BMW i – the German giant’s new eco sub-brand – has presented two new fascinating concept vehicles which are earmarked for production in 2013 and 2014.
FIrst-up is the BMW i3 – BMW’s first all-electric vehicles which is a compact, four-seat urban transportation vehicle (it was earlier called the BMW ‘Megacity’).
Tipping the scales at only 1,250kgs thanks to its BMW LifeDrive chassis (with a carbon passenger cell), the BMWi3 enjoys dynamic, BMW-style driving thanks to its 125kW/250Nm electric motor powering the rear wheels. Zero to 100km/h takes less than eight seconds and the range between battery re-charge is around 150kms.
That lightweight design has allowed BMW i stylists to incorporate plenty of interior space, easy access thanks to four ‘coach’ doors and 200-litres of luggage space. On the instrument and door panels, obvious natural fibres are evident but BMW luxury remains with naturally tanned leather seats.
BMW says the i3, with its emissions-free drivetrain and a value-added chain designed to be sustainable, provides life-cycle emissions figures at least one-third lower than a combustion-engine car. Recharge the BMW i3’s batteries exclusively from renewable sources and the figures improve even more – by up to 50 per cent.
The BMW i8 is remarkable – a plug-in hybrid sports car delivering zero to 100km/h in under five seconds with fuel consumption under 3.0l/100kms.
Power comes from a development of the BMW i3’s electric motor, this time driving the front wheels and high-performance three-cylinder combustion engine powering the rears. Maximum power is 164kW and peak torque is 300Nm.
A 2+2 seat sports car, the BMW i8 can re-charge its lithium-ion battery from a home power source and travel up to 35kms purely on electricity.
With the electric motor over the front wheels, the combustion engine at the rear and battery storage in a low centre tunnel, the BMW i8 delivers a low centre of gravity and 50/50 weight distribution to help the hallmark BMW sports car driving dynamics.
Combine that with its ultra-contemporary sports car styling and standout BMW interior and the i8 is set to be another milestone for the German manufacturer
