Munich
- With the xActivity BMW will present at the North American
International Auto Show 2003 in Detroit an impressive vehicle
concept that bears a name giving an apt description of what
it has to offer. The Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) is an
example of how sporty driving dynamics, enormous versatility
and the inimitable pleasure of driving an open-top vehicle
can be combined into one. This four-wheel vehicle, a so-called
"frame-structure convertible" represents a completely
new synthesis of various "fun factors". Moreover,
numerous cleverly thought-out details make the xActivity
a versatile vehicle and an ideal companion for active people
who participate in outdoor activities and carry sports equipment
around with them.
This
concept vehicle is a good example of what BMW expects of
a "Sports Activity Vehicle" (SAV) without having
to compromise. The perfect combination of sporty, dynamic
driving characteristics typical of BMW, a tremendously versatile
range of uses and a unique and impressive design. With the
xActivity BMW is hinting at what is to be expected from
the enlargement of the X family. The typical proportions
and design elements of BMW Sports Activity Vehicles form
the basis of the fresh and youthful appearance of the xActivity.
Moreover, its designers have made sure it possesses its
very own individual qualities. From the characteristic design
language with alternating concave and convex surfaces and
the unique double-kidney grille, twin headlights and Hofmeister
knick, right up to the newly designed rear end, this vehicle
shows that it is well-equipped to match the successful series-production
X5.
The proportions typical of BMW incorporating
a long wheelbase and short overhangs present the xActivity
with its sporting, dynamic appearance. Rigid bumpers and
conspicuously flared wheel arches reflect the robustness
and power expected of an SAV.
Probably the most striking feature of the
xActivity is the roof construction. Being a so-called frame-structure
convertible it combines the airy lightness of a convertible
with the robust appearance of an SAV. Longitudinal rails
onnect the A-pillars to the rear end on both sides, between
which the driver and passengers can get a dose of the sun
and the wind while travelling to their forthcoming outdoor
activities. There are no B- or C-pillars, giving the xActivity
a particularly sporting character.
The
concept car underlines its high degree of functionality
through surprising attention to detail. The unconventional
loading system in particular does great justice to the name
"Sports Activity Vehicle". As soon as the tailgate
is opened - that is the loading board which is situated
at the rear and folded down when needed - an elaborately
constructed system automatically extracts the load, two
mountain bikes for example, from the loading area to a certain
degree. As this system facilitates the unloading of the
bikes, you are off having fun on two wheels in just no time
at all.
Sporty and versatile features are also to
be found inside the xActivity, whereby comfort and typical
BMW elegance are retained. Inside the vehicle the design
matches the exterior by utilizing the same alternating concave
and convex surfaces, presenting an interior with an extremely
modern appearance. The intentional use of light and shade
enhances the spacious effect created by the interior elements.
Due to attractively designed surfaces, each individual element
has its own character. Arranged in modular fashion they
produce a harmonious ambience, a simultaneous invitation
to both activity and relaxed well being. Vertical features
on the door handles and the centre console give the interior
a generous and spacious appearance worthy of an outdoor
vehicle. Intelligently designed control elements such as
a single-button control of all air-condition functions ensure
that the cockpit offers convenience of operation. And, finally,
the feature that counts most when experiencing an SAV from
inside is the "Command
Position", the characteristically high seating position
in a Sports Activity Vehicle. This ensures that the driver
has that very special feel for the vehicle and an excellent
view of the vehicle and the outside surroundings.
State-of-the-art technologies underline
the path-breaking character of this concept vehicle: For
example, in the interior, through the application of so-called
"smart materials", the seats themselves become
control elements for seat adjustment, thereby blending harmoniously
into the entire ambience. These newly developed pressure-sensitive
materials are a designer's dream come true, as they indeed
give him the opportunity of creating a perfect synthesis
of design and function.
The design of the materials and colours
reflect the wide utility range of the xActivity: The exterior
features noble, high-gloss surfaces combined with numerous
matt-finished elements symbolizing robustness and durability
even in severe driving conditions. The body colour "Bronze
Moss" alternates between bronze, green and blue-grey,
depending on how the light is reflected, this being symbolic
of the xActivity's versatility. The materials chosen for
the interior combine elegance with sportiness, thereby ready
to challenge any weather condition if necessary. Natural
cowhide has been combined with flexible, water-resistant
materials and seat covers made of neoprene. In order to
match the exterior the colour scheme used inside the vehicle
incorporates carefully selected beige, olive and grey colour
tones, which also bestow the interior a modern, avant-garde
appearance.
The promise of agility and dynamics the
design implies is also applicable to the technology incorporated
in this 4.55 metre long vehicle. The widely acclaimed BMW
3.0-litre straight 6-cylinder engine delivering 170kW/231
bhp at a beefy torque of up to 300 Nm is a guarantee of
fun all round. Its spontaneous development of power begins
at lower engine speeds, meaning that the xActivity boasts
superior performance even when confronted with steep gradients.
Due to the spontaneous, fast-revving engine the xActivity
becomes an athletic performer when set loose on the road.
Power is transmitted by means of a manual gearbox to generously
sized wheels with 245/45 tyres at the front, 275/40 tyres
at the rear, each on 18" rims. The well-balanced suspension
and a low centre of gravity ensure easy handling and a high
degree of agility in all driving situations. This is why
even the most challenging of winding roads becomes a pleasure
to tackle.
In addition to this, the xActivity's BMW
four-wheel drive - just like on the X5 - holds in store
at first glance a further very unusual special feature:
A special program used for the control electronics ensures
that the traction control delivers to each wheel precisely
the correct amount of slip required to ensure optimum performance
when driving on off-road tracks. However, those not driving
on such adverse surfaces also benefit from this unique development.
When, for example, other vehicles are forced to come to
a complete standstill owing to deep snow, the xActivity
will bring its driver and passengers surely and safely to
their desired destination. However, in this case it is advisable
to take snowboards along with you, and not mountain bikes.