(July 29, 2013) NEW YORK —BMW today unveiled the car of future — the BMW i3 — at simultaneous events in New York City, London and Beijing.  This production model represents the first purpose-built electric vehicle to be made primarily of carbon fiber.  The BMW i3 was unveiled in New York City with Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg in attendance.

The BMW i3 captured the spectators’ attention as it was unveiled instantaneously through a high-tech mechanism system, illuminated by an LED backdrop.  In addition, members of the BMW executive team were on hand to discuss the future of mobility and showcase the benefits of the first purpose-built plug-in electric production vehicle to be made primarily from carbon fiber.

The BMW i3, previously known as the “megacity vehicle,” is compact for congested city driving. Features include:

• “Coach” style doors allowing for easy entry and exit to rear seats.

• No transmission tunnel and low console allowing passengers a Slide Through Experience and giving them the ability to exit from either side.

• Sustainable, renewable materials, the dashboard wood trim is crafted from responsibly-forested eucalyptus.

Due to its light weight, carbon fiber technology is expected to fundamentally change the car industry, allowing automakers to create lighter, more efficient and sustainable vehicles with reduced fuel consumption and lower emissions.

The BMW i3 will go on sale in the U.S. market in the second quarter of 2014, and starts with a base price of $41,350, before any federal or state incentives, and before destination and handling fee (currently $925).

The new all-electric BMW i3 is a landmark in BMW’s mission to provide a completely sustainable, electric vehicle that still stays true to the Ultimate Driving Machine moniker. The BMW i3 is the first product of the new BMW i sub-brand, and is a truly purpose built electric car. It’s a new era for electro mobility at BMW.

 The vehicle concept behind the BMW i3 was designed from the outset to incorporate an all-electric drive system. This has numerous advantages over “conversion” vehicles, in which the original combustion engine is swapped for an electric motor. The engineers can design whatever works best, in terms of construction, dimensions and configuration of the electric drive system’s components.

The car’s development is dictated by the characteristics designed into the car by the development team and not by the constraints imposed by a pre-existing vehicle design. For example, the space in a conversion vehicle set aside for the fuel tank or exhaust system cannot be used. In the BMW i3 there is no need for this kind of compromise.

Highlights of the i3:

    • 170-hp, 184 lb-ft hybrid-synchronous electric motor with max. revs of 11,400 rpm.
    • 80-100 mile real-world EV range.
    • 22-kWh lithium-ion battery, which weighs 450 lbs.
    • 650cc gasoline powered Range Extender optional; holds charge, doesn’t power wheels.
    • 0-30mph in 3.5 seconds, 0-60mph in approximately 7.0 seconds (preliminary).
    • Top speed of 93 mph, electronically limited to preserve efficiency.
    • BMW’s signature, near-perfect 50-50 weight distribution.
    • Ultra-tight turning radius (32.3 ft), which is ideal for city driving.
    • Macpherson strut front and 5-link rear suspension set up.
    • Single Pedal Driving Concept with Brake Energy Regeneration, which feeds power back into battery.
    • 3 drive modes: Comfort, ECO PRO and ECO PRO+.
    • 3 hour 220 V @32 amps charging time.
    • Optional SAE DC Combo Fast Charging allows for 80% charge in 20mins; 100% in 30 mins.