BMW’s all new i1 electric car is targetting the mass market of developing nations that have to deal with a growing traffic problem. Is this the car the world needed all along?
BMW have a new small car in the pipeline, and, in line with their nomenclature strengthening exercise, will not be a 1 Series iPerformance model, but rather, an all-new i1. Built on the same platform as the i3, which isn’t in India, the i1 is smaller, more manoeuvrable and just as luxurious and efficient. The design is distinctly BMW i but the model is far from the larger, more generously proportioned i3.
The i1 measures 3,998 mm long, 1,775 mm wide and 1,205 mm high. Running a 2,485 mm wheelbase liberates as much room for passengers as it does for storage and equipment. It seats five in comfort and still offers a boot volume of 295 litres. Powering the i1 is an 80-kW (109 PS) electric motor that develops 300 Nm of torque from one RPM. Weighing in at just 1,095 kg, battery pack and all, the i1 claims to deliver clean mobility like never before. Estimated range for the standard car is 220 km. Even with the single motor, the i1 can hit 0-100 km/h in 10.9 seconds and go on to a top speed limited to 120 km/h.
Furthermore, if range anxiety is something you don’t want to live with, there’s a range-extended variant, with the electric motor backed by a frugal and lightweight 313-cc single-cylinder combustion engine that kicks in when the battery’s juice is close to exhaustion. Allied to an 8-litre fuel tank, it translates to a range of almost 400 km.
That’s not the best part. If you’re willing to forego 120 litres of load area, the i1 e-xDrive delivers more thrill, capability and fun while maintaining its clean image. With one electric motor for each axle, and the same 313-cc single-cylinder petrol engine working as a generator, the i1ex can deliver up to 218 PS and 600 Nm of torque, getting up to a top speed of 250 km/h. A larger 12-litre fuel tank is used to supplement range when used in electric independent 4×4 mode. On pure electricity, it can travel 180 km, whereas combined range, with battery-save mode on, is 300 miles or 480 km.
BMW will introduce the i1 and i1ex soon and, given their assembly operation at their Chennai facility, don’t be surprised if prices start as low as Rs 15 lakh! Not bad for a compact luxury electric car that looks like it came out from a science-fiction movie.
Disclaimer: While this may be enchanting to read, today is the 1st of April, so please treat this post as such.
