Earlier today, BMW unveiled their future and biggest best ever for the Munich-based brand. The new BMW i3 and BMW i8 plan to disrupt the electric and hybrids segment delivering not only high-efficiency, but also performance.
The i3, previously known as Megacity Vehicle, is based around a light CFRP body structure and rides on a predominantly aluminum chassis. The BMW i3 provides four adult occupants with excellent all-round visibility, as well as an impressive 200 liters of luggage space behind the rear seats. At 3845mm in length, 2011mm in width and 1537mm in height, the five-door i3 is 120mm longer, 326mm wider and 132mm higher than the Mini One.
The plug-in system is a compact electric motor mounted over the rear axle. It draws energy from the battery to provide drive to the rear wheels via a single-speed transmission. As we announced a few months back, BMW says the i3 will be offered with an optional range extender powertrain (called REx) to satisfy those with longer commutes.
Here are the main points of the BMW i3:
Length/Height/Width L 3845 mm, H 1537 mm, W 2011 mm
Wheelbase 2570 mm
Kerb weight 1250 kg
Output 125 kW / 250 Nm (168bhp and 184lb ft of torque)
Top speed 150 km/h / 93 mph
Acceleration
0-60 km/h / 37 mph 3.9 s
0-100 km/h / 62 mph 7.9 s
80-120 km/h / 50-75 mph 6.0 s
Electric range 130-160 km / 80-100 miles | FTP72 cycle: 225 km / 140 miles
Battery charge time
Standard: 6 h for 100% charge
Optional: 1 h for 80% charge
Luggage compartment: 200 liters
No. of seats 4
The star of the automotive industry in today’s news is the new BMW i8. At 349 horsepower and nearly 80 mpg fuel consumption, the BMW i8 will set a benchmark in the performance segment. Initially previewed by the Vision EfficientDynamics (Vision ED) concept back in 2009, the super-sporty two-door i8 has already undergone two years of intensive development. The major change is a new 1.5 liter petrol engine replacing the initial diesel unit of same capacity. The engine is mounted at the rear and drives via a dual-clutch gearbox. BMW says the i8 runs a 0-62mph in just 4.6 sec – 0.3 sec faster than the M3 Coupe.
The weight of 1480kg is the equivalent to a power-to-weight ratio of 236 horsepower per 1000 kilograms.
BMW i8 measures 4632mm in length, 1955mm in width and 1280mm in height, comparable to the 3 Series coupe in dimensions.
Length/Height/Width L 4632 mm, H 1280 mm, W 1955 mm
Wheelbase 2800 mm
Kerb weight 1480 kg
Output 260 kW /550 Nm system output of which petrol engine: 164 kW / 300 Nm of which electric motor: 96 kW / 250 Nm
Top speed 250 km/h / 155 mph governed
Acceleration 0-100 km/h / 62 mph 4.6 s
80-120 km/h / 50-75 mph 4.0 s
Fuel consumption (EU cycle): 2.7 l/100 km / 104 mpg imp (66 g CO2)
Electric range approx. 35 km / 20 miles
Battery charge time Standard: 1:45 h for 100% charge
Luggage compartment approx. 150 litres
No. of seats 2 + (2)
