BMW i3 Hybrid Range Extended Prototype Spied, with Good Look at Production Interior - BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum

Jason · 12-25-2012, 05:05 PM

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BMW i3 Hybrid Range Extended Prototype Spied, with Good Look at Production Interior

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The BMW i3 prototype has now dropped some camouflage and we've spied it testing in Munich.

This particular prototype is the range-extended hybrid model (as indicated by the sticker affixed to the prototype) instead of the pure electric model. No official specs have been released on the hybrid i3 model, but we've seen speculation ranging from a 0.6 liter 2-cylinder gasoline engine to a 1.5 liter 3-cylinder gasoline engine serving as a range extender motor in charging the batteries for extra mileage.

Like the pure-electric i3, the hybrid i3 should be powered by a 134 horsepower electric motor running on lithium-ion batteries and driving the rear wheels. BMW is aiming to achieve a 160 km (100 mi) range.

Pricing for the i3 has been speculated to start in the 35000-40000 euros range.

Interior:

These photos give us the best look yet at the production interior which looks very similar to the close-to-production interior that was recently revealed on the BMW i3 Coupe Concept.

Follow our BMW i coverage and news @ http://www.bimmerpost.com/bmwi/

BMW i3 Hybrid Prototype

BMW i3 Concepts for comparison:

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cjwb1984 · 12-26-2012, 11:05 AM

I hope they use the larger 3 cylinder engine as the I3's extender. Good to see it coming along.

sward · 12-27-2012, 09:05 AM

What's that big thing by the stearing wheel?

HoundForHire · 12-27-2012, 09:12 AM

That's the gear shifter.

You can see a head up display in the first interior shot.

Vector Pilot · 12-27-2012, 09:15 AM

Not feeling it, looks like a design school project.

Wolf · 12-27-2012, 09:19 AM

Why does the interior has to look like it came from outer space?

antzcrashing · 12-27-2012, 10:07 AM

Americans are not going to pay $40K for this. The Chevy Volt is proof

Frosty · 12-27-2012, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HoundForHire

That's the gear shifter.

You can see a head up display in the first interior shot.

I was wondering if that was the HUD... So interested to see this completed!

Zed2004 · 12-27-2012, 10:56 AM

Haha I saw this in Munich last week but wasent able to get a picture of it

cpdp · 12-27-2012, 11:12 AM

wow that thing is ugly

MZ335 · 12-27-2012, 11:31 AM

While I see the value in hybrid vehicles, there's no way it's going to sell (well) at that price. Also, why do these hybrid cars have to look like some sort of space craft? Why can't they keep the same general body style as the rest of the lines?

M_Power_Fan · 12-27-2012, 11:47 AM

i like it

albeee · 12-27-2012, 11:52 AM

Why does BMW insist on the iPad-jammed-into-dashboard look? Surely there is a better compromise to ensure visibility while looking good. If I wanted that I would've done it with an actual iPad I can take with me...

misterbeemer · 12-27-2012, 11:53 AM

Oh God! That thing is ugly! :-/

Rob///M5 · 12-27-2012, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by albeee

Why does BMW insist on the iPad-jammed-into-dashboard look? Surely there is a better compromise to ensure visibility while looking good. If I wanted that I would've done it with an actual iPad I can take with me...

+1 the screens in newer cars need to be well integrated into the design. Even the new Tesla Model X has a massive screen just slapped on the dash. No aesthetic skill.

Zebra99 · 12-27-2012, 12:14 PM

I wouldn't pay 3500-4000 euros for this hideous thing let alone 35000-40000.

What a joke...BMW, back to the drawing board.

And as another member said, why the need to be different looking and so much uglier, WTF?!

Dudeonthego · 12-27-2012, 12:44 PM

This thing looks too ugly to be a bmw i think

jameseo · 12-27-2012, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MZ335

While I see the value in hybrid vehicles, there's no way it's going to sell (well) at that price. Also, why do these hybrid cars have to look like some sort of space craft? Why can't they keep the same general body style as the rest of the lines?

Why can't they just turn the 135 or 3 series into hybrids. Why do they have to build ugly cars for hybrids. Hybrids are never going to sell as good as they need to if car companies keep making them ugly.

wayman519 · 12-27-2012, 01:18 PM

looks like a civic hit a bmw roundel at light speed.

BlackJetE90 · 12-27-2012, 01:57 PM

This is will be one of those eco-status symbols.

Be real...it is ugly and will be over priced for many.

wdeerfield · 12-27-2012, 02:02 PM

they made a mini van without calling it a mini van.. sooo ugly.

GChase · 12-27-2012, 02:14 PM

I still don't understand why someone would pay an upward of $50,000 to save appx. $1,500 a year on gas or so. Also you're giving up the entire driving experience, looks, and your manhood

