BMW is expanding the model line to keep the marque attractive for younger buyers and families.
BMW of North America president and CEO Ludwig Willisch has confirmed to Edmunds.com that the U.S. will get a production version of the BMW Concept Active Tourer early in 2015. Rumored for a world premiere at the Geneva Auto Show in March, European dealers should have it later this year.
The car will probably be called a 2 Series (or possibly 1 Series) and may retain the Active Tourer name. It is expected to look identical to the concept.
This will be a car unlike any that BMW has offered before to the U.S. market. It will be built on BMW’s UKL front-wheel drive platform and is engineered with younger, family-oriented customers in mind. According to Willisch, "It is very important to get younger customers into our camp. We still have the youngest customer base and we want to make sure it stays that way." That customer is "looking for versatility that matches his or her lifestyle."
The Active Tourer will be a plug-in, hybrid crossover, with a powertrain consisting of a lithium-ion battery pack, an electric motor, and a 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine, producing a combined 190 horsepower. All-wheel drive will be available.
It will be a bit smaller than the BMW X1 but, says Willisch, it "has space inside to carry anything, a baby carriage, golf bags, hockey stuff, surf boards, whatever." The car will also have optional third-row seating.—Scott Blazey
Click here to learn more about the BMW Concept Active Tourer.
