BMW i3

Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW) has been among the foremost choice of enthusiasts who desire luxury cars. The automobile giant unveiled an electric concept car in 'i' series, BMW i3, which will become the platform for a series of upcoming luxury cars. The concept car illustrates a compact, agile and sustainable design, which will include the company's LifeDrive design. The design of the BMW i3 concept exhibits streamlined car characteristics that will appeal to the urban commuter.

BMW i3 concept car is an uncompromisingly sustainable automotive for urban areas, specifically engineered for emission-free mobility. Window graphics, flowing silhouette and door sills combine to render an appealing shape to the dynamic vehicle. The compact car has a generous amount of space within the cabin, featuring short front and rear overhangs. It is made from light metal alloys, high-grade glass material, black elements and carbon structures, thus making the vehicle considerably light in weight.

Furthermore, an intelligent liquid heating / cooling system present in the vehicle maintains the ideal operating temperature for the battery at all times. This mechanism also boosts performance and life expectancy of the cells; the battery of the BMW i3 can be fully recharged in four hours via a wallbox. The only limitation of this electric car is the limited driving range. However, BMW i3 concept offers an optional range extender, known as REx, to counter this limitation. REx is a compact petrol kit that runs the generator of the car and helps in maintaining battery charge level for continued operation on electric power.

Engines & Specifications of the BMW i3

BMW i3 concept is assimilated with an electric motor that delivers maximum output of 170 hp and has peak torque of 250 Nm. The electric motor works in tandem with optimal power transmission from rear wheels and is capable of accelerating to 150 kmph without losing power. Assimilation of electric motor has reduced space requirements, lowering it by a margin of 40 per cent compared to conventional engines of BMW cars belonging to the same generation. The powerful drive unit is located on the rear axle, alongside power electronics, transmission and differential.

Performance of the BMW i3

The powerful engine accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in merely 7.9 seconds. Upon releasing the accelerator, electric motor turns into generator and converts kinetic energy into electric energy. The electricity generated is, then, fed back into the battery for reuse. Moreover, one of the highlighting features is 'Single-Pedal Feature'. Single-pedal control allows acceleration and deceleration by means of accelerator pedal, which disconnects the drive train when the driver releases the pedal and keeps it in eased position. Overall, the car promotes sustainability and contributes towards a greener environment.

Exterior, Interior & Safety Features of the BMW i3

BMW i3 has dynamic exteriors, loaded with several new age features, with the narrow 19-inch wheels enhancing its dynamic looks. Its striking front end has a clear and uncluttered design, featuring moulded kidney grille. Beneath the grille are the layer lends in silver colour, while the BMW hallmark is placed atop it. Air curtains of the car define aerodynamic character of the concept. LED headlights, elegant kidney grille, silver-coloured rear diffuser and gracious tail lights on rear window grab attention of onlookers.

Interiors of the BMW i3 have been termed 'LifeDrive'; owing to this unique design, the vehicle has no centre tunnel bisection between front and rear compartments. As there is no segregation between front and rear section, BMW i3 gives an impression of a very open and airy car. In BMW i3, occupants sit in a raised 'semi-command' position, thus getting a detailed view of traffic.

A distinctive element of LifeDrive is free-standing steering column, featuring driving-oriented controls like instrument cluster, start / stop button and gear-shift lever. The central console of BMW i3 houses the central information display (CID) monitor for radio and climate system updates. Moreover, high-strength dark anthracite material is evident in elegantly crafted elements of the interiors. The seating area will be made of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CRPF), which is lighter than steel but performs better than the metal in case of collisions.