[YWGT3]

     Featured on BIMMERPOST.com

http://www.automobilemag.com/feature...eslas-model-s/

What We Know

The BMW i5 will look like a standard three-box, four-door sedan, not a crowd-stopping spaceship like its i-model siblings. Why? Because customers in key markets including China and the United States prefer sedans to any other body style.

The i5 will be about as long as the BMW i8, yet it will aim to be roomier than a 3 Series sedan by combining the longest possible wheelbase with the shortest possible front overhang. The i5 should have enough space for a family-size luggage compartment because it will stow its main electric motor between the rear wheels, just like the i3 and i8.

The powerful i5 will come in two forms: electric-only and plug-in hybrid. The EV will have a 225-hp rear motor working in tandem with a 135-hp motor up front. A more potent rear motor in the plug-in will be good for about 275 hp, and a three- or four-cylinder engine will drive the front wheels. Torque-vectoring all-wheel drive will be standard.

Thanks to the i5’s extensive use of carbon fiber like other i-models, the curb weight target is below 3,450 pounds.

Why It Matters

Project i needs the i5. The i3 is not exactly profitable, and the i8 is a high-end niche vehicle. The BMW i5 aims to split the difference by delivering four-door, four-passenger practicality in an EV package without being astronomically expensive. It will accomplish this by fusing bits of the i3 and i8 with a more basic vehicle architecture that’s cheaper to build. It’s safe to assume the i5 will be priced to compete with the Tesla Model S, which the i5 will have squarely in its sights.
Potential Pitfalls

Since the arrival in December of BMW’s new governing board, chairman Harald Krüger and R&D chief Klaus Fröhlich have scrutinized each and every future project proposed during the regime of former chief Norbert Reithofer, leading to the end of programs such as the i8S, Z2 roadster, and 2 Series GT. The i5 is about the only surviving product from Reithofer’s reign, but who knows if or when the new bosses will want to eradicate every trace of their predecessor.

When to Expect It

Production of the i5 will likely be assigned to BMW’s Leipzig plant, where production of the 1 Series and 3 Series would be phased out. We expect production to start in 2019.

What about the... BMW Z2?

Purists, rejoice: BMW has killed the front-wheel-drive Z2 roadster, which would've shared its chassis and powertrain with the Mini Cooper.

[Mandi90TT]

I like it, but I would like a coupe version. I would buy a new version of the original Tesla sportster if they made that, as well.

[YWGT3]

The front portion of the i5 appears to give the 5 series a more aggressive stance. Would be interesting to how BMW designed the i5 rear profile.

[Chihuahua]

100% love it. I take it this is the car that is supposed to be available in 2020?

[Meeni]

You have my attention.

[pgviper]

Originally Posted by Meeni

You have my attention.

Agreed... BMW definitely has my attention with this one.

[DeeKay]

Might just be me, but I don't think they will make a i8-like-front on it. Looks good, but on the other hand it looks a bit too much like it's trying to look like an i8, while obviously not being an i8?

[eMvy]

At this rate, dealers will only be able to fit two of each model on their lot.

[Dog Face Pony Soldier]

More development resources directed towards building crap.

[Fundguy1]

Originally Posted by glennQNYC

More development resources directed towards building crap.

+1000

[dencoop]

Mark my words. This car will be a HUGE HIT !!!

after spending time with an i8 for over 3 months I can tell you that a 4 door version that looks like that and has an i8 feel will sell like hot cakes. Cant wait !

[ORIGIN M.]

Originally Posted by dencoop

Mark my words. This car will be a HUGE HIT !!!

after spending time with an i8 for over 3 months I can tell you that a 4 door version that looks like that and has an i8 feel will sell like hot cakes. Cant wait !

Game Changing Exciting times.

However If Tesla releases the Model 3 for $35000usd before incentives, then the entire automobile industry is in huge trouble. $50k for an i3 is already a problem. Some states are putting a cost cap of $50k to be able to get a state tax incentive.

The next few years are going to be very cool.

That said, 5 years is a long time... !

[SamS]

Very interested in this car, assuming it won't be more than a comparable 5-series. I love the interior design of the i3, and hope it carries over to the i5.

[ORIGIN M.]

Originally Posted by SamS

Very interested in this car, assuming it won't be more than a comparable 5-series. I love the interior design of the i3, and hope it carries over to the i5.

This render is missing some key design language towards the rear and c pillar.

I'd expect it to look better than this and also expect the pricing inline with a 3er not a 5er.

Price is going to biggest issue for BMW-i.

[gangzoom]

Having recently sold my much loved E90 335i, for a Nissan Leaf (on lease), with a view of buying a P85 Tesla S in 2 years time when the Leaf lease expires, this is most exciting news I've seen from BMW for ages.

BMW already have the most advanced production line to intergrate carbon fiber into the chassis to save weight. That couple with experiences from the i3/i8, along with a mass production capacity Tesla just don't have (At the moment), means if BMW get it right the i5 could dominate the market.....

All of a sudden I'm wondering if I should extend the lease for the Leaf till 2019...One thing is for sure, exciting times ahead

[3s-a-charm]

The BMW i5 already exists... Just needs a nice double-kidney grill and badging.

[NYAWE60]

Originally Posted by dencoop

Mark my words. This car will be a HUGE HIT !!!

after spending time with an i8 for over 3 months I can tell you that a 4 door version that looks like that and has an i8 feel will sell like hot cakes. Cant wait !

Agreed, I drove an i8 over the weekend for about 200 miles and loved every bit of it. To top it off it only needed $25 gas to fill it up. I thought I'd hate the amplified exhaust piped through the speakers, but to be honest, I loved it. If this is the future, I welcome it.

[cipher5]

Oh god yes I want.

[BananaCar]

Shut up and take my money!

[ShocknAwe]

Looks almost just like a Tesla, just with the badge and kidneys. Almost no BMW design language to speak of in this model.

I give up.

[krnnerdboy]

Build it and I will buy it

[Powerslide]

Very exciting to think of such a vehicle being greenlighted for production. An M version of this car would give the M division a huge competitive advantage over its rivals (AMG, Audi RS, Cadillac V, etc.).

The i8 (which apparently was developed entirely outside of the M Division) has far greater performance that what anyone expected. Take an i5 (which will only build upon lessons learned from the i8) and to a track-capable "M" version, and wow.... Sign me up!!!!!