During the last couple of years, much has been speculated about the new model in the BMW i range, and it was assumed early on that it would adopt the BMW i5 designation. The various renders that were circulating throughout this period were never unanimous in relation to the format that the BMW i5 would adopt. Is it an elongated version of the i3, a mix between MPV/crossover? Or a “pure and hard” saloon to stand up to Tesla's Model 3? Apparently, neither one thing nor the other...
Harald Krüger, President of BMWThe electric Mini and X3 will mark the beginning of a new wave of electrification in the BMW Group, benefiting from the continuous technological progress we are making in this area.
According to the BMW Blog, the German brand will have abandoned the idea of developing a third element for its i range. Instead, BMW will redirect efforts to electrify the current models, through a modular platform that could allow the development of hybrid models, 100% electric or just with a heat engine.
If we recall the statements made by sales and marketing manager Ian Robertson, who admitted that with the arrival of new models, decisions will have to be made in relation to niche models, it is not difficult to understand this decision, which for now is not official.
And the BMW i8 Spyder?
If this decision is confirmed, there are even those who question the future of the BMW i8 Spyder, but for now there seems to be no cause for alarm. The 'open skies' version of the German sports car was given the green light to go forward almost two years ago and was recently picked up in dynamic tests at the Nürburgring.
In addition to the obvious differences in bodywork, the i8 Spyder should have some news in headlights and bumpers. At the mechanical level, no changes are planned. The German model has no release date yet.
Source: BMW Blog