BMW is realigning its EV offensive

According to several sources, BMW is adjusting its product plans for electric cars to come. According to German media, some electric limousines are planned, but only one more EV offshoot of the well-known SUV models.

Meanwhile, the German magazine Automobilwoche signals that the electric i1 has fallen off the priority list. Such a compact electric car, a possible successor to the i3, was still planned a year ago.

The reason given for the change of mind is that the i1 would have been too expensive and would have achieved too low a return. Besides, it would not be suitable for the USA and China, where customers prefer bigger cars.

BMW is now thinking of an i2 as an EV entry car, but its plans are still in the conceptual phase. The renowned German car journalist Georg Kacher thinks that this car will be picking up the long-wheelbase model of the 2 Series Gran Coupé as sold in China as a platform.

Not so long ago, we also reported on consistent rumors that BMW would be producing an electric 3-Series (current generation), independent from the coming i4, but this ‘i330e’ would only be sold in China.

Two larger sedans, one extra SUV

As also already announced, the electric 7 Series (i7) will most likely arrive in 2022, and the electric 5 Series (i5) in 2024. The i5 will not arrive until 2024, as it is based on the next generation of the 5 Series, not the current one. All-wheel drive and a 110 kWh battery are assumed.

The i7, on the other hand, will have up to 120 kWh. This is necessary because the car will be a direct competitor to Mercedes’ EQS, appearing already this year and promising a 700-km range.

Concerning SUVs, the iX3,  already available now, and the iX,  presented as BMW’s flagship a while ago, are to be supplemented by just one other model. Presumably, a small electric SUV based on the X1 should come on the market at the end of 2022.

This iX1 is not supposed to be just an ordinary, current X1 with batteries under the floor and an electric motor in the engine compartment. Still, it wants to be an optically independent model, most likely with optimized aerodynamics.