By Greg Kable of AutoWeekAlong with the Vision ConnectedDrive concept, BMW will also unveil a production version of the all-electric 1-Series ActiveE at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show.
Previewed in concept guise in late 2009, BMW will build 1,000 of the two-door coupes on a dedicated line at BMW's Leipzig factory in Germany. The car will be leased in a deal similar to that of the MINI E in North America, Europe and China.
Powering the 1-Series ActiveE is the same plug-in electric driveline BMW is planning for its upcoming MegaCity Vehicle. It consists of a brushless electric motor mounted in back within the axle assembly and an electronic control package in the floor of the trunk.
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Energy is supplied by three separate banks of lithium-ion batteries, with one pack under the hood in the space usually taken up by a conventional engine, a second down the center line within the transmission tunnel and a third under the rear seat.
With a maximum 170 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, BMW says the 3,960-pound 1-Series ActiveE accelerates from 0 to 37 mph in 4.5 seconds and to 62 mph in 9.0 seconds. Top speed is limited to 90 mph to preserve battery charge. Maximum range is estimated at 150 miles, based on U.S rules governing electric-vehicle mileage testing.
BMW has not divulged the capacity of the liquid-cooled battery pack but says it can be charged in four to five hours via a 380-volt, 32-amp charger that will be provided with the car.