BMW ActiveE Concept

11th January 2010

With a powerful electric engine and distinctive styling this, says BMW, is the car that’s set to revolutionise the compact executive car market.

Dubbed the ActiveE concept and inspired by the firm’s Efficient Dynnamics Vision coupe  - unviled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2009 – the car gets a stiking white and blue paint scheme, and black alloy wheels complete with a  blue pin stripe.

Described as the next step in the firm’s MegaCity project, the car joins the MINI E in testing out new technologies that will soon make their way onto the roads with a high tech supermini, due in 2012.

But even though the ActiveE will only be made available in limited numbers, it’s still expected to prove a big draw for drivers.

Under the bonnet there an electric engine with around 170bhp. That’s enough to help the car sprint from 0-60mph in around 8.5 seconds. A full recharge should take aeround 4.5 hours, and the car’s range is reckoned to be around 100 miles.

However as well as offering emission free driving BMW is promising that the ActiveE will also offer a class defining driving experience.

At the heart of the effort are new synchronos electric motors, which promise to mimic the power delivery of a highly tuned petrol engine. This means that they deliver more power as the revs rise, rather than offering ultimate punch at low speeds – like standard electric motors.

There are currently no plans to offer the car in the UK. However, as the MINI E is available in very limited numbers to hand selected drivers, those plans could still change.

>>BACK TO DETROIT HOMEPAGE

Tell us about your car in our Driver Power survey.