edatoakrun
Well-known member
Car and Driver's guess is that a ~200 mile range i5 may beat the second gen LEAF to production (and arrive years before the Tesla formerly known as E).
May come somewhat later, and be quite a bit pricier, IMO...
http://www.caranddriver.com/news/2017-bmw-i5-rendered-news" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
May come somewhat later, and be quite a bit pricier, IMO...
What It Is: The third model of BMW's "i" range of green-themed vehicles...
We believe BMW will use a lot of hardware from the i3's "life module" and "drive module" architecture, but its styling will be sufficiently distinguished. Inside, the i5 will likely be a bit more conventional in style than the i3 with its provocative choice of shapes and materials.
Why It Matters: BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer wants to build his legacy as a visionary leading the company into the anticipated age of electric mobility, and therefore expanding the "i" range of vehicles is a priority. While the i3 is a city car with a few compromises, such as the rear-hinged “suicide” rear doors, and the i8 is a high-priced and low-volume supercar, the i5 could appeal to a larger customer base.
The i5 will bring about much-needed economies of scale to help reduce the cost of batteries and electric modules, as well as the carbon-fiber components needed to trim weight to acceptable levels...
Platform: The i5 will share a lot of components with the i3, which itself can be interpreted as a tall, if short, wagon. The i5's electronic architecture will allow it to be updated with the latest infotainment and driver-assistance technology. The interior will be flexible, allowing up to five people to travel in comfort, and luggage space will be generous. Critically, BMW is making room in the i5 for a larger lithium-ion battery pack than in the i3, which means a better electric range—one that could approach 200 miles.
Powertrains: Power will come from BMW's permanent-magnet AC synchronous electric motor, likely to be rated at 170 horsepower, which will power the rear axle through a single-speed transmission. The i5 will be offered with an optional range-extender, possibly a 1.5-liter three-cylinder from BMW's new, modular engine family. The aforementioned lithium-ion battery pack would be positioned in the center of the vehicle...
Estimated Arrival and Price: The BMW i5 could be launched in 2016 as a 2017 model. It will cost around $50K, with available telematics options and a range extender bringing the price close to $60K...
http://www.caranddriver.com/news/2017-bmw-i5-rendered-news" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;