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BMW electrifies the 2 Series Active Tourer with a plug-in prototype

BMW is developing a hybrid version of its 2 Series Active Tourer. At the company's Innovation Days 2015, we're finally getting to see the fruits of that electric labor with a prototype for a plug-in hybrid version of the front-wheel-drive hatchback. The Bavarians aren't keeping a secret that they intend to build a model like this in the future. But like the rest of the Active Tourer family, it's likely to remain unavailable to US buyers. BMW is already somewhat familiar with the realm of plug-ins with its i sub-brand and forthcoming X5 xDrive40e PHEV. This 2 Series Active Tourer is largely an adaptation of some of that tech. Up front, there's the company's transversely mounted, 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder gasoline engine making 134 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, and it's linked to a six-speed automatic gearbox. A generator on the front axle can also briefly boost output by 20 hp and 111 lb-ft, or help charge the rear-mounted battery. At the back is an electric motor making 87 hp and 122 lb-ft with a two-speed transmission spinning the rear axle. All of this is linked together via the Dynamic Stability Control to shuffle around power as necessary. The hybrid system generally prioritizes using electric power at speeds below 50 miles per hour and kicks on the engine from there. Depending on the settings, drivers can also force it into EV mode with a maximum range predicted at nearly 24 miles. BMW claims the 2 Series Active Tourer PHEV could get to 62 mph in a brisk 6.4 seconds, and the company estimates the setup can return the equivalent of 118 miles per gallon on the European cycle. While there's a lot of equipment to package together in this system, BMW claims that interior room is identical to the purely internal combustion version. The hybrid battery is under the rear seat, and propulsion for the back wheels is centered around the axle. As a prototype, the automaker isn't really talking pricing yet beyond stating buyers "do not have to pay a high premium for the technology." 2. BMW eDrive in the pipeline for further BMW models: The BMW 2 Series Active Tourer plug-in hybrid prototype. The advent of plug-in hybrid variants in various model series from the BMW brand is making all-electric driving with zero local emissions in a premium car a possibility for an ever-increasing number of target groups.

BMW M760i all dressed up for hundredth birthday festivities

BMW is the latest automaker to be celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. So to mark the occasion, the Bavarian automaker is rolling out a special anniversary edition of its flagship 7 Series sedan. Somewhat awkwardly labeled as the BMW Individual 7 Series THE NEXT 100 YEARS, the celebratory edition features a number of special touches to set it apart. The bodywork is painstakingly painted in a unique shade of Centennial Blue metallic, with two-tone 20-inch wheels and handcrafted emblems. The interior meanwhile is highlighted by off-white, fine-grain leather – quilted and trimmed with hand-woven piping – with matching Alcantara headliner and piano-black trim. Of course there are the requisite special badges inside and out, and each sedan comes with a specially made Montblanc fountain pen. Only 100 examples will be made for distribution worldwide, with three different engine options depending on the market. The US market will only get five examples based on the recently revealed M760i xDrive performance model, complete with 6.6-liter twin-turbo V12 driving 610 horsepower to all four wheels. As a special version of Munich's top-of-the-line luxury sedan, pricing will surely fall within "if you have to ask" territory, so we'll just wish BMW a happy birthday and rest assured that each of the hundred individually numbered examples will find a good home. The BMW 7 Series centennial models "BMW Individual 7 Series THE NEXT 100 YEARS". Woodcliff Lake, NJ – April 19, 2016...Today BMW announced the "BMW Individual 7 Series THE NEXT 100 YEARS" models to mark the company's centenary, representing the historically evolved technological competence of the world's leading manufacturer of premium automobiles and emphasize the exclusivity with which both luxury and innovation are expressed. The BMW 7 Series centennial models are being produced in a limited quantity with only 100 units available worldwide with three different engine variants. The US market will receive 5 units and it will be exclusively available as the "BMW Individual M760i xDrive Model V12 Excellence THE NEXT 100 YEARS" centennial model, featuring a 12-cylinder engine producing 610 hp (preliminary) and a unique combination of state-of-the-art comfort, luxury and dynamic agility. This centennial model will be available by the end of 2016.

BMW has a rough 100th birthday as share prices slide

BMW is 100 years old now, but falling stock prices are giving the German automaker the birthday blues. Investors are worried about the company's future outlook against luxury rivals, and the shareholders aren't happy about the recent dividend payments, either. According to The Wall Street Journal, BMW's shares dropped almost 2 percent on March 9. Investors have concerns that rivals are closing in. While BMW is in first place, it's not a commanding lead. For example, the German was first in the US luxury market last year with 346,023 deliveries. However, a Polk study found that Lexus actually earned the high-end crown in the US after looking at vehicle registrations rather than sales. BMW performed well last year, including delivering a strong 2.25 million vehicles. Net profits also jumped 10 percent to $7.05 billion, and revenue grew 15 percent, according to the WSJ. However, the shareholders wanted larger dividends after the successful year. The automaker paid out based on a percentage of earnings, but the investors expected more. BMW CEO Harald Kruger has an opportunity to get stockholders back on his side next week when he announces the automaker's new strategy. Expect technology to play a major role in that discussion, including electric vehicles and digital services. We might even see the i5 debut there, according to the WSJ. To be the automotive tech leader of the future, BMW plans to make computer programmers half of its research and development staff. The goal is to develop the most intelligent car on the road. Related Video: