BMW i5 in ‘final stages’ of decision

BMW is in the final stages of deliberation regarding which body style to go forward with for its upcoming electric car, the i5. The German carmaker is internally debating between two different styles: either a lengthened i3 or a more traditional sedan to rival the likes of the upcoming Tesla 3. The new car would be BMW i’s third model in the range, following its fully-electric i3 hatch and i8 sports car.

Speaking to Autocar UK, BMW board member for sales and marketing, Ian Robertson, said, “You will see more i products, and we are in the final stages of deciding what the next car will be and when you’ll see it.” An unveiling to coincide with BMW’s centenary celebrations next spring seems likely, with Robertson adding, “We will look back 100 years at that point, but mainly into the future.” It could mean BMW will show some sort of concept that will preview the production version set to arrive at a later date. It’s not known at this point whether the i5 (name not yet confirmed) will be a plug-in hybrid and/or a full electric model. Some reports also suggest that BMW may be considering hydrogen power as an option, with the car maker being involved with Toyota and its fuel-cell technology.

Robertson stated that sales of the i3 have been growing 60 percent year-over-year and it’s the third best-selling electric vehicle in the world. The expectations are that an i5 or an extended i3 model will house a larger battery pack which will add more driving range, taking it closer to the holy grail of at least 200 miles (320 kilometres).

BMW is under pressure as rivals roll out new vehicles in attempt to beat the carmaker in annual sales. Tesla is also preparing two new exciting electric cars: an SUV, Model X, and a 3 Series competitor, Model 3 in 2017.