The new BMW i3 World Premiere will be staged simultaneously in three continents. Board members of BMW Group will reveal the carmaker’s first all-electric series-produced vehicle in New York, London and Beijing om Monday, 29 July 2013.
Catch the World Premiere LIVE here:
The spectacular premiere will take place exactly two years after the BMW i3 Concept was presented in Frankfurt on 29 July 2011.
The simultaneous launch in three continents highlights the global approach embodied by the BMW i3 towards resolving urban mobility issues worldwide. This approach is rooted in the holistic idea of a purpose-built vehicle concept boasting a unique design, sustainability throughout the value chain and complementary mobility services. As such, the BMW i3 redefines urban mobility for the present and future, setting benchmarks for sustainability, design, hallmark BMW dynamics and exemplary efficiency. It is the world’s first premium electric vehicle designed from the ground up to be powered by an electric drive system. It is also a world first by virtue of bringing together visionary design, pioneering technology and an innovative vehicle concept that includes a passenger cell made of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP).
In each of the three metropolises, BMW Group board members will present the BMW i3 in a live transmission, explaining the development history and technology of this innovative model and showing what form a global solution to the challenges of personal mobility could take.
The unveiling will be streamed live on the internet:
- 14.15 – approx. 16.00 pm CEST: Live broadcast including a speech by Dr. Norbert Reithofer and the unveiling event of the BMW i3
- 16.35 – 17.25 pm CEST: Best of the BMW i3 World Premiere
The BMW i3 will go on sale in Germany for a starting price of EUR 34,950 (approx INR 27.51 lakhs) only.
BMW says that the i3 will deserves the carmaker’s tagline of “Sheer Driving Pleasure” and this would be courtesy the 50:50 weight distribution and a rear-wheel drive layout. As per BMW, the electric engine’s placement on the rear axle is responsible for offering “unbeatable traction” and optimum maneuverability. The upcoming BMW i3 has a turning circle of just 9.86 meters.
The i3 comes with a single-pedal control system, which means recuperation mode is activated as the the accelerator is pressed. The 168hp electric motor gets into generator mode (from drive mode) and starts pumping power into the lithium-ion battery, along with producing a “precisely controllable braking effect”.
The BMW i3 is equipped with systems such as the Driving Assistant Plus, Parking Assistant, a rear view camera and Speed Limit Info. The car’s battery can be replenished using either a BMW-supplied wall-box or a conventional domestic power socket.
A full charge of the battery takes around 8 hours using the domestic socket. The battery can also be charged up to 80 percent capacity in less than 30 minutes using the 50kW fast charger.