The range of electrically-boosted BMW i cars is likely to expand beyond the confirmed two models to include an i3 Coupe and mid-sized variants according to a report.
An unnamed BMW source told Autocar that a three-door coupe version of the five-door BMW i3 – inspired by the BMW i3 Coupe concept revealed at the 2012 LA motor show – is “the next logical step” for the expansion of the technologically advanced range of electric and plug-in hybrid cars.
The source also revealed the potential for other mid-sized cars to be added to the i range, including a model similar in design to the BMW Concept Active Tourer (pictured below) shown at the 2012 Paris motor show.
“There are a lot of unused numbers in the i line-up and there is the potential for other mid-sized concepts.”
Of the two production models so far confirmed, the i3 and i8, the source said each had its own unique role at either end of the range.
“With the i3 you have a megacity vehicle that offers zero emissions and a focus on practicality, while the i8 is an all-out sports car that demonstrates the extreme performance that’s possible using this technology.”
Spied recently undergoing final testing ahead of its expected unveiling at this year’s Frankfurt motor show in September and European and US on-sale date in late 2013, the BMW i3 will be offered with both an all-electric and plug-in hybrid powertrain. The compact hatch is due to reach local shores in 2014.
While the EV i3 is claimed to deliver a range of 130-160km on a single charge, the ‘range extender’ hybrid version should see this rise to a range of 320km.
The BMW i8 plug-in hybrid sports car incorporates a 96kW electric motor and a 164kW 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine to power the front and rear wheels respectively, for a combined output of 260kW and 550Nm. An i8 Spyder seen at the 2012 Beijing motor show is also tipped to be another future addition.
The i8, too, will go on sale in Europe this year, with Australian deliveries expected in 2014.
All BMW i models are constructed using lightweight carbonfibre-reinforced-plastic as a core element.
