BMW’s long-awaited i3 and i8 “green cars” were finally unveiled to a host of international journalists last week.
The first model, the i3 Concept, will be BMW’s first series-production all-electric vehicle. In-line with BMW’s product ethos, this will be the first mass-produced electric vehicle that will also offer a high level of luxury. Though luxurious, the car’s main objective is to offer its driver solutions to today’s mobility challenges in urban areas while being emissions-free in the process.
Positioned over the rear axle is the electric motor that generates 125 kW and 250 N.m from a standstill. Acceleration is not to be sniffed at, as BMW claims a 0-100km/h acceleration time of less than eight seconds.
In true BMW spirit, it is the i8 Concept what should satisfy performance enthusiasts. With the combination of an electric drive system and a combustion engine, it will offer both performance and an impressive fuel consumption figure.
Over the front axle of the i8 the i3’s electric drive system is fitted while at the rear there is a “high-performance three-cylinder combustion engine”. The latter will produce 164 kW and 300 N.m and will be working in tandem with the electric drive system.
The 100 km/h mark will be achieved in an M3 matching sub-5 seconds. But BMW also claims an economy figure of below 3,0 litres/100 kilometres on the European combined cycle.
This 2+2 plug-in will use large lithium-ion batteries and will be able to travel up to 35 kilometres with battery power alone.
CAR has attended this international unveiling of these two products and will publish a more thorough report soon.
