- BMW's i-series range will expand in 2015 with the addition of a midsize people mover with a rear-mounted electric motor and a small three-cylinder gasoline engine.
- The i-series kicks off next year with the launch of the all-electric i3 compact hatchback, followed by the gasoline-electric hybrid i8 sport sedan.
- The i5 is described as a tall-roof MPV with sliding doors and a spacious cargo bay, aimed at such competitors as the Toyota Prius V.
MUNICH, Germany — BMW's i-series range will expand in 2015 with the addition of the i5, a midsize people mover with a rear-mounted electric motor and a small three-cylinder gasoline engine.
According to Germany's Auto Bild magazine, the i5 will "complete" the i-series range, which kicks off next year with the launch of the all-electric i3 compact hatchback, followed by the gasoline-electric hybrid i8 sport sedan.
The i5 is described as a tall-roof MPV with sliding doors and a spacious cargo bay, aimed at such competitors as the Toyota Prius V.
Power, according to Auto Bild, will be supplied by a 170-horsepower electric motor in the rear, with a 90-hp three-cylinder gasoline engine used as a "range extender."
The magazine predicted that that i5's starting price will be "not less than" $65,000.
Inside Line says: A logical addition to the range.
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toyzm says:
10:17 PM, 01/26/2012
Benz R-series and BMW i5... They just don't understand why a family buys a mini van. Sliding Door for kids!!
isend2c says:
02:00 PM, 01/26/2012
Trying to compete against the Prius V... at $65,000.... Okayyyyyyy.
qdp says:
11:57 AM, 01/26/2012
2015? It seems later for the green game. Volvo and other European auto companies will introudce this type of rear-wheel-hub-based electric motor hybrid cars this year.
dagmar3 says:
11:47 AM, 01/26/2012
Wow! BMW is in trouble. Big trouble. They have all these ugly, useless models coming out to join their failed roadsters, failed X6; failed Gran Turismo; failed Active Hybrids; and the not-selling 1-series.
Just how many loser models will the 3 Series have to support?
jcsupreme says:
11:09 AM, 01/26/2012
When the hell are these new BMers gonna show up?!!