New X-Series concept for Detroit
19 December 2002: BMW will unveil its new xActivity 4WD concept vehicle at January’s North American International Auto Show 2003 in Detroit. It gets a new acronym too - Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) - and gives some indication of what to expect from any future extension of the X range.
The xActivity, designed as a 'frame-structure convertible', features proportions and design elements clearly linking it to the X5, but also individual qualities that look ahead to what future BMW SAVs may feature.
The proportions are typical BMW with a long wheelbase, short overhang and conspicuously flared wheel arches, but the most visually intriguing feature is the frame-structure convertible roof that combines the open-top with the appearance and structure of an SAV.
The most interesting technological feature internally displays the use of 'smart materials' for the vehicle’s seats that eliminate the need for electric or manual seat adjustment. The seat structures themselves are made from newly developed pressure-sensitive materials that allow adjustment solely through applying pressure to the seat components themselves.
As soon as the tailgate is opened the contents of the loading area are automatically extracted to a far more convenient position and angle outside the vehicle’s body reducing the potential muscle-stretching pressures of traditional unloading actions.
The concept is powered by BMW's familiar 231 bhp 3-litre.
BMW will also be unveiling brand new 6 speed manual and SMG gearboxes on the facelifted 3-Series Coupe and Convertible models which will also feature Adaptive Headlights and two-stage brake lights. A brand new hydrogen powered 7-Series, the 745h is also to be shown.