We can now reveal BMW’s stunning vision of sustainable sports motoring in the future with the first pictures of the Vision EfficientDynamics, as BMW has called it, before it is unveiled to the public at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month.
A lot of readers were intrigued and some even confused by the video teaser we showed you a couple of days ago, some even had stabs at telling us what the machine really was, and although we knew the facts we were sworn to secrecy.
Now the secret is out and BMW has revealed that the Vision EfficientDynamics is a 2+2 sport car that can hit 250km/h, go from zero to 100km/h in 4.8 seconds yet consumes diesel, yes diesel, fuel at the rate of 3.76 litres per 100 kilometres, which makes it more fuel efficient than a Toyota Prius.
Like the Prius it uses a hybrid powertrain, in this case a three-cylinder, 1.5-litre, turbo-diesel engine and two electric motors, one on each axle to produce a combined power output of 262kW and a staggering 800Nm of torque.
Due to its compact design the diesel engine is mounted in the rear, just in front of the rear axle.
The use of electric motors on each axle means the Vision EfficientDynamics is all-wheel-drive, which can even be achieved with only electric power.
Power is transmitted through a newly developed, minimum consumption version of BMW’s direct-clutch gearbox with six ratios for maximum efficiency and flexibility.
BMW says it is a high performance concept study with BMW ActiveHybrid technology that visualizes the dynamic performance typical of a BMW against a backdrop of future demands for sustainable mobility.
It says the application of the ActiveHybrid system in the Vision EfficientDynamics highlights the potential of this system, which will also be shown at Frankfurt for the first time in the ActiveHybrid X6 and ActiveHybrid 7 Series production cars.
BMW’s development aim was the performance of an M car, plus a highly emotional character, combined with the fuel economy and emissions management of a small car in the premium class.
Along with all the other impressive statistics we’ve already revealed the Vision EfficientDynamics produces just 99 grams of CO2 per kilometre when running as a diesel/electric hybrid and when operating on plug in power alone that figure drops to just 50g/km, using the EU electricity mix standard.
BMW says that with a range of 50 kilometres on electric power alone the Vision EfficientDynamics is able to complete the entire standard EU drive cycle on this form of power alone.
Using the BMW hybrid system the car generates electric power without the slightest increase in fuel consumption due to the use of a highly efficient Brake Energy Regeneration system, with the power stored in 98 lithium polymer cells.
Forward-looking energy management uses maximum potential available in each case to minimise fuel consumption.
The shape of the car exemplifies the aerodynamics developed with Formula One know-how, which has produced a drag coefficient figure of just 0.22.
The German company says the Vision EfficientDynamics symbolises BMW’s commitment to offer an unprecedented driving experience for up to four occupants.
It says the 2+2 seater concept combines dynamic performance and supreme efficiency with an enhanced level of all-round function.
The car has gull-wing doors opening up to the side and innovative, weight-optimised kinematics make entering the car at both front and rear convenient and very easy.
BMW also says that the use of natural materials throughout the car underlines its strategy of sustainability borne out through the concept.
The roof and door inserts are made from polycarbonate glass that automatically darkens with the increase in incoming light.
In fact many components of the car are presented in full view, expressing, BMW says, the ‘transparent’ character of the car as a powerful visual feature of its lightweight technology.
The chassis and suspension of the Vision EfficientDynamics is made of aluminium and the vehicle has an unladen weight of 1395 kilograms, and according to BMW has sufficient space for four adults and their luggage.
Inside the car uses much of the latest BMW technology with the instrumentation including a Heads Up display in front of the driver.
A wide range of technology has been built into the car to make it as efficient and as frugal as possible, including Auto Start Stop and the already mentioned Brake Energy Regeneration.
The BMW Vision EfficientDynamics is, we believe, a stunning example of just what a car manufacturer can do to produce a vehicle that is both exciting and meets the demands of sustainable motoring.
