Beverley Hills as one knows from the movies: cool-white villa, blue shimmering pool and the sparkling background, nighttime skyline of the city on the Pacific Ocean. Prior to this glamorous backdrop BMW unveiled on the eve of the Los Angeles Auto Show, the i3 Concept Coupé. The puzzle of study and plan for the first all-electric BMW is thus almost maxed out because the creators promise that this model is a good 90 percent correspond to the i3 is the end of 2013 will go into production.
As the first member of the new family of BMW i waived the three-door coupe is not only an internal combustion engine, but also the legendary Hofmeister kink - the brands counter-swing at the rear side windows. In its place now three carbon rods are behind glass and signal the new construction. For the passenger compartment of the carbon fiber reinforced plastic CFRP is used. The so-called drive module, which includes amongst others include powertrain and chassis is made of aluminum and plastic, the visible body.
An aesthetic
In comparison to the i3 Concept Coupé is now working again wider and shallower. Chief Designer Adrian van Hooydonk wanted for sustainability develop their own aesthetic, and this is his team, with the formal language of the coupe and its generous glass areas very accomplished. The roof appears to float above the body of the vehicle as well as the kidneys at the front, giving this also powered BMW, the typical face of the brand.
No classic dashboard
The wheelbase of 2.57 meters will be installed as standard and allows a large interior space. One can only hope that the housing of the new mobility as can be seen in the coupe concept, is also maintained. By the lack of central tunnel is a lot of space in the footwell, the seats in the front row is spacious and inviting. With the new BMW drive architecture also adopted the classic dashboard. In its place also occur seemingly floating planes from eucalyptus wood and aluminum where two displays are mounted. The smaller the steering column takes over the functions of an instrument cluster, the larger, center-mounted display is the virtual control center that combines navigation with all the information services from BMW ConnectedDrive.
170 hp, 160 km range
The rear-wheel-powered i3 will probably be driven by an electric engine with 125 kW/170 hp, which allows a range of 160 km. Optionally, there will be also a buyer for a range extender. Also provide a number of smartphone apps in the fully networked i3 that the driver is informed not only about the current range, but also for example on the next charging stations on the route chosen.
Comprehensive service
In addition, BMW offers a "360-degree electric" to a service designed to facilitate the handling of the new drive. Finally, a premium customer not be left to the cable car alone. This includes that a technician comes to your home to explain the power of the electric BMW and check connections. And since 160 km range is not always likely to be enough for going on holiday, the urban i3-owners rely on, for example, hire a fiver with conventional internal combustion engines. About BMW prices, despite the vaunted series near the i3 Concept Coupé yet known. Whether a 3 or a 4, are forward remains ultimately be the icing on the cake
BMW i3 Image Gallery
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| On the eve of the LA Auto Show 2012 BMW i3 Concept Coupé celebrated its premiere. The model is, according to the manufacturer for more than 90 percent of the i3, which is the end of 2013 series. |
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| In comparison to the i3 Concept Coupé is now working again wider and shallower. Chief Designer Adrian van Hooydonk wanted to develop sustainability for its own aesthetic. The roof appears to float above the body of the vehicle as well as the kidneys at the front, giving this also powered BMW, the typical face of the brand. |
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| Driving the rear-drive i3 is an electric motor takes over with 125 kW/170 hp, which allows a range of 160 km. Optionally, there will be also a buyer for a range extender. |
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| With the new drive architecture is adopted from the classic BMW dashboard. In its place appears to float planes come from eucalyptus wood and aluminum, where two displays are mounted. The smaller the steering column takes over the functions of an instrument cluster, ... |
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| ... the larger, center-mounted display is the virtual control center that combines navigation with information services from BMW ConnectedDrive. |
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| About BMW prices, despite the vaunted series near the i3 Concept Coupé yet known. Whether a 3 or a 4, stand in front, remains ultimately the icing on the cake |
