BMW i5 to hit the market in 2018?

BMW’s electric/hybrid ambitions are being spearheaded by the BMW i division. The sub-brand’s portfolio includes the i3 small car and the i8 hybrid supercar. The new car that will be added to the portfolio has been labelled the i5 and reports suggest that the car will make its debut in 2018.

Tesla Motors has seen a good response to the Model S – particularly in markets like the USA. The i5 is being projected as a rival to Tesla’s sedan and as the first sedan in the BMW i range. The sedan will reportedly be powered by a petrol engine that makes around 215 BHP, supported by two electric motors. One motor is said to produce 147.5 BHP while the other makes 268 BHP. On electric power alone, the car supposedly manages a range of 125 kms.

The i5 is expected to be based on the extended wheelbase 5-Series sedan and could share some styling cues with the new 7-Series. While the car may not be a fully electric model, the expected price and the fact that it will use electric motors have put it in the same league as the Model S. Prices are speculated to start at the 1,00,000 Euro mark (approximately INR 68.85 Lakh).

Source: bmwblog via autobild