(continued from above)
Driven purely by electric power and purpose-built to meet the demands of
sustainable and emission-free mobility, the BMW i3 Concept embodies an
intelligent form of urban transportation and commuting.
The BMW i3 is a
well-resolved all-round concept, with every detail conceived and optimized to
fulfill its eventual purpose. Its innovative LifeDrive architecture renders the
BMW i3 Concept light, safe, spacious and dynamic. Innovative use of materials
and intelligent lightweight design, moreover, not only enable the i3 Concept to
travel long distances on a single charge and provide superb safety in the event
of a collision, they also help give the car its excellent driving dynamics. The
electric motor over the rear axle - which generates output of 170 hp (125 kW)
and impressive torque of 184 lb-ft (250 Nm) from a standstill - and a small
turning circle combine to deliver pleasingly crisp driving characteristics. The
BMW i3 Concept accelerates from 0 to 37 mph in under four seconds and from rest
to 60 mph in less than eight seconds.
The so-called Life module conjures
up a feeling of space inside the car more generous than even the latest
conversion vehicles can offer. Select materials lend the open and airy cabin a
lounge-like character. The use of renewable raw materials is another defining
characteristic of the interior, offering passengers a further means of
"experiencing" the sustainability of the vehicle. Parts of the instrument panel
and door panelling are visibly made from natural fibers, while the naturally
tanned leather of the seats creates a lounge-style ambience. With four seats,
wide-opening opposing "coach" doors, a boot capacity of around 200 liters and an
additional functional compartment in the front, the BMW i3 Concept is neatly
equipped for the demands of everyday use.
Innovative connectivity
functions create a seamless connection between the BMW i3 Concept and its
customers' lives outside the car. Remote functions accessible via a smartphone
enable owners to find their vehicles, flag up nearby charging stations, allow
battery charging and preconditioning at the touch of a button, and supply
information on the current status of the vehicle. Meanwhile, intelligent
assistance systems ease the stress on drivers in monotonous city driving
situations and allow them to arrive at their destination more safely and in a
more relaxed state of mind.
Dynamic and Compact Exterior Design
The design of the BMW i3 Concept reveals the car's qualities the first time
you set eyes on it. The BMW i3 Concept represents the dynamic interpretation of
an impressively practical vehicle.
Agile and compact proportions showcase
the agility of the BMW i3 Concept and the dynamic prowess of its electric drive
system. From the side view, the window graphics and door sills combine to create
a dynamic wedge shape, giving the car the feeling of pushing forward before it
even turns a wheel. From the outside, a flowing silhouette and long wheelbase
hint at the extraordinarily generous levels of space on offer in the interior,
while short front and rear overhangs make parking in tight spaces that much
easier. Practicality gets another boost from the "coach doors", whose opposing
construction creates a fresh new way of accessing the large, open spaces of the
interior.
Extensive glass surfaces and black elements like the window
surrounds and door sills give the vehicle a feeling of lightness and, together
with the exposed carbon structures, draw attention to its low weight. Large,
narrow 19-inch wheels add further impact to the dynamic side profile.
BMW i3 Concept: Review (2/2)