BMW i3

Synopsis

BMW is the name of one of the top automobile manufacturer company of world. Every model they introduce, showcase some unique features of their own and that makes them special among their competitors. Now, there is a great deal of commotion in market due to a new, first of its kind model unveiled as a concept car by BMW at 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. A prototype of this model was showcased at 2012 Summer Olympics in London by BMW and the production version was unveiled in July 2013 in USA. BMW i3 is a hatchback but is given the name of MCV (Mega City Vehicle) by BMW and is a urban electric 5-door hatchback which is a part of BMW's Project. It was designed by Richard Kim and was assembled at Leipzig, Germany. BMW named it a LifeDrive architecture which has Life Module and Drive Module.

Dimensions

Life Module is this hatchback's pillar-less passenger cell which is first of its kind to get mass produced and made of CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic). This is a material which is tougher than steel while at the same time is 30% lighter than aluminium, due to which this hatchback weighs only 1195kgs and thereby also has increased energy efficiency. This hatchback has a length of 3999mm, width of 1775mm and height of 1578mm as its dimension.

Acceleration and Performance

Drive module consists of everything that make i3 a real deal and it is a 100% aluminium chassis mounted under Life Module. It has a 22kWh, 450-pound centrally mounted Lithium Ion battery that provides power to a rear mounted electric motor that runs rear wheel. It generates 168 bhp of maximum power and 249 Nm of maximum torque with the top speed of 150kmph and reaches 0-100kmph mark in just 7.2 seconds.BMW i3 has a real-world EV range of 130-160kms and it takes three hours to a standard charger to completely fill the battery. While a SAE DC Combo fast charger takes only 30 minutes for its full charging. To people who wants extra range for this hatchback, another variant is made available by BMW which is called REX, means a range extender 2-cylinder, 650cc Gasoline engine with a 9.1liters tank which maintains charge. It develops 34 bhp of power and is mounted next to the electric motor just above the rear axle which by powering a generator recharge the battery. Thus it extends the range of the hatchback to 260-300kms and makes it reach 0-100kmph mark in 7.9 seconds.

Exterior

BMW i3 has a stylish exterior design with dynamic window design and door sills, flowing silhouette, short overhangs on front and rear, a stylish black-band that runs from the hood over the roof to the rear of the vehicle, merging form of window surfaces in rear, 19-inch alloy wheels, fully closed kidney type front grille and a sculptured front apron below it, front LED headlights with U-shaped day time running lights, high-gloss black painted front hood with its storage space called smartbox, front apron element defining the vehicle with accurate vertically-standing edges at sides, upright roof pillars for large space in passenger compartment, large luggage space which can be further increased by folding the rear seats, tailgate opening design in the shape of a black homogeneous glass surface, body colored wide rear diffuser framed by reflectors, body colored front bumper, and U-shaped rear taillights in rear window of tailgate which shines through the black glass.

Interior

The interior of BMW also has a futuristic design with its raised seating position in seats, no central tunnel to divide the interior space, a freestanding steering wheel, steering column with instrument panel, start-stop button, gear selection lever, a rotary button is on gear selection lever to change driving direction by pointing the button in that specific direction, use of eco-friendly and renewable resources such as KENAF fibers in door panels, completely naturally tanned leather of outstanding quality and feel, textiles used in seats consists up to 100% recycled fibers, use of textile surfaces which have sound absorbing property for better acoustics, use of black elements with structured textiles to give natural fibers and eucalyptus wood for instrument panel and many more these features to make a completely environment friendly vehicle.

Shades and Price

BMW i3 will be available in two variants which are i3 with electric motor and i3 range extender. It will be available in six beautiful shades which includes Ionic Silver with highlight BMW I Blue, Arravani Grey with highlight BMW I Blue, Laurel Grey with highlight BMW I Blue, Solar Orange with highlight Metallic Frozen Grey, Capparis White with highlight BMW i Blue and Andesite Silver with highlight BMW I Blue. It will be available at an expected ex-showroom price of INR 20 lakhs.

Verdict

Overall, this is a perfect hatchback, first of its kind with beautiful and eco-friendly interiors, advanced designed exteriors, better performing, safe, spacious and has highly futuristic design.