Today at the 2012 Paris Motor Show BMW presented a new iteration of the BMW i3 Concept.
The BMW i3 uses an electric motor over the rear axle generating an output of 125 kW/170 hp and impressive torque of 250 Nm (184 lb-ft). BMW i3 Concept accelerates from 0 to 60 km/h (37 mph) in under four seconds and from still to 100 km/h (62 mph) in less than eight seconds. The electric vehicle has a driving range between 85 and 100 miles on a single charge.
The new iteration has a passenger cell made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic, while its interior design is also consistently geared towards sustainability. The new version of the BMW i3 Concept presented at the 2012 Paris Motor Show is fitted with eucalyptus wood used for the instrument panel, which comes from a sustainable cultivation source in Europe and is treated exclusively with natural substances.
The high-quality leather of the seats has a fine surface consistency achieved by processing tanning agents gained from olive leaves. Additionally, parts of the instrument cluster and door trim are made of natural wool fabric.
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. The i3 will be offered with an optional range extender powertrain (called REx) to satisfy those with longer commutes.
BMW will launch the i3 “city vehicle” in 2013.
