Concept cars play big role in lineup for Auto Shanghai 2013

BMW Concept Active Tourer

The first plug-in hybrid in the premium compact segment, the BMW Concept Active Tourer, debuted at last year's Paris Motor Show in late September, providing a preview of future design trends.

It is 4,350 millimeters in length, 1,833 mm wide and 1,576 mm tall. The design of the rear backrest offers passengers more flexible extension of the luggage compartment.

Its plug-in hybrid engine is a nod to an emerging segment that BMW plans to focus on in the future. Powered by a three-cylinder engine in the front as well as an all-new electric motor at the rear, the car takes less than 8 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km per hour.

Its electric unit can work independently and be charged conveniently from any normal 220-volt household socket.

The car has an average fuel consumption of less than 2.5 liters per 100 km.

Moreover, the car's instrument panel is more intelligent than conventional instrument clusters, marking a whole new range of display options, such as different color indications for different driving experience modes, from sporty to efficient.

It also features a built-in 8-inch monitor for the navigation system and a large integrated information display.