BMW i5 Concept
Last year, when the German brand, BMW revealed its i3 And i8 Concepts at Frankfurt Motor Show, the event was very publicized. Now, the BMW high-efficiency i range is starting to take shape, two more models are reportedly already under development.
According to the latest reports, these new models will feature the same carbon fibre-reinforced plastic construction as the i3 and i8, plus adapted versions of the powertrains found in those cars are called the i4 and i5.
Though details are sketchy at the moment, just like the name, the power delivery and the body style are expected to be middle of the road situations as well. More power than the i3 but not by much, certainly not enough to keep up with the i8. We suppose that the BMW i5 will be equipped with 125kW electric motor mounted at the rear axle, mated to a tiny 65kW three-cylinder petrol engine that would act as a range extender. At this point there are no official numbers, but when both engines are working, BMW i5′s performance is expected to be of up to 540Nm of torque.
Keep in mind that the BMW i5 comes to meet the family-oriented sedan segment, so we should expect it to come with a strong point: the fuel consumption figures, that are expected to be similar to BMW i8 sports car, around 3.0 l/100 km that is.
At the exterior, this unique vehicle will keep weight down, thanks to its body, that will be made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic. Is hard to say at this moment when it will be officially unveiled, but considering that production versions of the i3 and i8 should arrive in 2014, expect the i4 and i5 in the years following, possible 2015.
Although the first rumors indicate that BMW ’s upcoming i5 model would take the form of a sleek, four-door coupe, a new report indicates the green offering will be more along the lines of the Toyota Prius v.
According to Autobild, the i5 will arrive in 2015 as a high-roof five-door hatchback, with a sliding rear seat providing cargo room on par with the Prius v. The body is said to be an intermediary option but it’s actually going to be a mini MPV like affair. No matter if it will be a mini MPV, a minivan or a people carrier, it’s likely to grow considerably compared to the i3.
Whatever the BMW i5 ends up being, it will likely come with incredibly efficient numbers, a luxurious interior, great reliability and a hefty price tag.
As the name suggest, the i5 will be part of BMW ’s growing range of i electric and hybrid vehicles, which already includes the i3 and i8. The i5 was originally rumored to share the same underpinnings as the sporty i8 and, despite the different top hat, that appears to still be the case.
The latest reports indicates that the BMW i5 will be offered as a pure electric – with a 170 horsepower electric motor driving the rear wheels – as well as a range-extending electric vehicle. The range-extending version of the i5 will use a 90- horsepower three-cylinder gasoline engine to boost the car’s overall range.
The German car maker may be targeting the Prius v’s cargo space for the i5, but pricing will be a completely different matter. Whereas the Prius v lists for about $26,400, the i5 is expected to cost $65,725 when it hits the market in 2015.