While other manufacturers have been trumpeting their latest concept model set to be unveiled at Paris, BMW has no less than three to show off. On top of that there's a host of production models and technical innovations on display.
The car that has been taking all the headlines so far is the firm's first front-wheel drive model, the Concept Active Tourer - or CAT for short. This family friendly vehicle uses a three-cylinder petrol engine and electric motor to produce 190hp while achieving over 110mpg. Use the electric-only mode and you can travel for up to 75 miles without any assistance from the internal combustion engine.
Next concept up is the BMW i3, a car we've seen many times before. Edging ever closer to production status this pure electric drive model with its carbon-fibre reinforced passenger cell shows some new interior materials for Paris 2012. Eucalyptus wood is used for the instrument panel, while a natural wool fibre features on interior panels, in keeping with its sustainability theme.
The final concept on show may only have two wheels, but the BMW Motorrad C still deserves its spot on the stage. A fully electric scooter, the C has 11kW (15hp) continual output and a 35kW (47.5hp) peak figure - the liquid cooled motor allowing for a range of over 60 miles on a single charge.
The smallest production model on show is the 1 Series, now benefitting from four-wheel drive for the first time. Available on both the 120d and 135i these xDrive models complement the new entry-level 114d with its 1.6-litre four-cylinder diesel engine that can return between 65.7- and 68.9mpg. It makes it the sixth diesel engine available in the range.
BMW's 3 Series has been around since the start of the year but the range continues to expand. Not only will we see the new Touring model, but also a new entry-level car - the 316i. This 1.6-litre four-cylinder model has 136hp and either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic gearbox. It's joined by the new 320i EfficientDynamics Edition saloon, the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine using specific calibrations to achieve 53.3mpg while producing 170hp and a 0-62mph time only a shade over seven seconds.
Recently facelifted, the new 7 Series will be on show as well with its optional LED lights and multi-function instrument panel. The Bang and Olufsen hifi may be a luxury car cliché, but the 750i xDrive, with its triple-turbo diesel engine (all 381hp of it) certainly isn't.
If you've already decided on your new BMW though there's still a chance to improve it - the new M Performance accessories comprises tweaks to the drivetrain, suspension, interior and even the aerodynamics. Those more in love with technology than speed should check out the firm's Connected Drive innovations, which include a new dictation function allowing drivers to simply speak to the car and send a resulting text message or email.
Whatever you're interested in, one thing's for sure; the BMW stand will have to be a big one!
Graeme Lambert - 17 Sep 2012
