One of BMW‘s most innovative projects is slowly taking its production form as evidenced by these fresh scoop photos of the i3 undergoing winter tests in Germany.
Previewed by the i3 concept study, the small hatchback will be the first member of BMW’s new “i” sub-brand, which was created for models fitted with alternative drive trains, such as electric motors and hybrids. The i3 will go on sale in 2013 followed shortly after by the i8 hybrid sports coupe.
The swirly camo covers of the prototype hide most of the styling details but it looks like the production model will feature a more conservative design than the concept while at the same time retaining certain key elements such as the suicide-style rear doors and the shape of the roof.
BMW plans to launch two different versions of the i3, the first of which will be a plug-in EV only powered by an electric motor mounted under the boot floor driving the rear wheels, and the other, a range extender model that adds a small displacement gasoline engine to the mix to increase its driving range.
Along with the eco-friendly powertrains, the i3 will also benefit from a raft of new technologies such as the first real-life implementations of BMW’s driver assistance systems.
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