BMW has unveiled its i3 Coupe Concept, which will be developed as the first ever all-electric model from the BMW i brand ready for series production. The BMW i3 Coupe is a three-door hatch and is sculpted in the design language of future BMW i cars giving a sense of dynamism and driving pleasure. The car features a carbon-fibre body, and an electric motor that churns out a maximum output of 170 HP and 250 Nm, mated to a single-speed transmission.
The electric motor gets its energy from the lithium-ion storage cells placed under the floor. The battery position lowers the centre of gravity, which adds to the car’s agile handling. The carbon-fibre body gives a great impression of lightness, transparency and streamlined aerodynamic qualities. The BMW i3 Concept assumes the title of the world’s first fully networked electric vehicle. The car features BMW’s ConnectedDrive functions that will be used in production vehicles.
The ConnectedDrive functions include operation of the navigation system as well as the information transfer between the vehicle, the outside world and the driver’s smartphone and has been geared towards the specific requirements of e-mobility. The i3 Concept comes with two displays, which provide the interfaces for the exchange of information between vehicle and driver and for operating the infotainment and communications functions.
The BMW i3 Coupé Concept, the drive system, chassis and energy storage unit, along with the structural and crash functions, are incorporated into the Drive module that is chiefly made of aluminum. The interiors of the i3 Coupe Concept boasts a large number of sustainable materials, including leather, wood and wool and other renewable raw materials. The passenger cabin features an uninterrupted space between the driver and passenger footwell with no transmission tunnel.
The cabin appears more open and airy. COMFORT, ECO PRO and ECO PRO+ are the three driving modes included for a mix of driving pleasure and efficiency. The BMW i3 Coupe can cover a distance of around 160 kms on a full battery charge before it has to be plugged into a charging station again. This range of the motor will comfortably allow the car to be used for urban mobility. BMW is likely to bring the i3 to India, once the production version is launched globally.
