For decades, BMW has been defined by its rear drive sport sedans, sport coupes and roadsters. In recent years, that menu has expanded to include SUVs as well, but the primary emphasis has remained rear-wheel or all-wheel-drive. Until now, that is, as the BMW Concept Active Tourer will be the marque’s first front-wheel-drive effort.
More of an MPV than a traditional crossover, the Active Tourer features a high seating position with ample headroom and reasonable cargo space, without the box-on-box looks of a traditional crossover. Inside, the Active Tourer serves up the expected BMW luxury, which could put it to the head of its class in this regards.
BMW’s Concept Active Tourer – image: BMW
The Active Tourer is a plug-in hybrid, which means power comes from either an electric motor, a turbocharged three-cylinder engine, or both. In battery-only mode, the range is around 12 miles, which is enough to get most commuters from home to work. In combined mode, the 1.5-liter gasoline engine powers the front wheels, while the electric motor powers the rear wheels, giving the Active Tourer all-wheel-drive under certain conditions.
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BMW’s Concept Active Tourer – image: BMW
With a combined output of 190 horsepower, the Concept Active Tourer can dash from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in under eight seconds, which is respectable for a compact crossover.
BMW’s Concept Active Tourer – image: BMW
BMW isn’t clear on whether or not this concept will see production, or where it will be sold if it does hit the market. We see it as a design exercise, and if enough people tell BMW, “yes, build this,” it’s very likely they will. Even if it never sees an assembly line, expect to see the front-drive platform used on future 1-Series models, as well as the plug-in hybrid drivetrain.
Whether or not a front-drive BMW can still be called “the ultimate driving machine” remains to be seen.
Kurt Ernst has been passionate about automobiles and driving nearly his entire life. His early years were shaped working in the family service station, though his real passion was auto racing. After graduating from the University of Colorado, Kurt spent a year club racing with the Sports Car Club of America, before focusing on a business career in marketing and project management. Later, his passion for writing and the automotive hobby found him freelancing for a variety of automotive news sites, including Automotive Addicts and Motor Authority, where his work was syndicated and appeared in several national publications. Recognized as an expert in the automotive field, Kurt joined Hemmings Motor News as an Associate Editor in 2013, and in the years since has progressed to Editor, Hemmings Daily; Managing Editor for Hemmings Motor News, Hemmings Classic Car, Hemmings Muscle Machines, and the Hemmings Daily; and now, Managing Editor, Hemmings Auctions. Kurt was instrumental in organizing the Hemmings Motor News Concours d’Elegance from 2013-2019, and has served as a judge at this event and The Vintage Racing Stable Concours d’Elegance. A Skip Barber Racing School graduate and prolific writer, Ernst is also skilled in copyediting, project management, brand development, and public relations.
