BMW will build all of its vehicles around a common flexible architecture from 2020 onwards.
During the ongoing Frankfurt Motor Show, member of BMW’s board of management Klaus Fröhlich revealed that the automaker’s electric, plug-in hybrid and internal combustion engine powered models will share the same platform.
Speaking to Jalopnik, BMW i brand chief Robert Irlinger said it’s logical for the brand to build all its models on a flexible architecture due to the “insecure” future EVs and combustion-engine vehicles.
The new platform will be so flexible that it will even support front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive configurations.
When modifying the architecture between an internal combustion engine car and an EV, for example, BMW will swap out the floor pan, retain the same front and rear crash structures and suspension mounting points, and fit the necessary batteries and electric motors.
One of the company’s most eagerly anticipated new-generation vehicles will be the i5. We expected to see the all-electric sedan at the Frankfurt Motor Show but instead, the firm revealed the i Vision Dynamics concept, a precursor to the i5.