Just a few months ago, we reported that BMW will launch a 5 Series electric car as well as a crossover X1 with an electric drivetrain. The BMW i5 and BMW iX1 were the working names, and now, according to the Handelsblatt, the two cars are heading for production.
The Handelsblatt does not specify a precise timetable for the market launch of the electric luxury sedan and the electric compact SUV. Yet, BMW has moved up the timeline for the electrified model range so we expect to see at least 12 fully electric vehicles by 2023.
When it comes to the BMW i5, the car will certainly be on the next generation platform which will launch before 2023. The BMW iX1 is also planned for the third-gen crossover with a similar timetable.
Although details on the technology of the BMW i5 and iX1 are currently only speculative, at least one trend is emerging thanks to the iX3: BMW is looking to electrify most of its “regular” lineup. The bosses in Munich want to offer services and ranges that meet the actual needs of customers.
If the Bavarians continue this strategy, then the BMW i5 will not be Porsche Taycan opponent, but rather a premium business sedan powered by batteries.
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The BMW Group is currently offering two pure electric cars, the i3 and MINI Cooper SE. With BMW iX3, i4 and iNext, the offer will be significantly expanded by 2021. At the same time, the fleet of plug-in hybrids, which has already made the company one of the pioneers in the field of electromobility in recent years, is growing.
With the plug-in hybrid models, BMW covers virtually all vehicle classes: From the MINI Countryman, BMW 2 Series Active Tourer and X1 xDrive25e in the compact class, the 330e, X3 xDrive30e and 530e practical cars, to the luxury models X5 xDrive45e and 745e.
[Source: Bimmertoday]
