BMW has been a pioneer in motor engineering and debuting futuristic concepts. In recent times it has successfully launched it’s series of Hydrogen powered cars. But the latest from the Bavarian automaker is the diesel-hybrid concept that claims M3 performance with Toyota Prius like fuel consumption.

The new concept car is to be unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show this year. This four door saloon is said to go from 0 – 62 in just 4.8 seconds and had a top speed of 155 mph. The impressive point is that that the car can achieve the afore-mentioned figures while doing 62.2 mpg and emitting 99 grams of CO2 per kilometer. BMW also claims that the car can travel 31 miles on battery power alone. All this is possible due to a 1.5 liter, 3 cylinder diesel engine and an electric motor on each axle. The engine is compact and has been fitted between the rear seat and the rear axle, giving the car more stability and control. The lithium-polymer battery used by BMW is has 98 cells and the serial arrangement of these batteries will provide a gross storage of 10.8 kilowatt-hours. BMW says that the batteries do not require an active cooling system and that the batteries will recharge in 2.2 hours at 220 volts.

The car is still a concept and production dates have not been set. However, with such concepts we are assured that BMW is moving towards more sustainable and energy efficient automobiles that are less harmful to the environment.