BMW i3 all-electric priced at Rs 25 lakh in the US, UK
A week before its scheduled world premiere on July 29, BMW has released the pricing of the i3.
BMW will sell two versions of the i3. Both will be powered by the same electric motor, but the range extender model will also have a 650cc two-cylinder petrol engine that acts as a generator to extend the battery's total range to about 300 km.
To be unveiled simultaneously at London, New York and Beijing, BMW has announced that both the i3 versions will go on sale in the US in the second quarter of 2014. In the UK, first deliveries will begin in November this year.
The all-electric i3 has been priced at $41,350 (about Rs 25 lakh) plus and additional $925 for destination and handling. The price for the range extender petrol hybrid will be announced at a later date.
The rear-wheel drive i3 is powered by a rear-mounted 170PS engine that delivers 250Nm of torque. The all-electric version gets the energy from a 22kWh lithium-ion battery and can be driven emission-free up to 130-160km. The two-cylinder petrol engine in the range extender will act as a generator to add another150-odd km.
For weight management, the BMW i3 uses the Industry's first mass-produced carbonfibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) passenger cell mounted on an aluminum chassis.
The electric-powered supermini is the first model to be launched as part of BMW's new 'i' range of cars. It will be followed in spring 2014 by a production version of the i8 supercar concept, which has a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
"The BMW i3 heralds the dawn of a new era for individual mobility and for the BMW Group. True to a genuine BMW, the BMW i3 has strong emotional appeal, outstanding product substance and a guarantee of sheer driving pleasure. With this leading-edge vehicle and attractive price, we will provide customers with a compelling offer for electromobility," said Ian Robertson, member of the Board of Management, Sales and Marketing, BMW.