The i has it

After a year or so of teasing, BMW has finally announced the new sub-brand aimed at expanding its presence and influence in future low and zero emission urban motoring.

The new sub-brand – BMW i – will initially introduce two new models onto selected markets that will provide the opportunity of feeling-out market acceptance and preferred purchasing options.

Both cars – the i3 and the i8 - already have some familiarity, one as a concept sketch in 2010 and the other as a tangible reality first seen at the 2009 Frankfurt motor show.

The BMW i3 is a pure-electric urban car using advanced technology to maximise range and performance, while the i8 stems from the Frankfurt show's adventurously styled Vision EfficientDynamics concept study and is an ultra-performance plug-in hybrid coupe with what BMW describes as "the fuel consumption and emissions of a light car."

Both aim at entirely different buyer groups but use similar technology: Known as LifeDrive, the concept uses an aluminium chassis containing the powertrain, while the body is made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) to help compensate for the extra weight of the battery pack.

While BMW is not ready to give details of the urban-focussed i3, the possibilities of the i8 coupe are spectacular: Using a combination of diesel and electric power, the Vision EfficientDynamics concept study on which it is based attracted speculation of a zero to 100km/h time of 4.8 seconds and a top speed capability of 250km/h, combined with an average fuel consumption of 3.8L/100km and CO2 readings below 100g/km.

While these figures sound close to unbelievable right now, BMW says such performance will become more common with ongoing hybrid development.

The new BMW strategies for the future are part of the company's establishment of BMW i Ventures, a new US $100 million venture capital company founded in New York.

BMW says it will be seeking partners in its drive to develop future urban systems.

The first company to join is My City Way which, as a mobile app, "Provides users with information on public transportation, parking availability, and local entertainment for over 40 cities in the US. Another 40 cities will be part of the global rollout, including Munich," says BMW sales and marketing chief Ian Robertson.

According to BMW, the i brand "Comprises vehicles and services developed since 2007 as part of project i, a BMW Group think tank exploring sustainable mobility solutions. It is the BMW Group's response to changing customer needs, including increasing demand for alternative drive trains, such as electric drive systems and hybrids."

Australia is on the agenda for BMW i, but exactly when is not certain.

"There will be a staggered global launch for BMW i," said the head of corporate communications for Australia and New Zealand, Piers Scott.

"Initially this will focus on world cities with dense populations where the options relating to selling this type of car will be explored. Less populous cities will follow," he said.

"It is not possible at this stage to give a timeframe, but BMW i will be coming to Australia."

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