Third BMW ‘i’ model imminent

BMW board member for sales and marketing, Ian Robertson, has revealed that the company has nearly confirmed a third ‘i’ model to slot in between the electric-drive only i3 and the i8 hybrid. Likely to be badged i5, the new car could either be a mini-MPV version of the i3 or a sedan that could rival the upcoming Tesla Model 3.

“You will see more i products,” said Robertson, “and we are in the final stages of deciding what the next car will be and when you’ll see it.” The unveiling of the new ‘i’ model is expected coincide with the German automaker’s centenary celebration in early 2016.

Robertson also revealed that while the i8 had been a success in the internationally markets, the i3’s modest sales were down to low demand for the model and not production-related problems that plagued the model at the time of launch. “We see lots of outside factors involved,” he said, “including range anxiety, incentives in some countries but not in others, and the price of fuel [in the United States]. But sales of the i3 are up 60% year on year and it’s the third best-selling EV in the world. We’re convinced the i steps have been right.”