BMW i3 and i8 is here

BMW's eco-friendly future is inching closer to reality as the company has unveiled the i3 and i8 concepts.

The BMW i3 Concept with eDrive is an uncompromisingly sustainable vehicle designed for urban areas. Driven purely by electric power and purpose-built to meet the demands of sustainable and emission-free mobility. It embodies an intelligent form of urban transportation and commuting.

The BMW i3 Concept is a well-resolved all-round concept, with every detail conceived and optimised to fulfil its eventual purpose. Its innovative LifeDrive architecture renders the BMW i3 Concept light, safe, spacious and dynamic. Innovative use of materials and intelligent lightweight design, moreover, not only enable the BMW i3 Concept to travel long distances on a single charge and provide superb safety in the event of a collision. They also help give the car its excellent driving dynamics.

The eDrive technology consisting of an extremely agile electric motor developed and built by BMW, innovative battery technology and an intelligent engine management system. Makes the BMW i3 Concept extremely agile and a joy to drive. The electric motor over the rear axle – which generates output of 125 kW/170 hp and impressive torque of 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) from a standstill – and a small turning circle combine to deliver pleasingly agile driving characteristics. The BMW i3 Concept accelerates from 0 to 60 km/h (37 mph) in under four seconds and from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in less than eight seconds.

The so-called Life module conjures up a feeling of space inside the car more generous than even the latest conversion vehicles can offer. Select materials lend the open and airy cabin a lounge-like character. The use of renewable raw materials is another defining characteristic of the interior, offering passengers a further means of "experiencing" the sustainability of the vehicle. Parts of the instrument panel and door panelling are visibly made from natural fibres, while the naturally tanned leather of the seats creates a lounge-style ambience. With four seats, wide-opening opposing "coach" doors, a boot capacity of around 200 litres and an additional functional compartment in the front, the BMW i3 Concept is neatly equipped for the demands of everyday use.

Innovative connectivity functions create a seamless connection between the BMW i3 Concept and its customers' lives outside the car. Remote functions accessible via a smartphone enable owners to find their vehicles, flag up nearby charging stations, allow battery charging and preconditioning at the touch of a button, and supply information on the current status of the vehicle. Meanwhile, intelligent BMW ConnectedDrive assistance systems ease the stress on drivers in monotonous city driving situations and allow them to arrive at their destination more safely and in a more relaxed state of mind.

The i3 is a four-seat, five-door hatchback with a pure electric drivetrain. A lithium-ion battery powers an electric motor that produces 170 PS (125 kW / 168 hp) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque. This enables the 1250 kg (2755 lb) concept to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 7.9 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 150 km/h (93 mph). BMW estimates the i3 can travel 130-160 km (80-100 miles) on a single charge. Once the battery is depleted, it can be fully recharged in approximately six hours.

Sometimes it is time to leave the city. Escape the restrictions of everyday life. The BMW i8 is an icon of progress. It combines the energizing performance of a sports car with benchmark efficiency.

The concept car BMW Vision EfficientDynamics created excitement and very positive feedback at the IAA 2009. The BMW Vision EfficientDynamics made ​​it clear that an emotional sports car with the fuel economy of a small car is no contradiction, but could soon be reality.

After successful initial testing of the vehicle concept, the decision for a series-production vehicle was quickly made. The BMW i8 Concept is the next step in the evolution of the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept. The result: The most progressive and innovative sports car of its time. Its innovative plug-in hybrid concept combines the modified electric drive system from the BMW i3 Concept – fitted over its front axle – with a high-performance three-cylinder combustion engine producing 164 kW/220 hp and 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) at the rear. Working in tandem, they allow the two drive systems to display their respective talents to the full, delivering the performance of a sports car but the fuel consumption of a small car.

Acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in under five seconds combined with fuel consumption in the European cycle of under three litres per 100 kilometres (approx. 94 mpg imp) are figures currently beyond the capability of any vehicle powered by a combustion engine of comparable performance. Thanks to the eDrive technology with its large lithium-ion battery, which can be charged from a domestic power supply, the BMW i8 Concept can travel up to 35 kilometres (approx. 20 miles) on electric power alone. Added to which, the 2+2-seater offers enough space for four people, giving it a high level of everyday practicality.

The LifeDrive architecture of the BMW i8 Concept has been carefully adapted to enhance the vehicle's sports car character, and therefore to deliver unbeatable performance and excellent driving dynamics. The motor in the front axle module and combustion engine at the rear are connected by an "energy tunnel", which houses the high-voltage battery. This gives the car a low centre of gravity – and the dynamic benefits that come with it. The positioning of the electric motor and engine over their respective axles and the space-saving and well-balanced packaging of all components result in an optimum 50/50 weight distribution.

The i8, on the other hand, is a plug-in hybrid. A turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder petrol engine which works with an electric motor to give the coupe a combined output of 353 PS (260 kW / 349 hp) and 550 Nm (406 Nm) of torque. Thanks to this setup, the 1480 kg (3262 lb) car can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and a hit a limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). Additionally, the i8 can travel 35 km (20 miles) on electricity alone which helps it average 2.7 L/100 km (104 mpg UK / 87 mpg US) while emitting 66 g/km.