2015 BMW i5 family car in the works – report

According a recent report, BMW plans on stretching the i3 to come up with an i5 family-oriented model.

As we have informed earlier, BMW has already trademarked the i1 through i8 nameplates so it shouldn’t come as a surprise the media is already talking about other “i” models to join the already launched i3 and i8. According to the report, the third model of the newly established “i” range is going to be an i5 slotted between the two current models.

While the i3 is four meters long, the i5 will probably receive a 150mm stretched rear overhang and will offer an additional 100mm of rear legroom. It won’t be a very difficult 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.

As of now details are limited about the possibility of installing a more powerful powertrain in the i5 but there are chances of it happening taking into account the car will not only be larger, but it will also have to carry more cargo. 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.