In the last quarter of this year, BMW will launch to market their first electric vehicle developed under the i sub-brand. Ahead of its market launch, several BMW executives, including BMW’s CEO Norbert Reithofer hinted that the price of the i3 electric vehicle will be competitive and comparable to an entry-level 5 Series sedan.
Built at the Leipzig plant in Germany, the i3 and i3 coupe models take advantage of BMW’s advanced development in carbon fiber and weight savings technologies.
The i3 models are propelled by an electric motor which develops a maximum output of 125 kW/170 hp and peak torque of 250 Newton metres (184 lb-ft), and channels its instantaneous power delivery to the rear wheels via a single-speed transmission. The electric motor draws its energy from the lithium-ion storage cells under the floor. Positioning the battery units here has the effect of lowering the center of gravity considerably, which gives the car and agile and sporty driving experience.
BMW i3 Concept accelerates from 0 to 60 km/h (37 mph) in under four seconds and from still to 100 km/h (62 mph) in less than eight seconds.
For those with driving range anxiety, BMW will offer an extended range package as an option to the standard electric drivetrain which has a range of 60 to 90 miles on a single charge. The two-cylinder engine comes from the Motorrad Division and will extended the driving range to 250 miles on a tank of gasoline.
Luggage room is said to be 14.1 cubic feet, split between the space behind the rear seats and the “frunk” under the hood.
Initially, BMW plans to produce 40,000 units per year, but the question remains: at what base price?
Jack, one of our readers, suggested we will do a poll and see what BMW community believes the price point will be, or the desired one.
What do you think the price of the i3 will be:
[poll id=”120″]
