BMW Simple

BMW’s final three-wheeled prototype, the Simple, was an acronym of Sustainable and Innovative Mobility Product for Low Energy consumption. Its enclosed bodywork resembled something out of Star Wars, but inside it was claimed to have as much seat space as a BMW 3 Series coupe.

A vehicle designed to travel through cities is a hybrid of a car and a motorcycle. The concept is barely 110 cm wide and shorter than the MINI Cooper in length. The official press release notes that the tricycle is as good as the BMW 5 Series in terms of comfort.

A drag coefficient of 0.18 was claimed, with a weight of only 450 kg (992 lb). The small 48 hp internal combustion engine and electric motor were claimed to power the beast to 124 mph (200 km/h), with 0-62mph (0-100 km/h) coming up in under 10 seconds, while it could average 118 mpg (2 l/100 km).

Like the C1, it was designed to lean into corners. After being shown at the BMW Museum in Munich, the Simple was quietly retired.

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