The Vision boasts so much technology designed to reduce emissions, improve fuel efficient and maintain the BMW level of driving pleasure people want, it seems almost impossible to believe this car is near-production ready. BMW has said the car would perform similar to their M-Class line.
The BMW Vision is powered by a diesel-hybrid engine. However, BMW has put two electric engines in the car, one at the front of the powertrain, over the front axle and one at the rear, combines with a direct-injection, 1.5 litre, 163-horse power three-cylinder diesel engine.
When all operate together (drivers can switch between all-electric, a hybrid mode where all motors operate or rear power only), the vehicle achieves a lofty 356 horsepower, producing 590 lb-ft of torque, while managing to garner close to 63 miles per gallon. A six-speed double-clutch transmission sends power to the rear wheels. It reaches a top speed of 155 miles per hour. BMW included another interesting statistic about the car: in full-hybrid mode, it produces 99 grams of CO2/kilometre. That number drops to 50 grams of CO2/km in electric mode. A bank of 98 lithium-ion batteries powers the electric motors.
A completely revamped air vent system sees intelligent louvers placed in the front grill, opening and closing when needed. Sophisticated software runs everything in the car, constantly tweaking systems to yield optimum performance. Even the air conditioning system is monitored to maintain a comfortable temperature inside the car.
Being a BMW and a hybrid, it comes with plug-in technology. Going on European data, it takes the batteries 2.5 hours to recharge off a 220-volt standard household line. The company has claimed a 44-minute recharge on a 380-volt line.
The awesome fuel efficiency of the Vision is aided through the use of lighter materials used in its manufacturing. Aluminum replaces steel for the shell and suspension and autochromic polycarbonate glass for the skin. In fact, the glass is a major component of the Vision’s styling. The windshield continues up over the head of the driver and passengers, providing new sightlines never seen before in non-convertible vehicle. What’s more, that word autochromic means the glass will adapt to the amount of light available, turning opaque to cut down on glare when it is bright outside.
The BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept car is one concept vehicle we hope to see in show rooms soon.
