BMW has confirmed that it will put a 2+2 plug-in hybrid car, based on the Vision EfficientDynamics concept, into production.
The concept is low and aerodynamic: 1.24 metres high with a drag coefficient of 0.22. Access to both rows of seats is by 'wing doors' that hinge on the A-pillar. For production the dramatic design may well be toned down.
Drive comes from two electric motors, one for the front and one for the rear axle. There is also a front-mounted, three-cylinder turbodiesel engine. BMW claims the system puts 330hp at the driver's disposal - enough for 0-100km/h in 4.8 seconds. Fuel economy is quoted as 3.8 litres/100km (75.1mpg) and CO2 emissions are 99g/km.
Electrical energy is stored in a lithium-polymer battery in the centre of the car. This can be charged from the mains in two and a half hours and allows the Vision EfficientDynamics a 50-kilometre 'zero emission' range. Overall, with a 24-litre diesel tank, it should be possible to cover nearly 700 kilometres.
Putting the Vision EfficientDynamics concept into production is supposed to underscore BMW's position as a builder of 'sporty vehicles with exemplary efficiency'.