An all-new BMW i model could be in the works and it
may be dubbed the i2. BMW development boss Klaus Fröhlich recently hinted to
Germany’s Manager Magazin that a small new electric model is being developed by
BMW’s i division. It is reported that this vehicle could launch in 2024 and be
priced at a touch under 30,000 euros (US$ 34,000).
At this early stage, it remains to be seen if the
BMW i2 would serve as a direct successor to the current i3 or if it would be
positioned as a separate model. BMW Blog reports that the i2 will have similar
dimensions to the i3 but its lower price point could allow the automaker to
build it alongside a second-generation i3.
It is reported that BMW will be able to make the i2
significantly cheaper than the i3 thanks to the use of a platform that doesn’t
use carbon fiber and instead uses more affordable aluminum or steel. The same
report says BMW is interested in co-developing the platform with Daimler and
use it in other models in the brand’s range, including plug-in hybrids and
all-electric vehicles.
The lower starting price of the BMW i2 won’t be the
only thing that makes it appeal to customers. According to reports, it will
adopt a more conventional design than the i3 and could take the shape of a small
sedan or a four-door coupe. If BMW does indeed launch an i2, the model could
benefit from technologies developed in collaboration with Daimler as part of a
new collaboration between the German carmakers.
