While the BMW i3 may not receive a replacement, the
German automaker is allegedly planning an all-new model to replace it, dubbed
the i1. The BMW i1 would actually be larger
than the current i3 but slightly smaller than the next-generation 1-Series.
It is claimed that this all-new model will be based
on the same platform as the Mini Cooper Electric and like its British cousin,
receive power from a single electric motor powering the front wheels. If this
is the case, the i1 should offer a similar range and performance specs to the
Mini.
In 2017, BMW acquired the rights to the i1 through
to i9 and iX1 through i9X nameplates, indicating that it is preparing for an
onslaught of all-electric models. Of course, it is unlikely that all of these
names will be used by future BMW models but there’s no doubting the brand’s
intent to expand its fleet of i models.
One all-new i model which has been confirmed for
production is the i4. Set to act as BMW’s rival to the Tesla Model 3, the i4
was previewed by the iVision Dynamics Concept from last year’s Frankfurt Motor
Show. It will have an electric range of up to 700 km and will hit
the production line in 2020, if all goes to plan.
