BMW has recently made it pretty clear that an SUV will not be added to the recently introduced “i” range of frugal models.
The company has already started work on future “i” models but as of now none of these include an SUV. The company had earlier this year introduced the range of economical cars with the launch of the i3 available as a full electric car or with a range-extending engine. At IAA in Frankfurt that was held in September, the lineup was expanded with the unveiling of a sportier i8 plug-in hybrid which can achieve the 62 mph (100 kmph) sprint in 4.4 seconds.
BMW has already trademarked all nameplates from i1 to i9 and even if each nameplate will be covered, the company has made it clear that none of the added cars will include an SUV. This statement comes from the i3’s project manager Roland Kowalski who further stated that the BMW i philosophy is about an urban concept for megacities. The third “i” model that could be unveiled could be an i5 that will be a sedan or a crossover providing more room compared to the i3.
