BMW Reveals Its i3 And i8 Concepts: First Official Details, Pictures And Videos

It’s knew that the German Brand, BMW is working on a new range of eco-focused models falling under its recently established i brand, with everything ranging from electric to scooters to plug-in hybrid supercars.

BMW released a brief introduction to the first two models, the i3 and i8.

BMW i3, also know as MegaCity concept, will be the first vehicle produced under the i brand when it arrives next year.

Both the BMW i3 Concept and the BMW i8 Concept feature the LifeDrive architecture, but the geometric implementation of the concept differs in the two models, having been adapted to suit their different usages.

Here, the Drive module provides the solid foundations for the Life cell, which
is simply mounted on top. The reason for this functional rendition of the LifeDrive architecture is the large battery

The Life part contains the driver and passengers, reason for which the platforms have been individually developed for each model. The i3 comes with a lightweight body structure made up of a combination of aluminum and carbon fiber-reinforced plastics, with the Drive module mounted underneath, obviating the need for a transmission tunnel and allowing BMW to install two bench seats for four occupants in the front and back while providing 200 liters (7.06 cubic-feet) of storage.

Here comes the Drive system, comprised of the suspension, battery and drivetrain, along with structural and safety components. The integration of all the drive components within the Drive module removes the need for a centre tunnel bisecting the interior, through which power would previously have been transferred to the rear wheels. A liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery back spans the undercarriage and supplies juice to an electric motor mounted directly above the rear-drive axle. The motor put out 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque through a single-speed gearbox. BMW claims the i3 can reach an electronically limited top speed of 93 miles per hour and make the run from 0-60 in under eight seconds.

Also both the BMW i3 Concept and the BMW i8 Concept comes with ECO PRO mode. This allows the driver to increase the electric driving range of the vehicle and reduce power consumption at the press of a button. BMW claims that you can charge the battery back to full in six hours using a standard power socket and the i3’s batteries can get to 80 percent in one hour using a high-speed charger.

Of course, if battery power isn’t enough for you, the i3 will be available with a range-extending internal combustion engine.

BMW i8, unlike the standard i3, will be a plug-in hybrid, with a turbocharged, 1.5-liter three-cylinder powerplant mounted up front and putting out 220 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque. The brand claims that combined with the electric motor, the run from 0-60 mph is under five seconds, with fuel consumption estimated at three liters per 100 kilometers.

A lithium-ion battery pack works simultaneously with the three-pot works in tandem and front-mounted electric motor pulled from the i3 and driving the front wheels. This allows an electric-only range of up to 20 miles on a charge. For maximum efficiency you can put both systems together you’ve got a front-wheel-drive vehicle. Also the i8 has a perfect 50/50 weight distribution.

Vector illustration of teamwork concept. Office workers are made up of parts of the whole, working on the project.

Source: BMW