Amazing how there is not one car manufacturer that can keep a secret. Some time ago, BMW announced that they were going to reveal the i3 to the world for the first time on July 29, but it seems someone ruined their plans and leaked the first images of the interior and exterior of the production version of this electric vehicle.
While it looks a lot like the concept, it does have a few differences. The front bumper has a few modifications, with the largest one being the fog lights that now have a different shape. At the back, the rear bumper also suffered a few small changes, but nothing significant.
The first concept had translucent doors, but the two-door concept shown at the 2012 LA Motor Show had normal doors, and the same solution is also used in the production version.
Inside, we also do not see many differences over the concepts. It still has 2 large screens that are used to show the speedometer, tachometer, and other types of information, such as the navigation system, radio, etc..
Powering the rear wheels of this electric vehicle is a 22kWh lithium-ion battery and an electric motor that generates 170PS (125kW or 168bhp) and 250Nm (184lb/ft). This is more than enough to accelerate the car from 0 to 100km/h (62mph) in 7.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 150km/h (93mph).
It will have a range between 130 (80 miles) and 160km (100 miles), while the range extended version, that uses a 0.65-liter two-cylinder petrol engine, almost doubles the electric driving range.
In Germany, this car has a starting price of €34,950. If you live in the U.S.A. you can have one for $42,275, but if you happen to want one in the UK, you will have to pay £25,680 (includes the government's £5000 electric vehicle grant). The version with the range extender is, of course, more expensive.
