If the Future is Electric, BMW Knows the Way

Filed in archive BMW , Concepts on September 16, 2009

BMW has been one of several manufacturers showing a reluctance to accept electric power as the prime motivator of its future automobiles. With its tradition of high-performance engines that's perhaps understandable. Now it appears the German company has seen the green, for it revealed at the Frankfurt Auto Show a spectacular hybrid concept car billed as "Vision EfficientDynamics." A full-hybrid, all-wheel-drive 2+2 sports car, it is powered by a three-cylinder turbodiesel plus two electric motors, one on the front and one on the rear axle. The combined power output is 356HP; torque is a staggering 590lb ft.

BMWs Brake Energy Regeneration system means that electric power can be generated without the slightest increase in fuel consumption. The energy is stored in 98 lithium polymer cells, which the company says will provide 30 miles on electric power alone. The battery pack can also be plugged into a standard electrical outlet for recharging. BMW claims the Vision EfficientDynamics can reach 62mph in 4.8 seconds; fuel consumption is said to be approximately 75 mpg with a CO2 output of just 99g/km. As for styling, though just a concept, it demonstrates that the company is back on track with exciting looking automobiles. Access is via gullwing doors and I especially like the polycarbonate glass of the roof and door inserts, which automatically darken in bright light.