BMW i3 Concept
A new and visionar vehicle developped for mobility services, inspiring design and a new understanding of premium that is strongly defined by sustainability, BMW i3, also know as MegaCity concept, will be the first vehicle produced under the i brand when it arrives next year.
Designed especialy for urban areas, this one-of-a-kind concept is an uncompromisingly sustainable vehicle, driven purely by electric power. Embodying an intelligent form of urban transportation and commuting, the i3 is purpose-built to meet the demands of sustainable and emission-free mobility.
The German car maker used its experience to create a car which is able to travel long distances on a single charge and provide superb safety in the event of a collision, while the innovative use of materials and intelligent lightweight design help give the BMW i3 its excellent driving dynamics. 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 crisp 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.
Despite the fact that both the BMW i3 Concept and the BMW i8 Concept feature the LifeDrive architecture, the geometric implementation of the concept differs in the two models, having been adapted to suit their different usages. Being a well-resolved all-round concept, the i3 Concept has every detail conceived and optimised to fulfil its eventual purpose. Its innovative LifeDrive architecture renders the BMW i3 Concept light, safe, spacious and dynamic.
The Drive module provides the solid foundations for the Life cell, which is simply mounted on top. When we talk about the Life part, this contains the driver and passengers and here the i3 comes with a lightweight body structure made up of a combination of aluminum and carbon fiber-reinforced plastics. This concept has its Drive module mounted underneath, obviating the need for a transmission tunnel and this allows BMW to install two bench seats for four occupants in the front and back while providing 200 liters (7.06 cubic-feet) of storage.
On the other side, the Drive system includes the suspension, the battery and the drivetrain, along with structural and safety components. Because of the integration of all the drive components within the Drive module, the need for a centre tunnel bisecting the interior, through which power would previously have been transferred to the rear wheels is now just an outdated concept.
In addition to all these new ideas, the BMW i3 Concept comes with ECO PRO mode, a system that allows you to increase the electric driving range of the vehicle and reduce power consumption at the press of a button. The German car maker claims that you can charge the battery back to full in six hours using a standard power socket and the i3′s batteries can get to 80 percent in one hour using a high-speed charger.
Still, if you prefer petrol engine, and the battery power isn’t enough for you, the BMW i3 will debut in 2013, available with a range-extending internal combustion engine.