BMW set to launch its first front-wheel-drive vehicle at the 2012 Paris Auto Show

BMW is all set to launch the first of its many front wheel driven SUVs. The company will be offering a preview of things to come at the 2012 Paris Auto Show where it would showcase the technology in the form of the production version of the BMW Compactive Sports Tourer concept. The FWD vehicle will take on the B Class Sports Tourer from Mercedes when it hits production in 2014. Based on the BMW 1 series, the new grand tourer has been derived from the front wheel driven MINI Cooper Platform.

BMW’s first front-wheel-drive vehicle will be launched in Paris

The dynamic lines of the BMW Compactive Sport Tourer complements its interior packaging with a tall ride height allowing maximum comfort to the passengers in the cabin. With a large glasshouse up top, the car features a sloping roof and the vehicle retains classic BMW design cues such as the kidney grille and the double headlights. The new front-wheel drive platform will be offered on the 1 Series Gran Turismo which will be powered by 3- and 4-cylinder turbocharged engines. BMW will base the powerplants on its classic straight six 3.0-L petrol unit with 500cc individual cylinder capacity on the vehicle.

A three-cylinder 1.5-litre and four-cylinder 2.0 engine will be offered for buyers looking for a petrol-based model while the diesel offering will include a three-cylinder 1.5 and a four-cylinder 2.0 turbodiesel unit respectively. An eight-speed automatic and a six-speed manual transmission will be offered with all the engine choices. The vehicle will also be offered in xDrive and Hybrid powertrains and the same powertrains will be used in the next gen MINI vehicles including the Traveler.

Via: Indian Autos Blog