The concept car that should inspire the upcoming small electric BMWs.
More BMW electrics on the way: i1 and i2 have received the green light from the leaders of the Munich company. But the offensive also continues in plug-ins with the new X3.
Other BMW electrics: less expensive, but with much better performing batteries
In the progressive transition to electric, BMW is proving to be the most successful German brand, with superior sales figures to Mercedes and Audi. And now the offensive continues staring for the 2027 and 2028 the launch of two less expensive models in the current range, which starts from 47,500 euros from the iX1 (see price list under). According to the English newspaper Truck, the i1 will be a sedan, while the i2 will be a crossover – the latter destined to occupy the space left free by i3, the first electric vehicle launched by BMW, discontinued in 2022. The design of the two models should be inspired by the show car BMW iVision Circular and rely on one version NBx of the dedicated EV platform Neue Class from 800 volts. With ultra-fast recharges and possibility of 2 or 4 wheel drive. The batteries should be module-less units made up of 6th generation cylindrical cells, with a higher energy density than more 20% and charging faster than 30%. Autonomy should also increase by 30%with the same weight and size.
Now comes the plug-in X3: up to 91 km in electric mode
Meanwhile, the House of Monaco also continues its offensive in the plug-in hybrid, with increasingly convincing autonomies, launching the X3 30e xDrive. The 2-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine (140 kW of power) is combined with an electric propulsion system 135 kW integrated into the 8-speed automatic transmission. System power: 220 kW, with a combined pair of 450 Nm. The battery, installed under the rear seat, has a net usable energy content of 19.7 kWh, close to that of many EV city cars. With the charger from 11 kW can be fully loaded in 2 hours and 15 minutes. The electric-only range, according to WLTP tests, varies from 80 to 91 kmdepending on the situation, more than sufficient for the daily movements of many clients
IN OUR OPINION. The news that two BMW electric vehicles will arrive between 2027 and 2028, smaller and less expensive than the current ones, confirms what has been expected for some time. That is, in the second half of the decade we will finally have smaller and more affordable models, even across brands premium. Thanks to batteries lighter, better performing and less bulky and to architectures designed specifically for electricity.
