BMW takes another shot at making a whole new niche by giving an Outdoor treatment to its Concept Active Tourer. If we decipher that mouthful of a name, we get a sort of mini MPV that looks like a normal hatchback; but it’s bigger and more versatile; has plenty of space inside; and is kinda tarted-up for outdoor activities.

The thing is, we already have the crossovers that do all the aforementioned tasks, and offer better looks and more ground clearance. So we’re not sure BMW’s idea here is completely relevant. They say the Active Tourer Outdoor thingy “take a fresh route to combining sporting aesthetics and style with sustainable drive technology, compact dimensions and functionality.”

The very idea of the such a car aside, the Tourer Outdoor does feature some clever technologies, including a sophisticated plug-in hybrid powertrian. It consists of a transversely mounted 1.5-litre petrol engine with front-wheel drive and an electric motor. The system is designed to ensure maximum efficiency while maintaining a satisfying level of performance.

The concept car is also full of little details that makes it a real Outdoor kind of vehicle. It has a carrier system for two bicycles integrated inside the cabin, which features hard-wearing materials such as MoonWhite and MoonRock Grey leather, that are tough and easy-care. The exterior introduces an exclusive Gold Race Orange paint work.

The BMW Concept Active Tourer Outdoor will make its debut at the OutDoor Friedrichshafen fair.