What's the news?
BMW has unveiled an updated version of its i3 electric car that is claimed to be 85- to 90 per cent production ready. Based on the original i3 show car unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show, the updated concept coincides with the announcement that London's trendy Park Lane will be the location for the world's first BMW i Store.
Exterior
The main design change before production will be the replacement of the see-through doors. BMW has hinted that the i8 Concept Spyder, which debuted at Beijing, is "providing a clue" as to what it may do. Might we see upward swivelling, pillar-less doors for the i3?
Interior
As the i3 gets closer to production it has begun to lose some of the concept items seen at various motor shows. The centre tunnel that previously bisected the interior - or Life module as BMW would have us call it - is gone, creating more space for occupants who now have full length benches front and rear.
The cabin features a host of sustainable materials, with tweed-like wool on the seats, wood on the dashboard and leather used as well. Touch-screen flat panels, which provide the controls for the audio and climate control functions, are integrated into the instrument panel, eliminating the need for a centre console and freeing up space.
Mechanicals
The i3's 'Drive' module is mounted over the rear axle and will provide 170hp, which, thanks to carbon-fibre reinforced plastic panels and an aluminium spaceframe chassis , means the urban runabout should be good for a 0-62mph time of eight seconds. Not that buyers are likely to be overly concerned about performance - they want to know about range.
BMW unveiled a charging box that customers will be able to install at home to make recharging as straightforward as possible, and spelled out details of its 360 Electric programme for potential owners, which will also provide support by way of apps, public charging and rental of other BMWs for long trips. It also says that a single charge should be enough for between 80- and 100 miles.
Anything else?
Along with the updated i3, BMW also unveiled the new i Pedelec (Pedal Electric Cycle) concept. Designed for urban buyers to cycle from their parked and charging i3 to work, two i Pedelecs can be folded and mounted in the back of the i3, and their batteries recharged.
Paul Healy - 14 Jun 2012
