5 crossovers. BMW didn't include shots of the interior, but one photo does reveal plenty of ambient lighting and leather seats. Stay tuned for more details and photos once the concept makes it official debut at next week's Paris auto show. Would we ever see a production car inspired by the Concept Active Tourer in the U.S.? While Europe is the focus here, don't put it past BMW to one day offer a front-drive plug-in hybrid with crossover styling in the U.S.