Practical MPV to fill gap between small i3 and i8 supercar
By John Silcox on January 27, 2012 10:45 AM
BMW will launch a mid-range MPV in 2015 to add to its ‘Project i’ series of upcoming electric vehicles, according German motoring magazine Auto Bild.
The 2015 BMW i5 will fill the gap between the diminutive i3 pure-electric compact hatch, due to go on sale at the end of 2013, and the i8 plug-in hybrid supercar, which is expected in 2014 (i3 and i8 seen in main picture).
Originally, the Munich-based manufacturer was believed to be revealing a sporty saloon, similar to the Audi A5 Sportback, but if these reports are to be believed the i5 will be more akin to the Toyota Prius+ MPV.
Basically, the i5 will be a midsized version of the i3 with a high roof, extended bonnet and wheelbase, sliding rear seats and a larger boot. It will feature the same carbon-fibre reinforced plastic construction as the other i-series cars, as well as adapted powertrains.
In the same vein as the BMW i3 Concept, the i5 will have an electric motor mounted on the rear axle, producing 167 bhp and 184 lb-ft of torque. And, as with the i3, BMW will also offer customers a version equipped with a range-extender engine – a 3-cylinder 1.5-litre turbo diesel producing 89 bhp.
Production will take place alongside the other ‘i’ vehicles in Leipzig and prices are likely to start at £42,000.
So far, no further news concerning the development of the rumoured sporty two-door i4 has emerged.