BMW i

THE FUTURE OF URBAN MOBILITY.

BMW i.

BMW i is all about visionary electric vehicles and mobility services, inspiring design and a new understanding of premium that is strongly defined by sustainability and that pursues a holistic approach. BMW i is redefining the understanding of personal mobility with purpose-built vehicle concepts, a focus on sustainability throughout the entire value chain and a whole host of complementary mobility services.

Read more

CARBON FIBRE.

BMW i is revolutionising automotive engineering with the first series-produced passenger cells made of carbon, components from BMW EfficientDynamics lightweight construction technology. Carbon is around 50 % lighter than steel and around 30 % lighter than aluminium, allowing BMW i to set new standards in lightweight construction while also completely offsetting the additional weight resulting from the high-voltage lithium-ion battery. At the same time, carbon is a high-tensile material that can be used in a versatile manner for construction purposes and increases the safety of all vehicle occupants.

  • Series production

LIFE DRIVE ARCHITECTURE.

BMW LifeDrive is the first vehicle architecture to be created especially for electric cars. It is made up of two separate units: the Life module, the passenger cell made of carbon, and the Drive module with suspension and drive components and the high-voltage battery. The advantage? By securely housing all drive components in the lower module, there is no tunnel running through the middle of the car, thus leaving more room for passengers. The LifeDrive architecture not only compensates for the extra weight of the battery, it also lowers the car’s centre of gravity, giving every BMW i the kind of agility you've grown to expect from BMW.

  • Passenger cell
  • Drive module

BMW eDRIVE.

The innovative BMW eDrive technology is the result of many years of BMW EfficientDynamics development work. Three key features deliver an unequalled emission-free driving experience: the entire torque of the extremely agile electric motor is available virtually from a standing start, and uninterrupted acceleration is maintained up to the maximum speed. Innovative battery technology combines the ultra-powerful high-voltage battery with a cooling system that keeps the battery at the ideal operating temperature and boosts its performance and lifetime.
The intelligent energy management system coordinates optimal interaction between the electric motor and the high-voltage battery with the goal of maximum performance with minimum consumption. Regenerative braking mediated by one-pedal driving extends the car's range. Together with the ECO PRO modes, the push of a button is all it takes to gear all car systems towards maximum efficiency – and utilise energy reserves intelligently.

BMW EFFICIENT DYNAMICS.

BMW EfficientDynamics ensures a marked reduction in consumption and emissions while, at the same time, increasing performance and driving pleasure. Thanks to BMW eDrive, efficient motor and drive technologies as well as intelligent lightweight construction, sustainable mobility is already standard in every BMW – and complemented by many innovative developments, e.g. in aerodynamics. BMW i is also developing new ideas in electromobility on the basis of existing technologies.

DESIGN PHILOSOPHY.

BMW i applies a consistent design philosophy combining innovative sustainability with premium quality in all BMW i models. For example, the black belt that runs from the bonnet over the roof to the rear, the typical BMW i streamflow design, the aero-flaps and characteristic features like the U-shaped LED daytime running lights and LED rear lights. Sustainably produced, light materials are also a defining feature of the interior.