BMW Creates a Prototype 2 Series Active Tourer Hybrid

BMW is continuing to play catch up in the world of hybrid vehicles, and its latest concept is yet another step in the right direction. I am talking about the 2 Series Active Tourer Plug-In Hybrid concept that it showed off at BMW Group Innovation Days 2015.

This model comes in the standard five-door hatchback setup of the European Active Tourer, but with an innovative hybrid system similar to that of the i8 under its skin. This hybrid system includes a front-mounted 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine that puts out 136 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of twist. This gasoline engine mates to a six-speed Steptronic transmission that delivers power to the front wheels.

On the electric side of the equation is a motor resting behind the rear axle that delivers 88 horsepower and 122 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels.

While most hybrid hatchbacks are pretty sluggish, the 2 Series Tourer Plug-In Hybrid concept’s 6.5-second sprint to 62 mph encroaches hot-hatch territory. Not only is it surprisingly quick, but it can travel up to 38 km (23.6 miles) on a single charge, making it perfect for those pesky zero-emission zones in Europe.

Oftentimes, models that are shown off at small events like this are little more than vaporware, but BMW actually plans to produce this quick hybrid hatchback. At this time, there are no pricing or release details available, but BMW did say that it’ll be competitive with similar models.

Because Bimmer based this model on the 2 Series Active Tourer, which is not available in the U.S., I don’t expect to see this hybrid Stateside for quite some time – if ever.