BMW has announced a design study for the Paris motor show which has similar proportions to the Mercedes-Benz B-Class. The Concept Sports Tourer is expected to enter production in 2013, on a new front- and all-wheel drive platform.

Future BMW production models are often revealed as concepts at major motor shows, usually looking as though they could be built with just a few changes. This is the case with the concept for Paris. The company has given details of the powertrain, which likely means it too will reach production. It consists of a turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine driving the front wheels, backed up by electric drive to the rear axle.

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The concept is said to be 4,350mm long, 1,834mm wide and 1,560mm high, with a wheelbase of 2,670mm, making it similar in size to the B-Class. The wheelbase of the BMW 1 Series three- and five-door hatchbacks is 2,690mm. Some media have suggested a production version of the concept will be called ‘1 Series GT’ but this would be illogical, given that the 1 Series is rear-wheel drive. A spokesman for BMW would not be drawn on potential model names for the car, but did tell just-auto.com “…IF a real car were to appear it would be the F45”.

One of the novelties of the Concept Sports Tourer is it being a front-, rear- and all-wheel drive car. The motor which acts on the back axle allows this nominally front-wheel drive platform vehicle to have rear-wheel drive when powered by the energy stored in its batteries. BMW says the concept has a maximum range of 30km on electric power alone, with drive in this case being to the back wheels only.

The production model, whatever its name, is likely to be launched during 2013. It should be the first car to use the forthcoming UKL1 (Untere Fahrzeugklasse) platform. This architecture is also expected to be used for BMW Group’s third generation Mini range, which is believed to be due out next year too.

Author: Glenn Brooks

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