BMW expects high volume sales of the i3 to allow the company to continue selling in the U.S. several of its high-performance cars which have a low fuel economy. In February 2011 BMW announced that the new sub-brand for the commercialization of the vehicles produced under Project i will be called BMW i, and its vehicles will be sold separately from BMW or Mini. The first two production models will be the battery electric Mega City Vehicle, now called BMW i3, and a plug-in hybrid called i8, which is the production version of the Vision Efficient Dynamics concept unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show and has an all-electric range of 50 kilometres (31 mi). Production of both plug-in electric cars is scheduled to start in Leipzig in 2013.
BMW unveiled the i3 Concept Coupé study at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show. The carmaker developed the concept car to demonstrate the potential for conceivably extending the model range. The three-door coupe, like the five-door i3 electric sedan, is propelled by an electric motor developed by the BMW Group, with a maximum output of 125 kW/170 hp and peak torque of 250 N·m (184 lb-ft). Power delivery to the rear wheels is via a single-speed transmission. The li-ion battery pack is placed under the floor and can deliver an all-electric range of 160 km (99 mi), but a gasoline engine referred to as "REx", can be added to extend the car's range to 320 km (200 mi).
Manufacturer |
Description
BMW |
|---|---|
| Also called | BMW Mega City Vehicle |
| Assembly | Leipzig, Germany |
| Electric motor | 130 kW (170 hp) |
| Battery | 22 kWh lithium-ion battery |
| Range | 130 to 160 km (80 to 100 mi) (BMW) |
| Wheelbase | 2,600 mm (101 in) |
| Length | 3,800 mm (151 in) |
| Width | 2,000 mm (79 in) |
| Height | 1,500 mm (60 in) |
