BMW Contemplating Next I-Branded Product
BMW’s i sub-brand currently has two models, but the German automaker is contemplating what’s to come for this eco friendly division.
The next i-vehicle would most likely debut after 2020, though it’s still a mystery what it could be. Rumors indicate the brand could get a special version of the X5 crossover, but according to BMW research and development chief Klaus Frölich that’s not appropriate. He said this division’s mission is to change the perception of eco-friendly vehicles and that doing this isn’t right. Accordingly there are no plans to re-package an existing BMW model as an i.
SEE ALSO: 2014 BMW i3 Review
There’s a lot of time before the company plans to introduce a new i car; 2020 is still half a decade away. Going forward the i3 and i8 models will have to stand on their own until they’re eventually joined by a new product.
Continual battery improvements will help any future i cars. Frölich said energy density improves by at least 20 percent every three years. This is something that could be valuable for mainline BMW models. The i sub-brand is designed to pioneer new technologies, things that eventually trickle down to mainstream vehicles.
[Source: Automotive News]
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Born and raised in metro Detroit, Craig was steeped in mechanics from childhood. He feels as much at home with a wrench or welding gun in his hand as he does behind the wheel or in front of a camera. Putting his Bachelor's Degree in Journalism to good use, he's always pumping out videos, reviews, and features for AutoGuide.com. When the workday is over, he can be found out driving his fully restored 1936 Ford V8 sedan. Craig has covered the automotive industry full time for more than 10 years and is a member of the Automotive Press Association (APA) and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA).
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