It was two years ago, at the 2011 Johannesburg International Motor Show, that we saw the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept, which brought a taste of the BMW i models to come. Now the production version BMW i3 and i8 have arrived and promise to bring a new level of efficient mobility to South Africa.
Two models of the i3 are produced for world markets: a fully-electric i3 with a 125 kW electric motor and 22 kWh lithium-ion battery; or a range-extended model (REx) that benefits from a 2-cylinder, 650 cc.
The BMW i8 plug-in electric sports car is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine, which produces 170 kW and 320 Nm. In addition, an electric motor supplies 96 kW and around 250 Nm. The i8 is able to run using either the combustion engine or the electric motor, but when working in unison the i8 has a maximum of 266 kW and 570 Nm of torque.
BMW say the i8 will accelerate from 0 – 100 km/h in under 4.5 seconds, which makes it quicker than the current V8-powered BMW M3 Coupé (even if only by 0.1 second) and has a limited top speed of 250 km/h.
Construction of both ‘i’ models incorporates a carbon fibre reinforced passenger cell and aluminium chassis. This construction method makes both the i3 and i8 a pair of the first mass-produced carbon fibre cars ever, with components sourced from various German cities.
Weighing as little as 1 195 kg, the BMW i3 EV has a top speed of 150 km/h and a 0 – 100 km/h sprint of 7.2 seconds. A single-speed transmission channels power to the rear wheels and BMW say the EV model has a range of between 130 – 160 km on a single charge.
The BMW i3 REx has nearly double the range of its all-electric sibling. The 650 cc engine does not provide drive to any wheels directly, but instead charges the car’s battery. As a result, the i3 REX’s range is 300 km.
Despite weighing 1 490 kg, BMW say the sporty, two-door, i8 will accelerate from 0 – 100 km/h in under 4.5 seconds, which makes it quicker than the current V8-powered BMW M3 Coupé (even if only by 0.1 second) and has a limited top speed of 250 km/h. The i8 boasts claimed fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of 2.5 l/100 km and less than 59 g/km respectively, while the range in purely electric mode is up to 30 km at around 120 km/h.
Inside, the i3 offers similar amounts of space as that of the 3 Series and features “naturally treated leather, wood, wool and other renewable and recycled raw materials.” BMW is offering the i3 in three different trim levels, namely: Loft, Lodge and Suite.
The i8 arguably shirks BMW’s penchant for toned-down or minimalist interiors, with many shapes and levels to the dashboard, centre console and door panels.
The BMW i3 is expected to go on sale during 2014, with pricing to be announced closer to launch. In the meantime, BMW South Africa is currently in discussion with local partners to establish a network of public charging stations.
