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Battery 5-Series charges in

BMW bosses reveal discussions on electric 5-Series are underway.

Battery 5-Series charges in

09th March 2011

Bosses at BMW are opening their ‘i’ wider – by releasing more details on the company’s forthcoming electric car line-up.

Speaking to Auto Express at the Geneva Motor Show, sales and marketing chief Ian Robertson revealed the ‘i’ range won’t be limited to the i8 sports car and i3 city model – both of which are confirmed for production in 2013, as we reported in Issue 1,154.

Robertson said: “The i3 and i8 serve different purposes. They are bookends if you like, so there is definitely space for regular cars in between them.” This could pave the way for electric, ‘i’-branded versions of models such as the 3 and 5-Series. 

These wouldn’t appear for at least three years, and would blend familiar styling cues with touches specific to the BMW ‘i’ range – such as a blue-rimmed grille and narrower wheels.

Robertson also quashed rumours that a petrol-only version of the plug-in i8 was on the way. “This is an opportunity for BMW to produce a groundbreaking performance car – there’s no need to provide a petrol-only model. I’ve driven the i8 a lot recently, and it has all the performance you could need.” 

However, he did hint that the i8 could get a synthetic sound box. “We think customers will accept synthetic soundtracks,” Robertson added. “You could even download different sounds. I suspect legislation will make it compulsory. Watch this space.”

For an alternative review of the latest BMW 5-Series visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

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1 Comment

"Battery 5-Series charges in"?

A misleading headline, Auto Express!

The article explains that the potential enlargement of BMW's forthcoming 'i' range "*could* pave the way for electric, ‘i’-branded versions of models such as the 3 and 5-Series."

Not exactly definite, then? Furthermore, that such vehicles will not be available for 3 years stands at odds with the immediacy suggested by the witty use of "charges", doesn't it?

By BARNEYM1979 on 17 March, 2011, 8:28am

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