BMW unveils mobility of the future

The BMW Group has showcased its visions of future mobility in the shape of the i3 Concept and i8 Concept studies. These concept vehicles provide a glimpse of the first electrically powered production cars from the new BMW i sub-brand, due to be launched as the BMW i3 in 2013 and the BMW i8 in 2014.

“We are marking another milestone in the history of the BMW Group. As chairman of the Board and an engineer myself, I am very proud of this project,” declared Norbert Reithofer, chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, at the premiere of the two vehicles in Frankfurt on July 29. “As the world’s leading premium car manufacturer, our aim is to offer customers purpose-built electric-drive cars as well,” he added.

With its zero-emission electric drive and a range of approximately 150km, the i3 Concept has been specifically developed for use in an urban environment; its dynamic 125 kW electric motor and rear-wheel drive ensuring BMW-style dynamic handling. Thanks to its innovative LifeDrive architecture featuring a carbon passenger cell, the i3 Concept combines an extremely low weight of 1250kg with optimal interior space and the highest crash safety levels. With four seats and a 200-litre luggage compartment, this vehicle is fully suited for everyday use.

BMW i3 Concept: A revolution in car design
“This vehicle will mark the launch of the first volume-produced car featuring bodywork largely made of carbon. It’s a revolution in automotive design,” stressed Klaus Draeger, member of the Board responsible for development.

The application of this new CFRP technology allows a weight reduction, compared to a conventional electric car, of between 250 and 350kg, and that means more dynamic handling coupled with a greater range. The BMW i3 does the 0 to 100kph sprint in less than eight seconds, while a high-speed charger achieves an 80 percent battery charge in just an hour.

Thanks to the emission-free drivetrain and a value added chain designed to be sustainable all along the line, lifecycle emission figures for the i3 are at least a third lower than for a highly efficient combustion-engine car. If the i3 is run on electricity from renewable sources, the figures improve by well over 50 percent.

BMW i8 Concept: New-generation sports car
The i8 Concept goes from 0 to 100kph in less than five seconds and boasts fuel consumption of under three litres per 100km. Its plug-in hybrid drive with a system output of 260 kW allows a range of up to 35km in electric mode  sufficient for most everyday journeys. For more dynamic driving or out-of-town route, a high-performance three-cylinder petrol engine also comes into play. The sports car has an electronically governed top speed of 250kph and space for up to four occupants.

“The BMW i8 Concept is the sports car for a new generation - pure, emotional and sustainable,” ”Draeger underlined.

With BMW i, the BMW Group is corroborating its position as the most innovative and sustainable auto manufacturer in the world. With BMW i, it is providing answers to the mobility challenges of the future while pursuing a holistic approach. In addition to purpose-built premium vehicles with electric drive, the company is also offering intelligent mobility services.

Both the i3 and the i8 will be built at BMW’s Leipzig plant in Germany. Some 400 million euros are earmarked for investment in new buildings and facilities by 2013, while 800 new jobs are to be created. Vehicle production will be CO2 neutral and will draw on renewable resources. The company is currently investigating the possibility of erecting its own wind turbines on the plant site.