BMW launches ‘i’ sub-brand

Good news! BMW is set to build a version of the sensational Vision EfficientDynamics sportscar from 2013.

The German car maker today launched its new sub-brand, called ‘i', which focuses on ‘sustainable mobility solutions'; read ‘electric/hybrid' cars. Under this banner, BMW will build two models from 2013, the i3 and i8.

See some teaser pics of the new BMW i models

The i3 - known as the Megacity Vehicle - will be BMW's first solely electric powered series production car, using a setup derived from the one currently being tested on the Geneva ActiveE concept. That car - a 1-Series coupe - features 170bhp and a 0-62mph time of nine seconds together with a 100-mile range.

The i8 will be based on the stunning VED supercar first shown in 2009, and will feature a plug-in hybrid setup to provide big performance and small-car emissions. Don't forget, that concept hit 62mph in 4.8 seconds, returned 75mpg and produced just 100g/km of CO2.

See pics of the stunning VED concept sports car

Both will feature an aluminium chassis construction, labelled ‘LifeDrive', housing the powertrain, together with lightweight carbon-fibre reinforced plastic, which BMW claims helps balance the weight of the batteries. "For our customers this means superior driving dynamics combined with significantly increased range using electric power", explained a BMW spokesperson.

The i3 and i8 will be built at BMW's Leipzig plant, with over £336 million invested in new factory facilities.

Excited?