BMW’s i3 electric car wasn’t meant to be unveiled until next Monday, but images of the sub-compact EV just leaked.
It shouldn’t come as a big surprise, but the “eDrive” Bimmer didn’t stray far from its concept car preview including the suicide rear doors. It will make the equivalent of 170 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque through its electric powertrain.
This car wears the eDrive badge, which means it is the electric-only version. In that form, the car is supposed to have a range between 80 and 100 miles, although BMW will also offer a range extender version that will travel up to 180 miles by using a small gasoline engine to recharge the car’s electric system, which uses a 22-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery.
On Monday, the German brand announced that the car would cost $42,275 in pure electric form. While that price is higher than same-sized EVs currently available, BMW is using advanced materials to build the i3. Much of the body is composed of carbon fiber reinforced plastic, and the chassis is made largely of aluminum and magnesium to save weight while maintaining rigidity.
GALLERY: BMW i3 Production Car Leaked Photos
[Source: AutoCar]
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