According to a report by Whatcar, BMW is likely to build a larger sibling to the new i3 electric car, but still, internal discussions are in progress over the body type of the new model and how it should be powered.
BMW has already launched the i3 in some markets, and the i8 will be making its debut soon. The i8 is a supercar, which uses a plug-in hybrid power-train.
‘We are having these discussions right now,’ said the insider, ‘and no decision has been taken. In fact, there’s still not an absolute decision that the car, if it is called i5, should even happen. Many, including myself, believe that there is potential. Then if we decide the car should happen, we need to decide if it is a regular sedan or something where the passengers are sitting slightly higher up.
‘Then after that we need to decide whether a car of this size can be a fully electric edition, like the i3, or whether it needs to be a range-extender – or perhaps even a plug-in hybrid. That could ultimately be the best solution for that model; we don’t know yet.’
Regardless of how it is powered, the new car will stick to the BMW i brand values – so it will be rear-wheel drive and make extensive use of carbonfibre and CFRP (carbonfibre-reinforced plastic) in its construction. ‘I think those things are pretty much guaranteed,‘ said the Whatcar source.
BMW is providing more fun-to-drive vehicles, without damaging the Mother Earth much with the “i” brand. The BMW i8’s performance figures put some supercars to shame. The i8 dismisses off the 0-62 mph mark from standstill in less than 4.5 seconds and is electronically limited at 155 mph (250 km/h). These figures are achieved from a 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder TwinPower Turbo petrol engine producing 231 HP of max power and 320 Nm of torque. The front axle of the is powered by an electric motor producing 131 HP and 250 Nm of torque which results in a combined output of 362 HP and 570 Nm of torque.
Stay tuned to Motoroids for more dope on the BMW i5.