BMW's five-pronged Frankfurt assault

BMW is going big at next month’s Frankfurt motor show, revealing no less than five new vehicles at the gargantuan auto expo.

Spearheading the charge is the production version of the i8 plug-in hybrid sportster that was revealed in concept form at the same show two years ago.

As previously reported, the cutting-edge coupe goes on sale next year, with propulsion coming via a mid-mounted 164kW/300Nm 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol engine, supplemented by an electric motor that sends an additional 96kW and 250Nm to the front wheels

Although the final specifics will only be announced at Frankfurt, expect a 0-100km/h split around the five-second mark and top whack of 250km/h. The car is destined for our market from next year in limited numbers, priced well in excess of $200k.

Starring alongside the i8 will be the electric-powered i3 inner-city commuter that was recently previewed in simultaneous events in London, New York and Beijing.

BMW claims the i3 can sprint to 100km/h in 7.2 seconds, while the crucial overtaking burst from 80-120km/h is knocked off in 5.4 seconds. Top speed is 150km/h.

The potential hurdle to the i3 being a commercial success is a sticker price of up to $70,000, which is a big ask for a car of its size and performance.

BMW’s other key debutants at the Frankfurt show will be the new 4 Series Coupe and next-gen X5 SUV, both of which are due here in the last quarter of this year.

Replacing the existing 3 Series Coupe, the 4 Series will tackle the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe and Audi A5, ushering in a 50mm longer wheelbase and larger overall dimensions than its predecessor.

As per the 3 Series sedan it’s based on, the 4 Series will be offered with a range of four- and six-cylinder petrol and diesel powerplants.

The all-new X5 is clearly an evolutionary design, but expect advances in safety, refinement, performance and economy when it lands here later this year.

Rounding off the BMW highlights at Frankfurt will be the Active Tourer Outdoor concept, which is derived from the Active Concept Tourer revealed at last year’s Paris motor show.

The latest version, which features a more rugged stance than the Paris concept, is again underpinned by the UKL-1 modular front-wheel-drive platform, with propulsion coming via a hybrid powertrain.

It’s believed the concept is essentially a precursor for a production model that should be known as the 1 Series GT.

Adding interactivity to BMW’s Frankfurt show pavilion, visitors will also be able to test drive a handful of models on an infinity-shaped track stretching about 300m in length across three levels.

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