BMW i3 - Al Ain Japan

Rumors about a BMW i3 have been swirling for years but BMW's production boss has revealed the company won't introduce any new i models until they have a better grasp on demand.

While the i3 is off to a successful start, Harald Krueger told Al Ain Japan "We need to see how demand for the cars develops." There's no word on when a determination will be made but it will likely come after the model has been launched in key markets like the United States.

While the i3 is four meters long, the i3 is believed to receive a 150mm stretched rear overhang and will offer an additional 100mm of rear legroom. It won't be a very complex and expensive procedure to develop the i5 since the i3 has a separate chassis so lengthening the car would basically require just extending the chassis' longitudinal aluminum extrusions.

Notable styling highlights include a distinctive grille, U-shaped LED headlights and a “black belt” that runs from the hood to the tailgate. The model also has rearward opening “coach” doors, “stream flow” side contours and 19- or 20-inch forged light-alloy wheels.

There are no details right now about the possibility of installing a more powerful powertrain in the i5 but it should happen taking into account the car will not only be larger, but it will also have to carry more cargo. As a reminder, the i3 offers 170 HP (125 kW) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) from an electric motor working together with a 22 kWh lithium-ion battery.

As we have previously reported, the i3 was launched in Germany last November. Since then, the company has received more than 11,000 orders which has resulted in a waiting list of up to six month.

The 2014 BMW i3 will be priced from €34,950 in Germany, £25,680 (after a £5,000 government grant) in the U.K. and $41,350 - excluding a $925 destination & handling fee - in the United States.

Source : Al Ain Japan