A prototype of the upcoming BMW i3 hatchback was spied wearing its production-ready body, while being transferred on a truck in Europe.
Fans of the roundel had the opportunity to see what the Bavarian company’s foray into the electric car segment will look like when it hits the market in 2013 with the i3 concept model, which is currently on display at the Los Angeles Motor Show.
Not surprisingly, the prototype seen here suggests that the production version will have a slightly more conventional appearance. The shape of the roof remains as do the suicide-style rear doors but it looks like they will be much smaller in length than on the concept with the front doors featuring a handle, something that leads us to believe BMW may follow a similar solution as the one used on the MINI Clubman.
This particular test car also wore “Hybrid Test Vehicle” stickers on the front doors, which points to the REx model. For those of you with a short memory, BMW plans to launch two editions of the i3.
The standard model will be a plug-in EV only fitted with an electric motor that resides at the back driving the rear wheels. On the concept model, the battery-powered motor is rated at 170-horses (125 kW) and 250 Nm (184 lb.ft) with the lithium-ion batteries offering a cruising range of around 120km to 160km (80-100 miles).
The second model of the series will be the i3 REx that adds a small displacement petrol engine to the mix. While there have been rumors about a two-cylinder unit sourced from BMW’s motorcycle division, the company is mum on official details. What we do know is that the internal combustion engine will charge the batteries and thus significantly extend the driving range.
After the launch of the i3, BMW will present the second member of it’s new “i” family of models, the i8 hybrid sports coupe.
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