BMW launches first i Store, reveals updated i3

BMW has revealed an updated version of its first all-electric concept car, the i3, at the opening of the world’s first dedicated BMW i showroom in London yesterday.

However, the first BMW i Store is unlikely to be replicated in Australia, where i3 sales are expected to be strictly limited when the ground-breaking new model arrives here in early 2014 – most likely fitted as standard with a range-extending internal combustion engine.

BMW Australia is currently preparing for the rollout of its first hybrid models – led by the ActiveHybrid 3 and 5 in October, followed by the ActiveHybrid 7 around March – and says similar dealer training and infrastructure implementation will begin soon for its i sub-brand.

“We are currently investing in training and infrastructure for our ActiveHybrids across the Australian dealer network, with a similar process to be rolled out for the i cars shortly,” said BMW Group Australia Head of Communications Piers Scott.

“But initially at least, sales and aftersales service for BMW i will all be incorporated into our major metropolitan dealerships.”

BMW also used the opening of its first i-car outlet in London’s ritzy Park Lane to unveil a 20kg electric bicycle concept dubbed BMW i Pedelec as part of its Olympic Games sponsorship, and to announce the start of its ‘Born Electric’ worldwide tour from later this month.

The i-tour will showcase both the i3 city-hatch, which enters production late next year, and the i8 plug-in hybrid super-coupe, which will follow in 2014, starting soon in Rome before heading to Japan and North America before returning to London early next year.

BMW said the international i-car road show will also visit France and China in the first half of 2013 to “showcase mobility services, new sustainable materials and technological developments, lifestyle trends and a vision of premium sustainable mobility in the future”, but it will not come to Australia.

The upgraded i3 shown in London is a development of the concept first seen at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, featuring a new exterior paint colour and an all-new interior. According to head of i design Benoit Jacob only around 10 per cent of the latest i3’s design will be changed – including, most notably, the switch from transparent to traditional doors - prior to production next year.

“What we see here is 85 to 90 per cent production-ready.” Mr Jacob told Autocar. “Very close, but visual details like doors can be expected to change. The i8 spider shown in Beijing didn’t have see-through doors so that gives clues.”

As we’ve reported, the i3 is constructed from two separate key components: a structural ‘Drive’ module made from aluminium and incorporating the battery, drive system and chassis, and the ‘Life’ cabin module made from carbonfibre-reinforced plastic, limiting total weight to less than 1250kg.

BMW has confirmed the battery-electric i3 will also be available in plug-in hybrid form, fitted with a range-extending internal combustion engine, and it’s likely this will be the only version made available in Australia, at least initially.

“We are still to make final decisions on our BMW i model line-up, but I can say we will be offering the range-extender variant from launch,” said Mr Scott.

While the rear-wheel drive i3 hatchback is claimed to offer an emissions-free driving range of about 160km and sprint to 100km/h in less than eight seconds, the i8 coupe is a plug-in hybrid super-coupe that should combine the i3’s electric motor with the German brand’s upcoming 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine.

BMW Group’s global sales and marketing chief Ian Robertson confirmed in London that the i8 will be priced in line with models offering similar performance.

“It is a super sports car and will be priced accordingly,” he said. “The final price isn’t decided but it will be priced up there with similar machinery.”

BMW’s top-shelf i-model, for now, is expected to match the M3’s 0-100km/h acceleration time of 4.8 seconds. However, average CO2 emissions of just 99g/km will also make it one of BMW’s most efficient models.

While M3 prices start at around $150,000 in Australia and the even quicker new twin-turbo V8-powered M5 sedan costs $230,000, BMW Australia has previously indicated the i8 could cost around $300,000 here.

At the other end of BMW’s ‘i’ scale, the near-production Pedelec is a folding push-bike that employs a 250-Watt/20Nm electric motor to assist pedal power and, once folded, can fit into the boot of the i3. The aluminium and carbonfibre-framed Pedelec features front and rear disc brakes and a three-speed gear hub integrated with the motor, which acts as a generator during braking and deceleration.

It assists its rider at speeds of up to 25km/h for distances of up to 40km, and the Pedelec battery takes four hours to charge from a domestic power source or from a power outlet in the i3’s boot.

BMW revealed in London that it will sell its i-cars through at least ten per cent of its established European dealerships. It also said it will help customers install its new ‘BMW i Wallbox’ home charger, as well as source renewable energy supplies and access public charging points, and is considering a mobile i “sales force” and an online purchasing system.

Mr Robertson opened the exclusive London retail outlet, which officially opens for business on July 25, by saying it demonstrates BMW’s commitment to sustainable mobility.

“BMW i Park Lane marks a completely new approach. Situated next to BMW Park Lane and MINI Park Lane, it gives people a perfect opportunity to learn more about electromobility and get close to our future electric and plug-in hybrid BMW i vehicles. This is a further demonstration of our commitment to electromobility.

“The BMW i strategy addresses people’s e-mobility concerns with a holistic 360-degree approach,” he said.

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