It’s rumor mill time! And this time, it’s about BMW expanding its ‘i‘ range with 2018-bound Tesla Model S rivaling Plug-in Hybrid saloon – with a potential Frankfurt concept coming in September.
According to CAR Magazine, we’re going to be looking at a genuine Tesla Model S rival, codenamed F18 PHEV, based on the next generation 5 series long wheelbase version. That actually makes sense, because it would help it fit right in the Tesla’s sector considering their Model S is larger than a 5 Series but smaller than a 7 Series. You need to hit that sweet spot right in between.
As you you probably deducted by now, this potential i5 or i7 (why not i6? Since you are looking for something in the middle) will utilize plug-in hybrid technology instead of it being fully electric – however it will be very EV-focused with an all-electric range of up to 80 miles (129 km) and a combustion engine set to come alive only after hitting 40 mph (64 km/h).
If the story is true, or even somewhat true, this car will be expected to feature both FWD and RWD electric driving modes as well as an AWD hybrid mode. It will utilize a four-cylinder petrol unit with around 245 HP, a front mounted 204 HP electric unit, a 95 HP rear mounted electric unit and a 6-speed automatic gearbox.
The combined output could hover at around 544 HP – but that’s such a wild guess that it’s almost comical to get into it. Plus you’d probably need an even more powerful version if you want to keep up with the P85D.
As for the aesthetic part, it could be a mix of the 6 Series Gran Coupe and the next generation 7 Series, where it would have the 6 GC’s size and some 7 Series characteristics.
We’re willing to bet BMW is going to go at the Tesla Model S, and so will Audi and Mercedes-Benz. They must be getting pretty sick of watch all the world’s celebrities renounce their V8 or V12 German luxury saloons in favor of Elon Musk’s creation.
note: BMW Vision Future Luxury Concept portrayed
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