BMW i8 Concept Unveiled [Gallery and Videos]

German automaker BMW unveiled today its much anticipated BMW i3 and i8 concepts, which are due for launch in production form in 2013 and 2014, respectively. With BMW i, the BMW Group aims to provide answers to the mobility challenges of the future, which includes both purpose-built premium vehicles with electric drive as well as intelligent mobility services.

“We are marking another milestone in the history of the BMW Group. As Chairman of the Board and an engineer myself, I am very proud of this project,” declared Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, at Friday’s premiere of the two vehicles in Frankfurt. “As the world’s leading premium car manufacturer, our aim is to offer customers purpose-built electric-drive cars as well,” he added.

The BMW i8 Concept goes from 0 to 100 km/h in less than five seconds and boasts fuel consumption of under three litres per 100 km. Its plug-in hybrid drive with a system output of 260 kW allows a range of up to 35 kilometres in electric mode – sufficient for most everyday journeys.

For more dynamic driving or out-of-town routes, a high-performance three-cylinder petrol engine also comes into play. The sports car has an electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h and space for up to four occupants.

“The BMW i8 Concept is the sports car for a new generation – pure, emotional and sustainable,” explained Klaus Draeger, Member of the Board responsible for Development.

Both concepts are set to make their public debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show this September. The production versions of the BMW i3 and the BMW i8 will be built at BMW’s Leipzig plant in Germany, a move which will require an investment of approximately million euros by 2013, and create some 800 new jobs.