BMW kicked off a high stakes bid for electric vehicle supremacy in lavish style this week with the global unveiling of the definitive production version of the i3 – the first of what the German carmaker promises will be a complete range of alternative drive models to be sold under its new i brand.
In simultaneous presentations held in London, New York and Beijing, BMW board members revealed the innovative electric car, a contemporary-styled hatchback that remains faithful in basic appearance to the earlier i3 concept revealed at the 2011 Frankfurt motor show but adopts a five door bodystyle in place of the original three door arrangement for added practicality and ease of entry to the rear.
Conceived under the working title Mega City Vehicle – a name meant to focus attention on its suitability for urban driving, the i3 represents a number of firsts for BMW, which is reputed to have spent up to €2 billion (over Rs 15,000 crore) in research, development, testing and production processes for the new four-seater. Continued..
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