The BMW X7 iPerformance is just one of the many plug-in hybrid and electric SUVs to emerge from Munich. Recently, BMW has trademarked a series of model names as part of plans to build on its existing two-model-strong i brand and its recently formed i-Performance sub-brand with a range of electric-powered SUVs.
The new trademarks are: iX1, iX2, iX3, iX4, iX5, iX6, iX7, iX8 and iX9.
The naming convention points clearly to an electrified drivetrain with the “X” suggesting a four-wheel drive platform. We already knew that BMW is planning an electric X3 SUV by 2019, so it comes as no surprise that BMW engineers are looking to electrify other models as well.
It’s unclear at this moment whether BMW’s plans to use existing X models as the basis for the proposed electric i SUVs or whether they will be dedicated models in their own right with individual styling and packaging.
At the same time, the new trademark filling doesn’t necessarily confirm future models. BMW has been particularly active in securing possible names for future models. For example, in 2010, it applied for the following trademarks: i1, i2, i3, i4, i5, i6, i7, i8 and i9. Only the i3 and i8 saw the day of light.
[Source: Autocar]
