UK residents are so lucky! Why? BMW and Mitsubishi have launched the trials of their electric cars for UK.  They are going green! Isn’t that wonderful?

BMW will supply approximately 40 Mini E prototypes that will be provided for testing. On the other hand, Mitsubishi will be providing 25 i-MiEVs. These trial vehicles will be driven by different people the UK area for a period of six months. Lucky are those who will be chosen!

The trial will go on for about a year. The initiative became a reality through the help of the British Government’s Technology Strategy Board. Aside from these two auto manufacturers, the Board will also support roughly 340 other vehicles that also run on alternative fuel.

These first EVs (electric vehicles) that go on the Technology Strategy Board’s demonstrator trial mark the start of a seismic shift in the sort of cars we drive and how we power them. The Mitsubishi i-MiEV is a forerunner of a transport revolution that eventually will change the world”, said Former Top Gear presenter Mr. Willson.

Photo Credit: Topnews

BMW never ceases to surprise. In its desire to be in the lead among cars that are in the automotive industry, BMW is creating an entirely new category of vehicles. To keep up with the times, you need to be familiar with PAS not just SUVs, SAVs, and CUVs. What does PAS stand for? It means Progressive Activity Sedan. Well, this new category seems very apt for the BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo.

At first look you might mistake it for a wagon or a sedan, however it’s not. It’s actually a mixture of almost everything. It borrows some characteristics of the sedan, touring vehicle, and SUV. Why this is is so? BMW has an explanation for that. According to BMW product and technology communications manager Tom Plucinsky, “This car is designed less for a specific market, but more for a customer who needs all the utility of an SUV, minivan or wagon, but would not want the association with those types of vehicles.”

The style, features, and specifications makes the BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo a great potential family car.  This new concept car is more similar to the 7 Series rather than the 5 Series. The interior boasts roominess for comfort and convenience. There are four large individual seats; rear portion has huge space and the seats even fold forward in just a simple press of a button. Occupants will not want for more in terms of legroom and headroom in the Concept Gran Turismo. Going on long road trips will never be boring because there are entertainment devices installed in the vehicle just like the large screens installed at the back of the front seats. Another highlight in the interior is the dash that’s angled toward the driver for easier access to the controls and reading of the gauges.

The exterior scheme is also very eye-catching. It’s installed with 21-inch light alloy wheels. Even the paintwork – Fluid Cuprite – is unique.

Aside from those mentioned above, the BMW Concept 5 Series Gran has more unique features. Check these out:

• Grille Apart – The car features kidney-shaped grille pods that slightly lean forward.
• Two-Way Trunk – It features a “bi-modal” trunk that opens like those in a hatchback and sedan. This two-way opening is intended to protect rear passengers from the rain or snow during bad weather.
• First Class Seats – The front seats are higher than the seats in other BMW sedans or coupe. The back can be arranged with or without a center console and can be moved individually.   

Though it is termed as a concept car, the BMW 5 Series GT is going to go into production. This new concept car will be unveiled at the upcoming Geneva Auto Show.

Photo Credit: LA Times