BMWBMWGermany, 1918 > present87 models
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is revealing the first official details about the production i3BMW i3Germany, 2011 > present26 photos
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, including specifics on the car’s powertrain.

BMW has been teasing the i3 for two years now, and the time has finally come to officially reveal the car. With the i3, BMW hopes to launch its new i sub-brand that will be joined by the i8 hybrid supercar later.

One of the i3’s biggest innovations is its carbon fiber-reinforced plastic passenger cell, a first for a mass produced car.

The i3 is powered by a single electric motor that produces 168hp and 184lb-ft of torque. Its lithium-ion battery is rated at 22kWh of energy capacity. A single-speed transmission sends the power to the rear wheels. The five-link rear suspension is bolted to the drive unit for added rigidity. Even with the rear-mounted motor, it maintains a 50:50 weight distribution.

There will also be an optional range extender in the form of a 650cc two-cylinder petrol engine with 34hp that acts as a generator to charge the batteries when power is running out. BMW has not said how much this option will add to the car’s price, but it says that it will add about 100km to its total range.

BMW claims that the production i3 will hit 100km/h in 7.2 seconds with a top speed of 150km/h. In the EU cycle, the car has been certified to have a range of 190km, but BMW says that this will vary depending on driving mode. In Comfort Mode, BMW estimates a range of 130km to 160km. In ECO PRO+ Mode, BMW estimates a range of 200km. With the optional range extender and Comfort Mode, the range rises to 300km.

Charging to 80% takes 30 minutes from a quick charger, but a standard home outlet will take 8 hours to fully charge the i3. The fast charger will be offered to interested buyers.

It might take drivers some time to get used to driving the i3 because inside there is only one pedal. As soon as drivers remove their foot from the pedal, the regenerative braking activates to send power back to the batteries.

The i3 is compact at 3.99m long with a 2.57m wheelbase. It has an unladen weight of 1195kg (2635lb).

While the i3 is a technological wonder, BMW has also put effort into the car’s interior. It comes standard with BMW’s ConnectedDrive service, though buyers must supply a SIM card. The system includes navigation, concierge services, emergency calling, range assistant and more. There will also be a smartphone app in the future that will allow owners to send navigation information to their parked cars or pre-heat and pre-cool the car. Other features of ConnectedDrive do not need a SIM card like the parking assist and rearview camera.

BMW will reveal the release date and possibly the price for the i3 at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.