The BMW i-range is poised to be joined a third member with the addition of what could be called the BMW i5. Ian Robertson who is the company’s board member for sales and marketing gave the speculation added impetus by saying BMW was in the final stages of expanding the BMW i range.
While the nameplate BNW i5 conjures up images of a merger between i3 hatch and i8 sportscar, at this point we’re not entirely sure what the latest i5 will look like, or what segment it will compete in. Sources suggest it could take on MPV-like proportions while others point to a saloon to compete with Tesla’s upcoming Model 3.
“You will see more i products,” said Robertson. “We are in the final stages of deciding what the next car will be and when you’ll see it. We see lots of outside factors involved, including range anxiety, incentives in some countries but not in others, and the price of fuel [in the United States]. But sales of the i3 are up 60% year on year and it’s the third best-selling EV in the world. We’re convinced the i steps have been right.”
And there’s no reason to suggest the BMW i5 – if that name does stick – won’t push the BMW i range to new heights since the i3 and i8 are already benchmarks in their respective rights. The BMW i3 is a South African Car of the Year finalist for 2016.