12-25-2012, 05:05 PM	#1
Jason Administrator Drives: E90 M3 Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: IoT Posts: 13,963 iTrader: (0)	BMW i3 Hybrid Range Extended Prototype Spied, with Good Look at Production Interior BIMMERPOST NEWS BMW i3 Hybrid Range Extended Prototype Spied, with Good Look at Production Interior 41 COMMENTS Tweet The BMW i3 prototype has now dropped some camouflage and we've spied it testing in Munich. This particular prototype is the range-extended hybrid model (as indicated by the sticker affixed to the prototype) instead of the pure electric model. No official specs have been released on the hybrid i3 model, but we've seen speculation ranging from a 0.6 liter 2-cylinder gasoline engine to a 1.5 liter 3-cylinder gasoline engine serving as a range extender motor in charging the batteries for extra mileage. Like the pure-electric i3, the hybrid i3 should be powered by a 134 horsepower electric motor running on lithium-ion batteries and driving the rear wheels. BMW is aiming to achieve a 160 km (100 mi) range. Pricing for the i3 has been speculated to start in the 35000-40000 euros range. Interior: These photos give us the best look yet at the production interior which looks very similar to the close-to-production interior that was recently revealed on the BMW i3 Coupe Concept. Follow our BMW i coverage and news @ http://www.bimmerpost.com/bmwi/ BMW i3 Hybrid Prototype BMW i3 Concepts for comparison: Share this story OTHER STORIES YOU MIGHT LIKE First Impressions From BMW i8 and i3 Ride Along [Autocar] Video: BMW i3 Concept Coupe Primer LA 2012: BMW i3 Concept Coupe World Premiere
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12-27-2012, 09:05 AM	#3
sward Private Drives: E93 M3 and E70 X5 Join Date: May 2005 Location: Stockholm, Sweden Posts: 59 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2010 BMW X5 3.0D [5.00] 2010 BMW M3 E93 [5.00]	What's that big thing by the stearing wheel? __________________ _________________ /Fredrik Swärd BMW X5 3.0D -10 (E70), BMW M3 -10 (E93) Sold: 320DX -10 (E91), 320D M -08 (E91), X3 3.0D -07 (E83), 335 -07 (E92), 325 -05 (E90), 320 M -02 (E46), 318 M -00 (E46), 320 CiA -93 (E36), 318 -89 (E30)

12-27-2012, 09:15 AM	#5
Vector Pilot First Lieutenant Drives: 2011 E92 335xi + 2011 Z4 35i Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Chicago Metro Posts: 347 iTrader: (0)	Not feeling it, looks like a design school project. __________________ 2011 E92 335i + 2011 E89 35i

12-27-2012, 10:07 AM	#7
antzcrashing ... can I get a 1M Drives: 2006 330i Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Miami FL Posts: 924 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 BMW 330i [5.00]	Americans are not going to pay $40K for this. The Chevy Volt is proof __________________

12-27-2012, 02:02 PM	#21
wdeerfield Major Drives: 2009 328i xdrive Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Clifton Park, NY Posts: 1,441 iTrader: (0)	they made a mini van without calling it a mini van.. sooo ugly. __________________ 2009 MBM \| ZPP \| ZSP \| ZCW \| CA \| 6FL \| NAV \| XENONS \| 18x8.5 VB3s ET30/25

12-26-2012, 11:05 AM	#2
cjwb1984 Private Drives: 2012 BMW Z4 Sdrive35i Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: New York Posts: 55 iTrader: (0)	I hope they use the larger 3 cylinder engine as the I3's extender. Good to see it coming along.

12-27-2012, 09:12 AM	#4
HoundForHire Private Drives: 2011 VW GTI, Waiting for 2er Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Maryland Posts: 59 iTrader: (0)	That's the gear shifter. You can see a head up display in the first interior shot.

12-27-2012, 10:56 AM	#9
Zed2004 New Member Drives: 04 Z4 2.5 Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Alabama Posts: 29 iTrader: (0)	Haha I saw this in Munich last week but wasent able to get a picture of it

12-27-2012, 11:12 AM	#10
cpdp Private Drives: BMW E46 Touring 320d LCI Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Austria Posts: 94 iTrader: (0)	wow that thing is ugly

12-27-2012, 11:31 AM	#11
MZ335 New Member Drives: a fast one Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Canada Posts: 21 iTrader: (0)	While I see the value in hybrid vehicles, there's no way it's going to sell (well) at that price. Also, why do these hybrid cars have to look like some sort of space craft? Why can't they keep the same general body style as the rest of the lines?

12-27-2012, 11:47 AM	#12
M_Power_Fan Private Drives: the Ring Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Germany Posts: 76 iTrader: (0)	i like it

12-27-2012, 11:52 AM	#13
albeee New Member Drives: 2002 325Ci Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Cypress, CA Posts: 8 iTrader: (0)	Why does BMW insist on the iPad-jammed-into-dashboard look? Surely there is a better compromise to ensure visibility while looking good. If I wanted that I would've done it with an actual iPad I can take with me...

12-27-2012, 11:53 AM	#14
misterbeemer Private First Class Drives: E92, E46 M3, E39 M5, 760Li Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: USA Posts: 132 iTrader: (0)	Oh God! That thing is ugly! :-/

12-27-2012, 12:14 PM	#16
Zebra99 Lieutenant Colonel Drives: 2008 335i E93 Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Ontario Posts: 1,996 iTrader: (4) Garage List 2008 BMW 335i E93 [5.00]	I wouldn't pay 3500-4000 euros for this hideous thing let alone 35000-40000. What a joke...BMW, back to the drawing board. And as another member said, why the need to be different looking and so much uglier, WTF?!

12-27-2012, 12:44 PM	#17
Dudeonthego New Member Drives: 2012 BMW 328i - Luxury Line Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Vancouver Posts: 23 iTrader: (0)	This thing looks too ugly to be a bmw i think

12-27-2012, 01:18 PM	#19
wayman519 Private First Class Drives: F30 Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Canada Posts: 178 iTrader: (0)	looks like a civic hit a bmw roundel at light speed.

12-27-2012, 01:57 PM	#20
BlackJetE90 Major Drives: E90 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: e90 Posts: 1,414 iTrader: (0)	This is will be one of those eco-status symbols. Be real...it is ugly and will be over priced for many.

12-27-2012, 02:14 PM	#22
GChase Captain Drives: 2009 E90 328i Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 691 iTrader: (0)	I still don't understand why someone would pay an upward of $50,000 to save appx. $1,500 a year on gas or so. Also you're giving up the entire driving experience, looks, and your manhood

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